Dissatisfaction with home heating may 'hamper' green alternatives, Citizens Advice warns

New research commissioned by the charity has found that households with oil or gas systems were generally happier with their heating than those with more environmentally friendly options.

Moves away from the use of fossil fuels to heat homes will be “hampered” without better alternatives, Citizens Advice Scotland has warned.

New research commissioned by the charity has found that households with oil or gas systems were generally happier with their heating than those with more environmentally friendly options.

The charity says that satisfaction will have to improve, particularly if electric heating is to be used to help cut emissions.

The research found that only 55 per cent of those with electric heating were satisfied with their heating.

In contrast, 84 per cent of those with gas said they were satisfied.

Central heating has been highlighted as one of the leading sources of greenhouse gasses, accounting for 15 per cent of Scotland’s total carbon emissions.

To reduce this, the Scottish Government aims to change every home in the country to a low-carbon alternative by 2045.

Citizens Advice Scotland Fair Markets spokesperson, Dr Jamie Stewart, said: “The issue of the climate emergency has made it to the top of the political agenda and that’s a welcome step forward but policy makers need to be honest about the challenges this represents.

“The electrification of heat is being proposed by many as a key step in the move away from using dirtier fossil fuels to keep our homes warm.

“And while the idea is sound, this research highlights the dissatisfaction many electric-only households currently have with their heating systems. That needs to change if we are to see more homes heated with electricity.

“As conversations on decarbonising energy use begins in the corridors of government, politicians and civil servants must take into consideration consumer satisfaction when creating energy policy.

“They must acknowledge that people will not switch from gas to electricity without reduced costs and substantial improvements to electric heating options.”