Heat Pump FAQs

How much does a heat pump cost to install?

Air source: £10,000 - £18,000 before the grant
Ground source: £20,000 - £35,000 before the grant

With the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, air source heat pumps cost £2,500 - £10,500, making them comparable to premium gas boilers.

What is the £7,500 heat pump grant?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides £7,500 towards air source heat pumps or £7,500 for ground source installations. It's available until March 2028 for homeowners in England and Wales replacing fossil fuel heating systems.

Read our complete grant guide →

How much does a heat pump cost to run?

Average UK homes: £900 - £1,400/year. This depends heavily on:

• Insulation quality (better insulation = lower costs)
• Flow temperature (35-45°C is optimal)
• Electricity tariff (Economy 7 can halve costs)
• Heating habits and thermostat settings

Well-insulated homes: as low as £600/year. Poorly insulated: up to £1,800/year.

Are heat pumps cheaper to run than gas boilers?

Running costs are similar (heat pumps £900-1,400/year vs gas £1,000-1,400/year). Heat pumps are significantly cheaper than oil boilers (£1,600-2,200/year) and electric heating (£2,500+/year). As electricity decarbonizes and gas prices rise, heat pumps will become increasingly cost-effective.

Can landlords get the heat pump grant?

Yes, both social and private landlords are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. You can claim multiple grants for different properties you own, but only one grant per property.

How long does heat pump installation take?

Air source: 2-3 days
Ground source (horizontal): 5-7 days
Ground source (boreholes): 7-10 days

From first quote to completion typically takes 4-12 weeks depending on installer availability and any preparation work needed.

Do I need planning permission?

Usually no—heat pumps are covered under permitted development rights in England and Wales. Exceptions:

• Listed buildings
• Conservation areas
• Flats and apartments
• World Heritage Sites

Your MCS installer will advise if planning permission is needed for your property.

Will installation disrupt my home?

You can stay at home throughout installation. Heating and hot water will be off for 4-8 hours maximum (usually Day 2 only). Expect some noise from drilling and pipe work. Ground source installations require garden access for 3-5 days.

What preparation work is needed?

Common preparation includes:

• EPC update: Get one if yours is over 10 years old
• Insulation: Install loft/cavity wall insulation if your EPC recommends it
• Radiator upgrades: 20-30% of homes need 2-4 radiators enlarged
• Hot water cylinder: Needed if you currently have a combi boiler

What is MCS certification and why does it matter?

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the quality standard for renewable heating installers. Only MCS certified companies can apply for the £7,500 BUS grant. MCS ensures proper system design, installation standards, and consumer protection.

Do heat pumps work in cold UK winters?

Yes, absolutely. Modern heat pumps work down to -20°C to -25°C. The UK's average winter temperature is 3-5°C, well within their operating range. Norway, Finland, and Sweden use heat pumps extensively despite much harsher winters.

Read the detailed evidence →

What is COP and SCOP?

COP (Coefficient of Performance): Efficiency at a specific temperature. A COP of 3.5 means for every 1 kWh of electricity used, the heat pump produces 3.5 kWh of heat (350% efficient).

SCOP (Seasonal COP): Average efficiency across a full heating season. Look for SCOP 3.5+ when comparing models.

How long do heat pumps last?

Air source: 15-20 years
Ground source: 20-25 years (ground loops can last 50-100 years)

This is longer than gas boilers (10-15 years). Annual servicing extends lifespan and maintains efficiency.

Are heat pumps noisy?

Modern heat pumps operate at 40-60dB—similar to a fridge hum or quiet conversation. Premium brands (Mitsubishi, Daikin) are as quiet as 42dB. MCS regulations ensure installers position units to minimize noise impact on neighbors.

Why don't the radiators feel hot?

Heat pumps run radiators at 40-50°C vs 60-70°C for boilers. This feels warm to touch, not scorching. Your house still reaches 19-22°C comfortably. Heat pumps provide consistent gentle warmth rather than blasting heat intermittently—same comfort, different method.

How much does heat pump maintenance cost?

Annual service: £100-150. Similar to gas boiler servicing (£80-120). Heat pumps are very reliable with fewer moving parts than boilers. Most installers include the first year free.

What does annual servicing involve?

Annual checks include:

• Refrigerant pressure check
• Electrical connections and safety checks
• Filter cleaning
• Performance monitoring and optimization
• Condensate drain inspection

Takes 1-2 hours. Keeps warranty valid and efficiency high.

Do heat pumps break down often?

No. Annual breakdown rate for quality brands is under 5%. Heat pumps have fewer moving parts than boilers and are very reliable when properly installed. Most "failures" are actually settings issues fixed remotely.

What warranty do heat pumps come with?

Standard manufacturer warranty: 5 years. Some brands offer extended warranties up to 7-10 years. MCS installation also provides consumer protection and deposit insurance.

Is my home suitable for a heat pump?

Most UK homes are suitable. You need:

• Space for outdoor unit (wall-mounted or ground pad)
• Currently using gas, oil, LPG, or electric heating (replacing fossil fuels)
• Basic insulation (loft and cavity walls if recommended by EPC)
• Adequate electrical supply (installer will check)

A free heat loss survey from an MCS installer will confirm suitability.

Can I get a heat pump in a flat?

Difficult but not impossible. Challenges include outdoor unit location, planning permission, and communal systems. Some purpose-built flats and conversions can accommodate heat pumps. Consult an MCS installer for assessment.

Do I need underfloor heating?

No. While underfloor heating is optimal (35°C flow temperature), most UK heat pumps work fine with radiators at 40-50°C. Some homes need 2-4 radiators enlarged (£500-1,500 total), but many need no changes at all.

Can I keep my existing radiators?

Often yes. The installer's heat loss survey calculates if your radiators are large enough. Modern radiators and oversized old radiators usually work fine. Small radiators in key rooms may need upgrading.

What if I have no gas supply?

Heat pumps are perfect for off-grid homes. They're far cheaper to run than oil boilers (saving £700-1,200/year) or electric storage heaters (saving £1,600-2,400/year). The grant still applies.