FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A heat pump is a renewable heating technology that extracts heat from the air or ground and transfers it indoors to warm your home and provide hot water. Air source heat pumps are most common in the UK. They work like a fridge in reverse - they extract heat from outside air even in cold weather and compress it to create warmth for your home.

Savings depend on your current heating system and usage patterns. If you are replacing an old gas boiler, you could save 20-50% on heating costs annually. Most UK homes see savings of £400-900 per year. These savings increase over time as energy prices rise. The actual amount depends on factors like your property insulation, heating demand, and current fuel costs.

Yes, modern heat pumps work efficiently even in freezing temperatures. Air source heat pumps can extract heat from air as cold as -15 degrees Celsius. The UK climate is actually well-suited to heat pumps. However, they work most efficiently in milder climates. A well-designed system will still provide heating and hot water throughout winter.

Air source heat pumps (ASHP) extract heat from outside air and are less expensive to install (£6,000-£9,000). Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) extract heat from the ground and require excavation, making them more expensive (£15,000-£25,000) but more efficient. Ground source is better if you have suitable land, but air source is more practical for most UK properties.

Heat pumps typically last 15-25 years with proper maintenance, similar to conventional boilers. Modern units are increasingly durable. Annual servicing (like your boiler) helps ensure longevity. Most manufacturers offer 5-10 year warranties on the equipment itself.

No. Modern heat pumps are designed to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. They work differently than radiators by providing continuous, gentle heating rather than the on-off cycles of traditional boilers. Many users find heat pumps more comfortable because they maintain more consistent temperatures.

The main grants are: Building Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offering £7,500 for air source heat pumps, and the Warm Homes Plan offering up to £7,500. Scotland has the Home Energy Scotland grant. Eligibility depends on property ownership, location, heating system, and EPC rating. Towsty helps you check your eligibility instantly.

You may be eligible if you: own the property, it is your primary residence, you have fossil fuel heating (gas/oil), it is in England, Wales, or Scotland, you have a valid EPC, and have not received a BUS grant before. Towsty assessment checks your eligibility based on these criteria. Some grants have additional income or property age requirements.

The Building Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is available to most homeowners and offers £7,500 for air source heat pumps. The Warm Homes Plan targets low-income households and offers up to £7,500. Different regions and time periods have different schemes. Your eligibility depends on your circumstances. Towsty checks which schemes you might qualify for.

Air source heat pumps typically cost £6,000-£9,000 installed. Ground source heat pumps cost £15,000-£25,000. The exact price depends on your property size, heating demand, installation complexity, and labour costs in your area. A grant can reduce your net cost significantly. Getting quotes from multiple installers is recommended.

No, generally heat pumps reduce energy bills compared to gas boilers. While electricity costs more per unit than gas, heat pumps are 2-3 times more efficient, so overall costs decrease. If you are currently using oil or LPG heating, the savings are even more significant. Your actual bills depend on your usage patterns and local energy prices.

Running costs depend on your property and usage, but typically £800-1,200 per year for heating and hot water (compared to £1,500-2,000 for gas boilers). This can vary significantly based on your home insulation, size, climate control preferences, and local electricity rates. Improving insulation can further reduce running costs.

Yes. Depending on your current heating system and grant eligibility, payback periods typically range from 7-15 years. With grant support, the payback period is shorter. After the payback period, you benefit from years of reduced heating costs. Heat pumps are a long-term investment that makes financial sense for most homeowners.

Installation typically takes 5-7 working days for air source heat pumps, plus additional time for connecting to your heating system. Ground source heat pumps take longer due to excavation. Weather and property size can affect the timeline. Most installations are completed within 2-3 weeks from start to finish.

Not always. Many homes can use existing radiators with a heat pump, though they may need to be larger or require lower water temperatures. Some homes need additional insulation or underfloor heating for optimal efficiency. An installer will assess your home and advise on any upgrades needed.

Before installation, ensure: safe access for engineers, protection for garden during excavation (if ground source), water supply access, and electrical work preparation. Most installers handle logistics. You will need good ventilation around outdoor units. Discuss specific preparations with your chosen installer.

The outdoor unit produces a low hum, similar to a fridge or a quiet air conditioning unit — typically around 40-50 decibels at one metre. Indoors, most people notice no sound at all. Your installer will position the outdoor unit to minimise any impact, usually away from bedrooms and neighbouring properties. Modern units are significantly quieter than older models.

Hybrid systems (heat pump plus boiler) do exist, but they're less common and typically cost more. Most homeowners replace their boiler entirely — a properly sized heat pump will handle all your heating and hot water, even in the coldest months. Your installer will design a system that meets your home's full heating demand. Note that keeping a gas boiler means you won't qualify for the full government grant.

An installer visits your home for 1-2 hours. They'll check your current heating system, measure rooms, assess insulation, inspect your electrical supply, and find the best spot for the outdoor unit. After the survey, you'll receive a detailed quote and timeline — usually within 1-2 weeks. There's no obligation at this stage. It's also a good chance to ask questions face-to-face.

Your installer handles everything. Once you agree to go ahead, they apply for the government grant on your behalf. You just need to provide proof of property ownership and a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The grant amount is deducted directly from your final bill, so you never need to pay the full price upfront and claim back later.

Yes — and they actually work better with heat pumps than with gas boilers. Smart thermostats and zone controls let you schedule heating by room and time, which helps optimise your running costs. Many modern heat pumps come with their own app for remote control. Your installer will set up the controls as part of the installation.

Our estimate is based on your property data and typical costs for homes like yours. An installer's quote comes after a physical survey of your home, so it accounts for your specific pipework, electrical setup, and any unusual features. The two are usually within 10-20% of each other. Think of our estimate as a reliable starting point — the quote confirms the final number.