Heat pumps: everything you need to know

From 2035, new gas boilers will be banned for most households in the UK, with the government recommending heat pumps to be installed instead. Heat pumps are a more energy-efficient way to heat your home when compared to your traditional gas or oil boiler, but how do they work, what are their benefits, and how much does it cost to install one? We’re here to answer all of your pressing questions.

What is a heat pump?

Heat pumps are an environmentally friendly way to heat your home, running on electricity instead of gas. They absorb heat from the air, ground, or water, and use it to keep your home nice and warm in the colder months. This conversion is done by taking the air from the outdoors, running it over tubes that contain refrigerant fluid, and applying pressure to increase the temperature, which in turn produces the heat. They can even absorb heat from cold winter air, meaning they can be used all year round.

The two main types of heat pumps are air source and ground source, with air source being the most common, convenient, and budget-friendly.

What are the benefits of a heat pump?

Heat pumps have a multitude of benefits, from being budget-friendly to being an environmentally conscious choice. See the full list below:

Reduce your fuel bills: With lower energy usage comes lower energy bills, so a house heated using a heat pump costs less to run even after the initial upfront costs.

Lower your carbon footprint: Current air source heat pumps are 3-5 times more energy-efficient than traditional gas or oil boilers^, and the IEA estimates that they have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions globally by 500 million tonnes in 2030.

Heat your home and your water: Heat pumps can heat both your home and your water from one unit.

Low maintenance: In comparison to gas boilers, heat pumps are really easy to maintain and only need a professional check-up every 3 to 5 years.

Long lifespan: The average heat pump will have a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years so many will have paid for themselves by the time they need replacing or upgrading.

Cooling in the summer: Heat pumps aren’t just for keeping your house warm. Some can also switch to cooling mode in the summer to function as air conditioning.

^Source: IEA

How much does a heat pump cost?

A heat pump from Wickes can cost you anything from £1,850 to £6,320 depending on the size and power of the unit. However, there are government grants that you can apply for to save thousands on purchase and installation of a heat pump.

It won’t take long until your investment starts to show economic results. On average, a heat pump can save you £340 per year^, which really adds up over its long lifespan.

^Source: Energy Saving Trust

Heat pump installation

A heat pump should always be installed by an MCS-certified installer. This is because the installation process can be complex and involve detailed planning. You’ll also need to consider local geology and where to place it outside your home to get the best results.