At a glance
Heat pumps can suit many different homes, but good design matters. The installer needs to understand heat loss room by room, existing radiators, hot-water demand, outdoor-unit placement and electrical capacity.
What to have ready
- Your Energy Performance Certificate, if available
- Current heating fuel, annual usage and flow temperature
- Insulation, glazing and known draughts
- Radiator sizes or underfloor-heating details
- Outdoor space and room for a hot-water cylinder
Begin with heat loss, not a rule of thumb
A room-by-room heat-loss calculation helps determine the heat pump output and whether existing radiators can deliver enough warmth at lower water temperatures. Insulation improvements can reduce the required output and improve comfort, but a home does not need to be newly built to be considered.
Check radiators and hot water
Some homes can retain most existing radiators; others may need larger emitters in particular rooms. Air-to-water heat pumps also normally work with a hot-water cylinder, so cylinder space and household demand form part of the design.
Choose the outdoor-unit location carefully
The unit needs suitable airflow, service access and a route for pipework. Noise assessment, neighbouring properties, condensate drainage and planning constraints should be considered before the position is agreed.
Check current support before committing
Eligibility and grant values can change, and schemes differ across the UK. For England and Wales, use the current GOV.UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme guidance and confirm eligibility with the installer before treating support as part of the budget.
Common questions
Independent sources
Guidance can change. Check the latest information before making a decision.
Ready to discuss your property?
Answer a few questions so the team can understand your requirements and arrange the right next step with a qualified installation partner.
Start your free quote