Heat pump questions

Heat pump costs vary depending on the type of system, property size, and installation complexity. An air source heat pump typically costs between £8,000 and £18,000, while ground source heat pumps range from £15,000 to £35,000. The final price depends on factors like property size, insulation quality, existing heating system, and whether you need additional work like radiator upgrades or underfloor heating. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant can reduce costs by £7,500 for air source and £7,500 for ground source heat pumps. We offer 0% APR finance options to help spread the cost. Get a free quote to see the exact price for your home.

Heat pump savings depend on several factors including your current heating system, property insulation, and energy tariffs. Compared to electric heating, heat pumps can save 50-70% on running costs. Compared to gas boilers, savings vary but heat pumps are typically 20-40% more efficient. With the current energy prices, a typical household could save £200-£600 per year. Heat pumps also qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of £7,500, significantly reducing upfront costs. Over 20 years, most homeowners can save thousands of pounds while reducing their carbon footprint. Our experts can provide a personalised savings estimate based on your specific situation and current heating costs.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government grant that provides £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat pump or biomass boiler. The grant is available to homeowners in England and Wales who are replacing fossil fuel heating systems (gas, oil, or electric). You don't need to pay the grant back - it's deducted directly from your installation cost. To qualify, your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation. The grant is applied automatically when you use an MCS-certified installer like us. We handle all the paperwork and ensure you receive the maximum grant available.

Yes, modern heat pumps work effectively in cold weather, even when temperatures drop below freezing. Air source heat pumps can operate efficiently down to -15°C to -20°C, while ground source heat pumps are even more reliable as ground temperatures remain stable year-round. Modern inverter technology allows heat pumps to maintain efficiency in cold conditions. While efficiency may decrease slightly in very cold weather, heat pumps will still provide heating. In the UK's climate, heat pumps are highly effective and can provide all your heating needs. Some systems include backup heating elements for extreme cold snaps, though these are rarely needed in the UK. We'll assess your location and recommend the best system for your climate.

Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air, while ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground via buried pipes. Air source heat pumps are more common, easier to install, and typically cost £8,000-£18,000. They require an outdoor unit similar to an air conditioning unit. Ground source heat pumps are more efficient and consistent but require significant ground space for pipe installation, making them more expensive (£15,000-£35,000) and suitable for properties with gardens. Ground source systems are slightly more efficient (typically 400-500% efficiency vs 300-400% for air source) and work better in very cold weather. Air source heat pumps are suitable for most UK homes, while ground source is ideal for larger properties with available land.

It depends on your existing heating system. Heat pumps work most efficiently with lower flow temperatures (35-45°C) compared to gas boilers (60-80°C). Older radiators designed for high temperatures may need upgrading to larger models to provide sufficient heat at lower temperatures. However, many modern homes with well-insulated properties and appropriately sized radiators can use their existing system. We'll assess your current radiators during the free survey and determine if upgrades are needed. Underfloor heating is ideal for heat pumps as it works perfectly with low temperatures. In some cases, we may recommend upgrading a few key radiators rather than the entire system. Our experts will provide a detailed assessment and quote.

Heat pump installation typically takes 3-5 days, depending on the system type and complexity. Air source heat pumps usually take 2-3 days, while ground source heat pumps can take 5-7 days due to the ground works required. The installation process includes removing your old heating system, installing the heat pump unit, connecting to your heating system, electrical work, and commissioning. We work efficiently to minimise disruption to your home. After installation, we'll test everything thoroughly, register the system with MCS, and help you apply for the BUS grant. We can often schedule installations within a few weeks, and in some cases, we can install as soon as the next day if you order before 3pm.

In most cases, air source heat pumps are considered permitted development and don't require planning permission in England, Scotland, and Wales. However, there are some restrictions: the outdoor unit must be at least 1 metre from property boundaries, not installed on a wall facing a highway, and comply with noise regulations. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and flats may require planning permission. Ground source heat pumps usually don't require planning permission as the pipes are underground, but the heat pump building may need approval. We'll check all requirements during your free survey and handle any necessary planning applications on your behalf. Our team is experienced in navigating local planning requirements.

Heat pumps are highly efficient, typically achieving 300-400% efficiency (known as Coefficient of Performance or COP). This means for every 1kW of electricity used, they produce 3-4kW of heat. In comparison, gas boilers are typically 85-95% efficient, and electric heaters are 100% efficient. This high efficiency makes heat pumps one of the most energy-efficient heating systems available. The efficiency can vary slightly depending on outside temperature, but modern inverter technology maintains high efficiency even in cold weather. Ground source heat pumps are often slightly more efficient than air source due to stable ground temperatures. We use only high-efficiency models from trusted manufacturers to maximise your savings.

