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Heat pumps are a great alternative to traditional fossil fuel heating like gas boilers and are a cost-effective way to heat the home and provide hot water. The installation provides many advantages…
Heat pumps draw heat from a natural source such as the surrounding air, ground or water. A heat pump system comprises three main cycles:
Heat pumps use a small amount of electricity to extract thermal energy from the air, ground or water. This thermal energy is sent into a heat exchanger containing a refrigerant that evaporates and turns into a gas as it absorbs the heat. The evaporated refrigerant is compressed to increase its temperature. The heat is then released into a water-based central heating system that distributes heat via radiators and underfloor heating.
Install an air source heat pump for as little as £70 per month after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. Flexible financing options are available over five or ten years. See the table below.
| 5-year plan | 10-year plan | |
| Cash price | £13,000 | £13,000 |
| Government grant (BUS) | -£7,500 | -£7,500 |
| Deposit (15%) | £825 | £825 |
| Credit amount | £4,675 | £4,675 |
| Interest | £1,719.20 | £3,728.60 |
| Total amount payable (inc deposit) | £7,219.20 | £9,228.60 |
| Number of repayments | 60 | 120 |
| APR | 13.90% | 13.90% |
| Monthly payment amount | £106.60 | £70.10 |
Air source heat pumps work well in various locations and are the most commonly installed type of heat pump in the UK. They are relatively compact so do not require significant outdoor space. Air source heat pumps are best suited for well-insulated homes with underfloor heating or large radiators, and these can often be upgraded during the installation process.
Ground source heat pumps need sufficient outdoor space to install the ground loops that are required to extract the heat from the ground. This makes them less common as not every household has sufficient land to accommodate this.
You usually don’t need planning permission for a heat pump installation in England and Scotland, unless your building is listed or in a protected area (Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Park). Welsh homeowners will need planning permission, but you should always check with your local planning authority if unsure.
Yes, there are various schemes aimed at helping households improve energy efficiency to reduce their bills. One of the most significant is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which offers up to £7,500 towards a new heating system, which does not need to be repaid. You might still need to contribute toward the cost of your heat pump installation if the available grant doesn’t cover the full cost.
There are three main types: air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and water source heat pumps.
Heat pumps are highly efficient, usually operating at efficiencies of 300%, meaning you get at least three units of heat energy generated for every unit of electricity consumed. This compares favourably with traditional gas boilers, where even new A-rated boilers would only have an efficiency level of 90%+.
The efficiency of a heat pump depends on the type of heat pump you choose.
Heat pumps continue to operate in winter in much the same way as they do the rest of the year, though in the case of air source heat pumps, they may have to work that bit harder to extract more energy from the coller environment. Ground and water source heat pumps are less affected by falls in temperatures as the ambient temperatures remain largely consistent throughout the year.
A well-maintained air source heat pump should last around 20 years, sometimes up to 25 years. This compares well with a traditional gas boiler where one in an average household would be expected to last around 15 years.
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