Upgrade to a heat pump

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.