Heat Pumps for UK Homes: Complete Guide to Efficient, Low-Carbon Heating
Thinking about a heat pump for your home? Learn how they work, what they cost, available grants and if they are right for your property in the UK.
Cut your energy bills and carbon with a modern heat pump
Heat pumps are rapidly becoming the preferred way to heat homes across the United Kingdom. Instead of burning gas or oil, a heat pump moves natural heat from the air or ground into your home, using electricity far more efficiently than traditional boilers.
With UK government support through schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), now can be an excellent time to switch to a cleaner, future-proof heating system that can lower your running costs and carbon footprint.
- Reduce your heating energy use by up to three-quarters compared with older electric or oil systems*
- Enjoy steady, comfortable warmth and cooling (with some systems)
- Protect yourself from future fossil fuel price rises
*Actual savings depend on your home, insulation levels, tariffs and system design.
Get free heat pump adviceCheck if a heat pump suits your home
Answer a few quick questions and our energy team can guide you to the best low-carbon heating options for your property.
What is a heat pump and how does it work?
A heat pump is a highly efficient electrical appliance that moves heat instead of generating it by burning fuel. It works on the same basic principle as a fridge, but in reverse – extracting heat from the outside air, the ground or a water source and releasing it inside your home.
Even when outdoor temperatures feel cold, there is still usable heat energy available. The heat pump upgrades this low-grade heat to a higher temperature and distributes it through your radiators, underfloor heating or hot water cylinder.
Because it is mainly relocating heat, not creating it, a well-designed heat pump can deliver 3–4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity it uses. This efficiency is known as the Coefficient of Performance (COP).
Main types of heat pump for UK homes
- Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) – takes heat from the outside air. Most common option for UK homes.
- Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) – uses buried pipes or boreholes to capture heat from the ground. Higher efficiency but higher upfront cost.
- Air-to-Air Heat Pump – provides warm (and often cool) air via internal units. Popular for homes without wet radiators.
For most properties, an air source heat pump offers the best balance of cost, disruption and performance.
Benefits of installing a heat pump in your UK home
Lower running costs
Because heat pumps are far more efficient than standard electric heating and older boilers, they can reduce your annual heating bills, especially if you currently use oil, LPG or direct electric heaters.
Pairing a heat pump with smart controls and a suitable electricity tariff (such as off-peak or flexible tariffs) can further improve savings.
Lower carbon emissions
Electricity in the UK is becoming increasingly low carbon as more wind, solar and nuclear generation comes online. A heat pump typically cuts home carbon emissions by 50–75% compared with an older gas or oil boiler.
This makes heat pumps one of the most effective ways to decarbonise home heating today.
Comfort and control
Heat pumps provide steady, even warmth throughout your home. They are designed to run for longer periods at lower flow temperatures, reducing hot and cold spots and improving comfort.
Modern systems work seamlessly with smart thermostats, zoning and weather compensation for fine-tuned comfort and efficiency.
Heat pump costs, savings and UK grants
Heat pumps cost more upfront than a typical gas boiler but can be significantly cheaper to run over their lifetime, particularly if you are switching from high-cost fuels such as oil, LPG or old electric heaters.
Typical installation costs
- Air source heat pump: usually from around £6,000–£12,000 depending on property size and system design
- Ground source heat pump: typically £14,000–£25,000+ due to groundworks and boreholes
Prices vary across the UK and are influenced by factors such as heat loss, existing pipework and whether new radiators or underfloor heating are required.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The UK government currently supports low-carbon heating through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales. Eligible homeowners can apply via an MCS-certified installer for a grant that reduces the upfront cost of a new system.
- Funding available for air source and ground source heat pumps (subject to change)
- Your installer applies on your behalf as part of the quotation process
- The value of the grant is typically deducted from the total price you pay
Grant levels, eligibility criteria and schemes may vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Always check the most up-to-date information on official government websites.
What affects heat pump running costs?
- Your home’s insulation and airtightness
- Correct system sizing and design
- Flow temperature and weather compensation settings
- Electricity tariff – including any off-peak or time-of-use pricing
- How you use heating and hot water day-to-day
Our energy specialists can review your current bills and provide guidance on likely savings for your specific property.
Request personalised cost estimateIs my home suitable for a heat pump?
Heat pumps can work well in many UK properties, from modern new-builds to older solid-wall homes, but a whole-house assessment is essential. When we assess a property, we consider:
- Insulation and glazing – good loft, cavity or solid-wall insulation and double glazing help a smaller heat pump deliver comfortable, efficient heating.
- Existing heating system – radiators, underfloor heating and hot water cylinder type all matter.
- Available outdoor space – for an external unit (air source) or ground loops/boreholes (ground source).
- Electrical capacity – your mains supply may need checking or upgrading in some cases.
Even if your home is older, targeted improvements (such as loft and cavity insulation, draught-proofing or larger radiators) can often make a heat pump a realistic option.
