Local · WN4

Radiator Upgrades for Heat Pumps: What to Expect in Ashton-in-Makerfield

If you're considering a heat pump for your home in Ashton-in-Makerfield, you're likely wondering about the practicalities of upgrading your radiators. It's not just a matter of swapping old for new; there's a specific process to ensure your new heat pump operates efficiently. A heat pump delivers heat gently over a longer period rather than blasting a room quickly, which often means bigger emitters. This page details the installation process for radiator upgrades, explaining what happens from our initial survey to the finished job.

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Engineer checking pipe connections on a newly installed Type-22 radiator, next to a heat pump installation.

Postcode

WN4

Council

Wigan Council

Nearest road

A49 Warrington Road

From Wigan

4 miles south

Why locals choose Brogas here

As a Gas Safe registered business, Brogas ensures all radiator upgrades are performed to current standards. We conduct a thorough survey, provide a detailed plan, and test the new system comprehensively. You are left with a fully functional heating system optimized for your heat pump, with all work certified.

Typical heat pump radiator upgrades — the install itself work in Ashton-in-Makerfield

For Ashton-in-Makerfield householders and landlords dealing with the install itself. Local housing stock — Edwardian terraces along Warrington Road and generous 1950s semis toward Bryn — shapes how this work is carried out.

When installing a new air source heat pump.
If your current radiators are not heating sufficiently with a heat pump.
When existing pipework needs flow capacity assessment.
For integrating existing underfloor heating into a heat pump system.
To ensure a detailed room-by-room plan for heat pump emitters.

The Initial Survey: Mapping Your Home's Heating Needs

Before any work begins, we conduct a thorough room-by-room survey. This involves recalculating the required radiator output based on heat-pump flow temperatures, typically lower than a gas boiler. We assess each room individually, identifying which Type-11 panels might need to be swapped for Type-22 or Type-21 models. We also examine your existing pipework to determine its flow capacity and suitability for the new system.

Radiator output recalculated per room
Existing pipework assessed for flow capacity
Detailed room-by-room radiator list created

Installation Process: From Removal to Full Commissioning

Once the plan is agreed, the physical installation typically starts with draining the system. Old radiators are removed, and new, correctly sized units are installed. This often involves minor alterations to pipework at the radiator connection points, though major re-piping is usually avoided. Each new radiator is fitted, bled, and the system is refilled and thoroughly tested to ensure proper operation and no leaks.

System drained, old radiators removed
New radiators fitted, pipework adjusted
System refilled, bled, and leak-tested

Disruption and Timelines: What to Expect

Radiator upgrades cause some disruption, primarily limited to the rooms where radiators are being changed. We aim to complete most residential upgrades within 1-3 days, depending on the number of radiators. We use dust sheets and protect flooring where we are working. For properties with existing underfloor heating, integration is assessed during the survey and often requires minimal additional work, primarily at the manifold.

Disruption localised to rooms with upgrades
Typical installation duration: 1-3 days
Dust sheets and floor protection used

Nearby areas we also cover

Atherton5 miles east of Wigan
Pemberton2 miles west of Wigan
Westhoughton6 miles east of Wigan
WiganWigan town centre

Read up first

Ashton-in-Makerfield FAQs — heat pump radiator upgrades — the install itself

Will my house be without heating during the upgrade?+

Yes, the heating system will need to be drained down for the radiator upgrades. We work efficiently to minimise this downtime, usually aiming for heating to be off for no more than a day or two depending on the scope of work. We'll always discuss this timeline with you upfront.

Do you need to replace all my radiators?+

Not necessarily. Our survey will determine which radiators need upgrading. It's often only a handful of rooms that require larger emitters to match the heat pump's lower flow temperatures, rather than a full house replacement. We'll provide a clear room-by-room list.

What if I have existing underfloor heating?+

If you have existing underfloor heating, we'll assess its integration during the survey. Heat pumps are well-suited to underfloor heating, and often the primary work involves ensuring proper control and flow balancing with the new heat pump system, rather than major physical changes to the UFH itself.

Will the pipework be visible after the upgrade?+

We aim to keep disruption to existing pipework minimal. Most changes occur at the radiator valve connections. If new pipe runs are required for specific radiators, we will discuss the routing options with you beforehand. Our goal is a neat and functional installation.

In summary

Upgrading radiators for a heat pump involves a detailed survey, targeted replacements where needed, and careful pipework assessment. Expect minimal disruption, typically 1-3 days for installation, and a heating system optimised for efficiency.

Ready to discuss your radiator upgrade in Ashton-in-Makerfield?

Contact Brogas today to schedule your heat pump radiator survey. We'll assess your home and provide a clear plan.

Book a Survey Message us