Is a heat pump suitable for me?

Even without government incentives heat pumps can save money and reduce carbon dioxide emissions when they are used in place of LPG, oil, coal or electric heating. Where government funding is available heat pump technology also becomes an attractive investment against mains gas (see our funding page).

Of course, as with any system, some applications will be more appropriate than others. In the case of heat pumps one important consideration is that they work better with low temperature heating systems such as underfloor heating or fan coils either exclusively or in conjunction with conventional wet radiator systems (it is quite a common solution to run underfloor heating downstairs with radiators upstairs). You can run one exclusively with wet radiator systems but may need to upgrade some of your radiators.  

For all but the very smallest new homes it is likely that a heat pump will provide the best efiiciency and work out the most cost effective heating option in the long run.

Most older homes can also work very well with heat pumps - though as for any heating system they will be more efficient if insulation is improved as far as possible. In retrofit situations where there are existing high-temperature heating systems such as wet radiators you may wish to consider whether installing larger radiators, fan coil radiators or areas of underfloor heating is possible. Heat pumps are often installed as part of wider refurbishment or extension projects.

What is a heat pump like in the home?

• Ground source heat pumps are floor mounted appliances like a fridge or fridge freezer. They come in different shapes and sizes and are typically housed in a utility room or outhouse along with their controllers and any domestic hot water tanks and tanks for supplying your heating system. You will also need space outside for installation of the heat collector loop or borehole. Ground source heat pumps are typically the quietest heat pumps.
• Air Source heat pumps are floor or wall mounted appliances. They are typically installed externally. You will need to find room indoors for the system cylinder which will supply your heating and any hot water tanks you need for domestic hot water supply.
• Many heat pump heating systems have been running smoothly for over 25 years. In general, the average life of a heat pump is in normal use between 15 and 20 years