Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are 3 times more energy efficient than traditional gas boilers, meaning they will substantially reduce the carbon footprint of your home. Because they run on electricity, there’s also potential to make significant bill savings by using smart tariffs with cheaper off-peak rates.
The government offers a £7,500 grant towards installing a heat pump across England and Wales through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Make your home smarter, greener, and more energy efficient.
What is a heat pump
A heat pump heats your home using electricity. It works like a fridge in reverse, taking heat from the air or ground (even in sub-zero weather), increasing it to a higher temperature and transferring it to your home to provide heating and hot water.
The heat pump unit is fixed on the outside of a home or property. When properly installed and maintained, they operate quietly with sound levels similar to a boiler.
Find more information and advice on heat pumps at Energy Saving Trust.
The benefits
The benefits of a heat pump include:
- carbon savings of up to 70% compared to a gas boiler
- bill savings of around £100 per year* compared to a gas boiler if used effectively with a smart tariff
- they’re 3 times more energy efficient than traditional gas boilers
- they reduce our reliance on imported gas, contributing to UK energy security
- they’ll become greener every year as the UK electricity grid continues to decarbonise
Financial help
The government is offering grants of £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat pump to properties across England and Wales through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
You’re eligible for a grant if:
- you own the property you’re applying for
- you’re replacing fossil fuel heating systems – such as oil, gas, electric or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
- your property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or explore your options.
If you live in Wales, you may be able to secure an interest-free loan in addition to the BUS grant. For more information visit Green Homes Wales
If you live in Scotland, you might be able to get an interest-free loan or a grant to make your home more energy efficient, including support to install heat pumps.
Is a heat pump right for me
Try our heat pump checker tool to see if a heat pump could be suitable for your home
Most homes are suitable for a heat pump, the type of heat pump best suited to your property will depend on factors such as the size of your home and the available space.
What a heat pump means for you and your home:
Outside unit:
Heat pumps typically range from 1 to 1.5m in height. When properly installed and maintained, heat pumps operate quietly, with sound levels similar to a gas boiler or fridge.
Internal changes:
Heat pump systems may need extra equipment compared to other heating systems, like thermal storage or larger radiators.
They are cheaper to operate in energy-efficient homes, making insulation and draught-proofing an important consideration for installation.
Energy bills:
If you have a smart meter installed, some energy suppliers offer “time-of-use” tariffs with cheaper electricity during off-peak hours. This means that if you have a heat pump and can shift your heating patterns, you can potentially make significant bill savings.
However, savings will depend on individual circumstances and people should consider tariffs that are most suitable for heat pumps, with off-peak periods during the day. Some tariffs may also be time limited and people should carefully read terms and conditions first.
Find an installer
Visit MCS to find a heat pump installer
It’s important to choose a suitable and qualified tradesperson to install a heat pump in your property.
You should choose a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installer if you plan to apply for government funding, such as through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
*Costs and savings associated with smart tariffs require a smart meter to be installed and vary depending on the tariff; how often and when you heat your home; the type, size and energy efficiency of your property; and the efficiency of your heat pump, among other factors. The figures above are based on dynamic simulation modelling of an average 3-bed detached house with insulated cavity walls and a heat pump with a seasonal performance factor of 3.13. Savings are based on Octopus Cosy tariff prices and the energy price cap from the period between July 2023 – July 2024 and assume no gas standing charge. As energy prices and tariff rates change, so will estimated costs and savings.