FPRN bulletin – 4th June 2024

This paper investigates the relative costs of running an air source heat pump vs a gas boiler, with different levels of insulation and different levels of emitter (radiator) upgrade. The paper found that a heat pump can cost less to run than a gas boiler in the same dwelling. However, the authors noted that many householders, especially those on low incomes, limit hours of heating to save money. Running a heat pump intermittently increases the flow temperature needed and so reduces the efficiency of the system. If people are trying to manage on a set weekly or monthly budget this might prove very difficult.

The Better Housing Better Health (BHBH) service is provided by the National Energy Foundation (NEF) across Oxfordshire and other locations in the south of England. This report presents research from interviews with householders and other key stakeholders and presents implications from the service.

This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of financial support interventions for household fuel poverty in the UK in terms of reducing adverse impacts on the health and wellbeing of recipients.

This paper explores if the CO₂ tax is sufficient to achieve decarbonisation in the Austrian housing sector and what the impact of regulatory policy instruments like a renovation obligation in combination with a CO₂ tax may have on low-income households.

This thesis explores the social, spatial, economic, and environmental determinants of energy poverty in Baltimore City (USA). The thesis provides recommendations to address the issue of fuel poverty at different scales.