Is Your Home Suitable for a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are an excellent low-carbon heating solution — but they work differently from gas boilers, and not every property is currently suitable. Here's an honest assessment framework.

How heat pumps differ from gas boilers

Gas boilers produce water at 65–80°C. Heat pumps typically produce water at 35–50°C. This lower temperature requires larger radiators or underfloor heating to distribute the same amount of heat effectively.

Assessing your home's suitability

Insulation: A well-insulated home is essential. Heat pumps work by running continuously at lower temperatures rather than intermittent high-temperature blasts. Poor insulation means the heat pump never catches up with heat loss.

Radiators: Your existing radiators may need to be upsized. A heat loss calculation will identify which radiators need upgrading — in well-insulated homes, many existing radiators are fine.

Space: An air source heat pump requires an outdoor unit approximately the size of a large air conditioning condenser unit. Ground source requires significant land area or long boreholes.

Electricity tariff: Ideally a heat pump tariff (lower off-peak rates for heat pump users).

The honest answer for most homes

Homes built after 2005 with cavity wall and loft insulation: often suitable with radiator checks. Older uninsulated properties: likely need insulation first. Leaky Victorian terraces: gas boiler is usually the better choice for now.

Free heat pump assessment

We assess heat pump suitability as part of our free home survey. We'll tell you honestly whether your property is ready — or what would be needed to make it suitable. Book your assessment.