Getting my home ready for an air Source Heat Pump

Can a heat pump replace my gas Boiler?

If your gas boiler is working well and you are happy with it, there's no reason to replace it. However, if you are looking to reduce the carbon footprint of your heating system, one way to achieve this is to have a hybrid system, where a boiler and a heat pump work together. Your heat pump would provide the majority of your heating needs, and your boiler would kick in when you need a bit more heat. 

If you are thinking of replacing the gas boiler completely, then you will need to put certain measures in place first. An MCS accredited heat pump installer would be able to advise you of the best solution. Measures that would need to be considered include: 

• Identifying ways of reducing heat loss (double glazing etc)
• Checking what size your current the heat emitters (such as radiators) are and whether they are capable of running at lower temperatures whilst meeting the heat loss of each room
• Identifying suitable location for heat pump and cylinder
• Determining whether any electrical upgrades are required
• Check eligibility for any available grants

What do I need to do to my home to make it suitable for a heat pump?

First off, there are a few actions that can be taken to reduce the energy loss of your home: cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, double or triple glazing, and, most importantly, reducing draughts.

You should engage with a qualified installer or manufacturer, who will look at the heat loss in each room, the radiators in each room, the pipework, the external space where you are planning to place the heat pump - and help you at every step of the way.

Where in my home can a heat pump be installed?

Your air source heat pump needs to be installed outside. Your heat pump should be positioned to avoid fully exposed locations, consider noise nuisance and allow enough space for the heat pump to be serviced. Heat pumps are very quiet, but during the defrost cycle or during colder periods, you may hear a bit of fan noise, so you don't want to put it directly underneath a bedroom window for example. 

Can heat pumps work with my existing radiators?

Yes, they can. Heat pumps often work with a much lower flow temperature than gas boilers, and the lower the flow temperature you put through your radiators, the less heat they will give out. However, you may find that many of the existing heat emitters, such as radiators, are suitable to remain once the necessary checks are made by your installer as part of the site survey. If you have carried out certain measures to make that room more energy efficient, the radiator may need to emit far less heat than previously and can remain in place. 

Who can install my air source heat pump?

The most important thing to remember is that the success of your finished heating system depends on an initial good design. 

Any competent individual can install a monobloc heat pump, but we always recommend that they should be MCS accredited, have a good track record and provide excellent aftercare and servicing. You will have to use an MCS accredited installer if you are applying for a grant to help towards the cost of installation. 

Split air source heat pumps are slightly different, and you will need an F-Gas certified installer because there are refrigerant pipes that go between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. 

Do I need planning permission for an air source heat pump?

In nearly all cases, ASHP's don't require planning permission,  as they fall within permitted development rights. However, we would always recommend checking with your local planning department first. 

Learn more about having a heat pump installed at your property 

Each home is different and with so much information about heat pumps out there, it can be hard to know exactly what you need to understand about having one fitted. Our comprehensive guide, available here, looks at all the considerations you should have in mind when it comes to heat pumps.