Looking for a smarter, cleaner way to heat your home?
A heat pump could be exactly what you’re after
It's a low-carbon heating system that uses electricity to move heat, not burn fuel, making it one of the most efficient ways to keep your home warm and your bills down
Unlike a gas boiler, which generates heat by burning fossil fuels, a heat pump draws warmth from the air or ground outside, even in winter, and transfers it into your home. It’s the same technology that powers your fridge, just in reverse, and it works quietly, cleanly, and efficiently all year round
Is a heat pump right for your home?
Not every home is heat pump ready, but that’s where we come in
We’ll help you understand if a heat pump suits your property, what it would cost, and how much you could save. If you’re not ready yet, we’ll show you the practical steps you can take to get there
- Your heating bills are high
- You have space for the unit
- You have (or are open to) compatible heating systems
- Your home is well insulated
- You have room for a hot water cylinder
- You’re planning a renovation or energy upgrade
What exactly is a heat pump and how does it work?
If you’ve ever used a fridge, you’ve already experienced heat pump technology, just in reverse!
A heat pump is a highly efficient system that captures heat from the air or the ground outside your home and uses it to warm the inside. It’s low-carbon, low-maintenance, and cleverly cost-effective over time
Instead of burning fuel to create heat (like gas boilers do), a heat pump moves heat from one place to another, even in cold weather. They can function at temperatures as low as -15 degrees
The heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air or ground and transfers it to a liquid in the heat pump called a refrigerant
Having a low boiling point means this refrigerant will boil easily, it can then be compressed, which increases the temperature further. The now gaseous refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger, which allows this energy to be transferred into water, and taken into your home through your radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water cylinder. As it moves heat rather than generates it, a heat pump can deliver 3–4 times more energy than it consumes in electricity, making it one of the most energy-efficient systems available
How much does a heat pump cost & save you?
Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)
- Unit cost: £7,000–£10,000
- Installation: £5,000–£10,000
- Typical total: £15,000–£20,000
Air source heat pumps are the most common choice for UK homes. They’re usually installed outside and connected to your central heating system.
Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP)
- Unit cost: £6,000–£10,000
- Installation (incl. groundworks): £10,000–£15,000+
- Typical total: £16,000–£25,000+
Ground source systems are more expensive due to the need for digging or boreholes, but they’re highly efficient and work well for homes with outdoor space.
Additional Upgrade Costs
Depending on your current system, you may also need to budget for:
- New radiators or underfloor heating: £1,000–£3,000
- Hot water cylinder (if needed): £500–£1,500
- Improved insulation (e.g. loft, cavity walls): Varies, often recommended for best performance.
Grants, Incentives & Finance
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The main grant scheme for heat pumps in England and Wales.
ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation)
Aimed at improving energy efficiency for low-income households and those in fuel poverty.
Green Loans and Financing
While there’s no national green loan scheme in England and Wales currently, some banks and lenders offer low-interest or green mortgages to help fund energy-efficient home improvements, including:
- Barclays Greener Home Reward
- NatWest Green Mortgages
- Other personal loan options (check for sustainability-linked terms)
Many installers also offer payment plans or 0% finance options, though it’s important to compare costs carefully.
Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan Scheme
Energy insight. Read the latest in the energy industry
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