The short version
- Heat pumps run best in homes with reasonable insulation and adequately sized radiators
- The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is applied by the installer, not claimed by you afterwards
- A hot water cylinder is required — combi-style instant hot water isn't how heat pumps work
- Running cost depends heavily on system design, not just on the unit you buy
What the installation actually involves
The outdoor unit is the visible part; most of the work is inside.
- Heat loss calculation room by room to size the unit correctly
- Radiator review — some rooms usually need larger emitters for low-temperature flow
- A suitably sized hot water cylinder, often replacing an older one
- Outdoor unit siting with attention to noise, airflow and condensate drainage
- Controls and weather compensation set up for the design flow temperature
How the grant works in practice
Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme the grant is applied by an accredited installer and comes off the quoted price, so you pay the balance. Eligibility hinges on the property having a valid EPC without outstanding insulation recommendations, and on replacing a fossil fuel system. We check eligibility as part of the survey rather than promising it in advance.
Which homes suit one now, and which don't yet
Well-insulated homes with space for a cylinder and radiators that can be uprated are the straightforward cases. A poorly insulated solid-wall property with no cylinder space is a harder job, and we'd rather say so at survey than fit something that disappoints you.
Common questions
Will a heat pump work with my existing radiators?+
Sometimes, but usually a few rooms need larger radiators to deliver the same heat at a lower flow temperature.
Are they noisy?+
Modern units are quiet, but siting matters. We plan the position around windows, boundaries and airflow.
Can I keep my combi as backup?+
Hybrid arrangements are possible, but they change the grant position — we'll go through it at survey.
How long does installation take?+
Typically several days, since it involves the cylinder, emitters and controls rather than a single appliance swap.
Book a heat pump survey
We'll do the heat loss numbers and tell you honestly whether your home is ready.