What is a heat pump and how does it work?
A heat pump is a highly efficient system that moves heat from the air, ground, or water outside into your home, providing heating or cooling as required.
What types of heat pumps are there?
- Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP): Extract heat from the air.
- Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP): Use underground pipes to absorb heat from the ground.
- Water Source Heat Pumps: Take heat from ponds or streams.
Are heat pumps effective in the UK climate?
Yes, modern heat pumps work efficiently even at low temperatures, making them suitable for UK homes.
Can heat pumps reduce my energy bills?
Yes, they can be over three times as efficient as traditional electric or fossil-fuel heating, leading to significant savings.
Will a heat pump work with underfloor heating or radiators?
Heat pumps are especially effective with underfloor heating, but also work with properly-sized radiators designed for lower flow temperatures.
How noisy are heat pumps?
Most are very quiet, often less than 50 decibels outdoors—typically no louder than light rainfall.
Do I need planning permission?
Not usually for air source heat pumps. You may need it for large ground source installations or listed buildings; check with your local authority.
What grants or subsidies are available?
The UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers grants for heat pump installation. See our subsidies FAQ for more details.
How much maintenance is required?
Regular filter checks and one professional service per year are usually enough.
