Heat pumps

Heat pumps are a low-carbon alternative to traditional gas, oil, or electric boilers. Instead of generating heat by burning fuel or using resistive electricity, they move existing heat from the outside air, ground, or water into your home.

Because they move heat rather than generate it, heat pumps are highly efficient—often providing 3 to 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity they use.

How heat pumps work

A heat pump works like a refrigerator in reverse. It uses a refrigerant cycle to absorb heat from the environment, compresses it to increase the temperature, and transfers that heat into your home’s central heating system (radiators or underfloor heating) and hot water tank.

Why choose a heat pump?

  • Lower carbon emissions: Heat pumps can reduce your home’s carbon footprint by up to 70% compared to a gas boiler.
  • Highly efficient: Operating at 300-400% efficiency, they are far more efficient than the best condensing boilers (90-95%).
  • Long lifespan: Heat pumps typically last 15-20 years, longer than most modern gas boilers.
  • Government funding: You can get a £7,500 grant through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to help with installation costs.

Fabric First: Heat pumps work most efficiently in well-insulated homes. Before installing a heat pump, we strongly recommend checking your insulation levels and draught-proofing your property.

Tools

Guides