There are concerns over whether Britain has enough skilled workers to install the devicesHidden within a vast warehouse on the Slough Trading Estate in Berkshire, two properties are under construction that could help to kick-start Britain’s shift to low-carbon heating. Over the coming weeks Octopus Energy will put the finishing touches to these three-bed semis, from fitting carpets to planting grass in their “gardens” and plumbing in gas boilers to provide heating and hot water. Then, later this year, it will begin inviting new recruits to come and learn how to safely disconnect those gas boilers — and install air-source heat pumps instead. SponsoredHeat pumps powered by low-carbon electricity are expected to play a crucial role in decarbonising Britain’s homes. Operating like a fridge in reverse, they draw heat from the air or ground and use a compressor

Source: The Times July 11, 2021 23:02 UTC