The green energy supplier and heat pump installer commissioned Opinium to survey 2,500 adults across the UK, asking them to identify if a few statements about the electric heating technology as true or false.

Shockingly, the most widely believed statement, identified as ‘true’ by 25% of respondents, is that ‘heat pumps are less efficient than gas boilers’.

In fact, heat pumps are not simply more efficient than boilers, they are much more efficient — converting one unit of energy into three or four on average, accounting for seasonal differences. This makes them four times as efficient as a typical gas boiler.

Other beliefs held by respondents included views:

• Running a heat pump costs more than a gas boiler, according to 24% of those surveyed. In fact, the greater efficiency of heat pumps brings their running costs down, even accounting for the inflated unit costs of electricity compared to gas
• A heat pump is louder than a fridge believed by 23% of respondents. In fact, the maximum noise output of a heat pump is 42-45dB, about the same as a fridge and slightly quieter than a gas boiler which can range from 48-53dB
• Heat pumps only work in newer homes, identified as ‘true’ by 20% despite government-funded research showing they are suitable for all housing types
• Heat pumps don’t work in the cold say 15%, presumably unaware that 1.4 million homes in Norway are warmed by heat pumps, which can function well down to outdoor temperatures of -15ºC or even -20 ºC
• Heat pumps require underfloor heating, a further 15% believe. While underfloor heating and a heat pump are a great combination, the clean technology can function perfectly well with traditional radiators.