Why the difference?

Nick_Dr1

Octopus only allowed ours to be installed because we DID have a secondary heat source (wood burner)!

Rules change every week, as do prices.

akwexavante

Exiled_Tyke said:

matelodave said:

Netexporter said:

There was no question of removing my woodburner when I had my heat pump installed under the ECO4 scheme.

I would argue that an alternative heat source is vital in an area prone to frequent power cuts, like mine. 

Doesn't gas or even oil central heating stop working in the case of a power outage. Valves, pumps, control boards, fans and even thermostats need leccy to keep them going. Heatpumps aren't unique in that respect.

Nextporter isn't singling ASHPs, just pointing out that more than one (non-leccy dependent) heat source is preferred. 

I have an ASHP as my main heating system but having a multifuel stove is also very important to me, not just because my family, friends and i love it but because living in a very rural place power cuts can be frequent and for several hours sometimes.

If i had a gas or oil heating system, i would still require a stove as backup.

Some of my best memories are when family have invited themselves around for tea and the evening and the power goes off, candles come out, the fire gets lit, bottles get opened............ magical.