Yes, heat pumps can provide hot water for your home. Most heat pump systems include a hot water cylinder that stores heated water for your taps and showers. The heat pump heats the water in the cylinder, which is then distributed throughout your home. Heat pumps can maintain water temperatures of 45-50°C, which is suitable for most domestic use. Some systems include an electric immersion heater as a backup for times when you need very hot water quickly. The hot water cylinder is typically installed alongside the heat pump during installation. We'll ensure your system is sized correctly to meet your hot water needs, and we can discuss options like larger cylinders or additional heating elements if needed.

Modern heat pumps are designed to be quiet, with outdoor units typically operating at 40-60 decibels - similar to a refrigerator or quiet conversation. The noise level depends on the model and installation location. Air source heat pumps produce more noise than ground source systems, but modern inverter technology and sound-dampening features have significantly reduced noise levels. We position the outdoor unit away from bedrooms and living areas, and can install sound-reducing enclosures if needed. The indoor components are very quiet, similar to a modern gas boiler. If noise is a concern, we can recommend specific quiet models and optimal placement to minimise any disturbance. Most homeowners find the noise level completely acceptable.

Heat pumps require minimal maintenance compared to traditional boilers, but regular servicing is recommended to ensure optimal performance and longevity. We recommend an annual service to check refrigerant levels, clean filters and coils, inspect electrical connections, and ensure the system is operating efficiently. Basic maintenance like keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris can be done yourself. Well-maintained heat pumps can last 20-25 years, significantly longer than gas boilers. Regular maintenance helps maintain efficiency, prevents breakdowns, and ensures you continue to receive maximum savings. We offer maintenance packages to keep your system in perfect condition year-round, and all our installations come with comprehensive warranties.

The size of heat pump you need depends on several factors: property size, insulation quality, number of rooms, ceiling height, and heat loss. Heat pump capacity is measured in kW. As a rough guide, a well-insulated 2-3 bedroom house typically needs 5-8kW, a 4-bedroom house needs 8-12kW, and larger properties may need 12-16kW or more. An undersized heat pump will struggle to heat your home, while an oversized one will be inefficient and costly. We conduct a detailed heat loss calculation during your free survey to determine the exact size needed. This considers your property's specific characteristics to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Our experts will recommend the perfect size for your home.

Yes, we offer flexible finance options to make heat pumps more affordable. We provide 0% APR finance on selected systems, allowing you to spread the cost over 12, 24, or 36 months with no interest charges. Combined with the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, this makes heat pumps very accessible. Finance is subject to credit checks and approval, and terms may vary. Our team can discuss the best finance option for your situation during your free consultation. We also accept all major credit and debit cards, and bank transfers for full payment. The combination of the BUS grant and finance options means you can start saving on energy bills immediately while paying in manageable monthly instalments.

We offer comprehensive warranties on all our heat pump installations. Typically, the equipment comes with a manufacturer's warranty of 5-7 years, covering parts and labour. We also provide a workmanship warranty covering the installation itself, usually for 2-5 years depending on the system. This means if anything goes wrong with the installation, we'll fix it at no extra cost. Extended warranties are often available for additional peace of mind. All our installations are completed by MCS-certified engineers, and we use only high-quality equipment from trusted manufacturers. We'll provide full warranty documentation when your system is installed, and our team is always available to support you throughout the warranty period.

Yes - for heat pump installations, we carry out an on-site survey to take detailed measurements of each room. This allows us to perform a full heat loss calculation and design a system tailored to the specific heating needs of your home.

Heat pump installations typically take around 2–3 weeks from quote to completion. This allows time for the on-site survey, system design, and arranging all necessary materials and steps for a smooth installation.

Generally yes, our engineer will arrive with the materials required to carry out the installation. In some cases if certain materials are in low supply in your area, they may get delivered separately and will arrive after our installer is present on site.

Each heat pump installation is a unique undertaking with a number of contributing variables, but as a guide we advise that it could take up to 3 full days.

We ask that our customers please make sure all areas used during an installation are fully accessible and clear prior to our engineer’s arrival.

iHeat subcontracts expert engineers, who have undergone a full onboarding process, including DBS checks.