Episode 2

Heat Pumps use electricity rather than the gas in our traditional boilers - but electricity is more expensive. This can often put people off installing a heat pump because they're worried their energy bills will go up.
In this episode Evan explores where our electricity in the UK comes from; how the government is trying to change that to greener sources, and also for the UK to be more self sufficient, and less reliant on global energy markets.

Evan's joined by Greg Jackson, the Chief Executive of Octopus Energy. Octopus Energy is the biggest installer of heat pumps in the UK. At the moment they cater for the simpler install - end of the market, but are investing and researching to make more powerful heat pumps, that they hope could go into other homes that arn't so straightforward.

Dale Vince also joins Evan, the founder of Ecotricity. Despite having a heat pump himself on his house Dale doesn't believe heat pumps will work for everyone and come with significant install costs a typical family can't afford. He talks to Evan about what he thinks the government strategy should be.

In this series Evan, along with his expert panel of guests will equip you with the information you need to know about heat pumps. From cost, to how they work, to the people you need to speak to if you're considering one in your home.

If you have any questions for the panel you want answering about heat pumps, you can email evanschallenge@bbc.co.uk

PRESENTER: EVAN DAVIS
PRODUCER: LYDIA THOMAS