Quick suitability checklist
- You want to reduce gas, oil or LPG use
- You plan to stay in your property for several years
- You can allocate space for an outdoor unit and a hot water cylinder
- You are willing to adjust to a system that runs at lower, steadier temperatures
- You are open to improving insulation and radiators where needed
If that sounds like you, a heat pump could be a strong option. For a clear answer, request a free, no-obligation assessment.
Check my homeWhat happens during a heat pump installation?
A professional installation is crucial for performance, reliability and eligibility for government grants. While every home is different, the process typically follows these steps:
- Home survey and heat loss calculation
We assess your property, measure rooms and calculate how much heat is required. This ensures the heat pump is correctly sized and that radiators or underfloor circuits can deliver the right output. - System design and quotation
We design a solution tailored to your home, including any recommended upgrades to emitters, pipework or insulation. You receive a clear, itemised quotation and estimated running costs. - Grant application (where applicable)
If you are eligible for a scheme such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the installer submits the application and factors the grant into your final price. - Installation and commissioning
The external unit is installed outside, usually on a wall bracket or concrete slab. Internal components – such as the cylinder, controls and pipework – are fitted and tested. Most installs take from 2–5 days, depending on complexity. - Handover and optimisation
You receive a full system handover, user guidance and documentation. Performance can be monitored and settings fine-tuned to balance comfort and efficiency.
All work should be carried out by MCS-certified installers and comply with relevant building regulations and manufacturer requirements.
How long does it take?
- Initial online or phone consultation: 15–30 minutes
- Home survey: 1–3 hours
- Design and proposal: usually within a few working days
- On-site installation: typically 2–5 days
We aim to minimise disruption and, where possible, keep your heating and hot water available during the installation period.
Book a home surveyHeat pump FAQs for UK homeowners
Do heat pumps work in cold UK winters?
Yes. Modern air source heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in cold climates and can extract heat from the air at temperatures well below freezing. The key is proper system design, sizing and insulation so that your home can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures even during cold snaps.
Will I need to replace all my radiators?
Not always. Many homes can retain some or all existing radiators, but they may need to be checked for output at lower flow temperatures. In some rooms, it can be more efficient to fit larger or high-output radiators or underfloor heating to ensure the system runs at optimal efficiency.
Are heat pumps noisy?
Heat pumps use a fan and compressor, so you will hear some noise close to the unit, but modern models are designed to be very quiet. When correctly positioned and installed, sound levels are usually similar to a modern condensing boiler flue or an outdoor air conditioning unit.
How long does a heat pump last?
With quality equipment and regular servicing, a heat pump can last 15–20 years or more. Key components are designed for many years of operation, and maintenance is often simpler than with combustion-based boilers.
Can a heat pump provide hot water?
Yes. Most domestic heat pumps are designed to provide both space heating and hot water via a compatible cylinder. Hot water is usually stored at a slightly lower temperature than with some gas systems, often alongside an immersion heater for occasional top-ups or legionella protection cycles.
Can I use a heat pump with solar panels?
Absolutely. Pairing a heat pump with rooftop solar PV can increase the proportion of renewable energy used in your home and further reduce running costs. Smart controls can help prioritise running the heat pump when your panels are generating power.
Heat pump vs gas boiler vs electric heating
| System | Efficiency | Carbon emissions | Typical running costs | Future-proofing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump | 300–400% (3–4 units of heat per unit of electricity) | Low and falling as the grid decarbonises | Usually lower than oil, LPG and direct electric; competitive with gas | Strong – aligned with UK net-zero targets |
| Modern gas boiler | 85–95% | Higher due to fossil fuel use | Historically low, but exposed to wholesale gas price volatility | Medium – subject to future policy changes and carbon pricing |
| Direct electric heating | ~100% | Depends on grid mix; higher than heat pumps | Typically highest of the three for the same comfort level | Moderate – simple, but potentially expensive to run long term |
Ready to explore heat pumps for your home?
If you are planning to replace an ageing boiler, lower your bills or make your home more sustainable, a heat pump could be the right next step. Our energy specialists can help you understand options, costs and grants based on your property.
Start my heat pump enquiryImprove insulation to get the best from your heat pump
Before or alongside a heat pump installation, it is wise to review your home’s insulation levels. Reducing heat loss means you can choose a smaller, more efficient system, and your rooms will stay comfortable for longer.
- Upgrade loft insulation to recommended depths
- Insulate cavity walls or consider suitable options for solid walls
- Check for draughts around windows, doors and floors
- Consider double or triple glazing if your windows are older
We can help you prioritise the measures that will have the biggest impact on comfort and running costs.
Next steps: get tailored home energy advice
No two homes are exactly the same, so the best way to decide if a heat pump is right for you is to get personalised advice based on your property, current system and usage.
Share a few details, and our team will outline your options, including estimated installation costs, potential running cost changes and any grants you may be able to claim.
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