Thinking about replacing your boiler but not sure if your home is ready for a heat pump? You don’t need to understand flow temperatures or heat loss calculations to find out. This simple checklist covers the six things that matter most, in plain English. Most homes are more ready than people expect, and where they’re not, the fixes are often small.
The quick answer
Almost any home can have a heat pump, including older and stone-built homes. What matters is how much heat your home loses and whether the heating system is designed around it. If your home is reasonably insulated and has room for a hot water cylinder and an outdoor unit, you’re probably closer than you think.
Your heat pump readiness checklist
1. Insulation
What to look for: Do you have loft insulation, and is it a decent depth? Are your walls cavity walls, and have they been filled? Are there obvious draughts around doors and windows?
What we can do: Better insulation means a smaller heat pump and lower bills, but you don’t have to do everything first. Our survey shows which improvements, if any, make the biggest difference, and loft insulation and draught-proofing are often quick, cheap wins.
2. Radiators
What to look for: Do your radiators feel only warm rather than hot when the heating is on? Are some rooms hard to heat now?
What we can do: Heat pumps run at lower temperatures than a boiler, so some rooms may need a larger radiator. Our room-by-room heat loss calculation shows exactly which rooms, if any, need an upgrade. Many radiators can stay.
3. Space for a hot water cylinder
What to look for: Do you have a combi boiler with no hot water tank? Is there an airing cupboard, utility room or garage with some space?
What we can do: A heat pump heats water into a cylinder. If you have a combi now, we’ll help you find a sensible place for one, often in an airing cupboard, utility room, loft or garage.
4. Space outside for the heat pump
What to look for: Is there a spot outside, usually at the side or back of the house, where air can flow freely? Is it away from neighbours’ windows?
What we can do: We’ll find the best position for airflow, noise and appearance, and keep the pipe runs short. If outside space is tight, there’s usually still an option.
5. Your electricity supply
What to look for: Do you know where your fuse box and electricity meter are? Have you had any electrical problems or an old fuse board?
What we can do: Most homes’ electricity supply can take a heat pump. We check your supply and fuse board, notify your electricity network as required, and tell you if anything needs upgrading.
6. Listed buildings and conservation areas
What to look for: Is your home listed, or in a conservation area?
What we can do: Many heat pump installations don’t need planning permission, but listed buildings and some conservation areas do. We’ll advise early on where the outdoor unit can go and whether you need consent.
Signs your home is a good fit
- You’re replacing an oil, LPG or old gas boiler.
- Your home has loft insulation and filled cavity walls, or you’re happy to add them.
- You have, or could make, space for a hot water cylinder.
- You’re planning a renovation or extension, which is a great time to upgrade heating.
What if my home is old or stone-built?
Older homes can be excellent heat pump homes once the numbers are worked out properly. Solid walls and high ceilings simply mean the heat pump and radiators need sizing carefully. See our guide: will a heat pump work in my old Cotswold stone home?
How we check for certain
The only way to be sure is a home survey. We visit, measure up and carry out a room-by-room heat loss calculation, then explain what system would suit your home, what work (if any) is needed first, and what it will cost to run. There’s no jargon and no obligation.
Next, read about heat pumps for homeowners, how much a heat pump costs and the £7,500 to £9,000 grant. Building a new home instead? See our page on energy systems for self builders.