A seemingly small part of heat-pump installation is drawing outsized concern from U.K. industry groups, who say foam around outdoor pipes can quietly drag down performance if the wrong material is used.
On exterior pipework, standard black elastomeric foam can break down quickly in sunlight, causing avoidable energy losses and potentially increasing owners' running costs, the groups warn.
Here's what to know
As Cooling Post reported, the U.K.'s "Proof is on the Roof" campaign has gained support from several industry groups, including the Institute of Refrigeration and an organization representing Europe's FEF and PEF insulation manufacturers.
The campaign is part of a push to raise awareness of the importance of selecting the right heat-pump insulation and installing it properly.
Lawrence Leask, a certified low carbon energy assessor, launched the campaign with Chris Ridge of the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association after Leask discovered degraded refrigeration pipe insulation in his own home, according to Cooling Post.
For Leask, this damaged insulation is more than cosmetic; he tied it directly to wasted energy.
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"Over several years of external pipework inspections, I've witnessed the environmental impact of using non-UV resistant pipe insulation materials on heat pumps," he said, per Cooling Post. "The energy losses we are incurring through incorrectly specified and installed thermal insulation is equivalent to that of a large power station."
Once outdoor insulation starts cracking or crumbling, the problem is not just one of appearance. Without proper insulation, a heat pump can lose efficiency and use more energy to deliver the same level of heating or cooling.
A widespread problem
Advocates like Leask do not view the insulation issue as a niche installation flaw but as a widespread problem.
And the issue is not confined to the U.K. Although the campaign originated there, backers say insulation is a problem across Europe.
To address the problem, Tom Merton, technical manager at CEFEP member company Armacell, said installers need to pay more attention to insulation material's exposure to "sunlight, rain, frost and temperature cycling," according to Cooling Post.
Heat pumps are often touted as a lower-pollution alternative to fossil-fuel heating, but installation mistakes can erode some of that advantage. Chris Ridge, TICA's technical director, said that pipework insulation is a "low hanging fruit" for decarbonization, even though it is often treated as an afterthought, Cooling Post reported.
What can be done?
The campaign is urging the industry to improve both specification and installation practices, especially for external pipework.
That means using UV- and weather-resistant insulation instead of standard black foam, which degrades quickly in sunlight.
Heat pump owners can check visible outdoor pipe insulation for cracking, splitting, or crumbling, particularly if it is exposed to direct sun.
If repairs or a new installation are needed, UV- and weather-resistant insulation or protective covering could help preserve efficiency and reduce wasted electricity over time.
BESA technical director Kevin Morrissey said the solution is not especially complicated.
"This is another excellent example of an easily rectified, widespread problem that would make a significant contribution to improving performance and reducing environmental harm," he said, per Cooling Post.
Merton emphasized the same point.
"UV and weather-resistant insulation help maintain thermal performance, condensation control and energy efficiency while reducing the risk of cracking, moisture ingress and premature replacement," he said.
Where can I learn more?
Heat pump performance and home energy savings can often come down to small details like the choice of insulation. These stories cover repair costs, solar-powered heating, insulation incentives, new insulation materials, and research on everyday climate actions.
• U.S. homeowners facing furnace trouble are finding heat pump repairs can cost less than replacement.
• Paxos says solar roof tiles capable of powering heat pumps could reshape home heating.
• Federal incentives are putting up to $8,000 within reach for insulation upgrades.
• In Idaho, Hempitecture has opened the first US-based factory making hemp insulation.
• Across 18 countries, people rated insulation and thermostat tweaks above EVs for daily life.
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