Heat Pump questions – Good Energy

Is a heat pump right for me? 

Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than gas boilers and are much better for the environment, so in that sense, they’re a great option. However, not every property is suitable for a heat pump installation. It’s a good idea to consult Good Energy to discuss your specific requirements and determine if a heat pump is right for your home. 

Should I choose a ground source or air source heat pump? 

Ground source heat pumps are significantly more expensive and involve more invasive installation work, requiring trenches or boreholes to be dug. They are usually only cost-effective in areas where air temperatures drop so low that an air source heat pump wouldn’t be efficient. In the UK, air source heat pumps are generally the better option. 

How much does it cost to install a heat pump? 

The average cost of installing a heat pump in the UK is about £5,500 (as of September 2024). Many owners may qualify for grants that can reduce the price, making it comparable to the cost of installing a gas boiler. Find out more about the grant scheme here. 

What are the running costs? 

With current electricity prices, heat pumps need to operate at around 280% efficiency to break even, but a well-designed system can easily achieve this. 

Can I heat my home the same way I would with a gas boiler? 

Yes. Heat pumps work similarly to gas boilers by heating your radiators and hot water, controlled by a thermostat. The key difference is that a heat pump provides a steady flow of warmth throughout the day, unlike a boiler, which typically works in short bursts. 

Will I need to replace my radiators? 

Possibly. Heat pumps operate at a lower flow temperature than gas boilers, which might require larger radiators to heat your home effectively. Since many radiators are positioned under windows, this could mean they’ll need to be replaced or relocated. An assessment will be conducted prior to installation to determine your needs. 

Do I need a hot water cylinder? 

Yes, unlike combi boilers, heat pumps cannot heat water on demand. They require a hot water cylinder to store and maintain hot water at a consistent temperature. Cylinders designed specifically for heat pumps feature large, efficient coils, and even in busy households, they can provide enough hot water for daily use. If the cylinder runs out, it typically takes only 30 minutes to reheat. 

Is a hot water cylinder hygienic? 

Yes, to ensure hygiene, hot water cylinders must be heated to 60°C once a week to prevent bacterial growth, in line with HSE guidelines. Most systems are set to handle this automatically. 

Do heat pumps work in cold weather? 

Yes. Heat pumps use refrigerants with a boiling point of -52°C, allowing them to absorb energy from the air even in freezing temperatures. They can function efficiently at temperatures as low as -20°C. Many homes in Norway rely on heat pumps, and their winters are far colder than in the UK!

Can I install a heat pump in an older home? 

Yes, heat pumps can be installed in older properties. While it's often said that homes need significant insulation for heat pumps to work well, this is true for all types of heating systems. A thorough assessment of your home’s energy efficiency will be conducted, just as it would be if you were installing a new gas boiler. 

Can I install a heat pump in an off-grid location?

This will depend on the power source available and its consistency at your site. We recommend contacting Good Energy to discuss the best options for your specific needs.

How long does heat pump installation take? 

The process from quote to the first warm air flowing through your home can take a couple of months. This includes time for a home survey, scheduling the installation, and reviewing your options. If you already know what you need and are on a tight schedule, the process can sometimes be expedited, depending on availability. 

Is installation disruptive? 

Installation typically takes about a week, involving a team of engineers and electricians. If your home requires new pipes or modifications to the existing heating system, the process might take longer, but this will all be outlined during the quote. If the installation is happening during winter, Good Energy can provide temporary heaters and install the hot water cylinder first, so you’ll have hot water as quickly as possible. 

Are heat pumps noisy? 

Not really. While earlier models were known for being noisy, modern heat pumps are much quieter. Decibel levels for appliances can vary based on their surroundings, but regulations require the heat pump’s compressor (the primary noise source) to operate between 40-65 decibels within a metre. For comparison, normal conversation is about 50-60 decibels. Since the heat pump is located outside, you likely won’t notice the sound at all. 

Are heat pumps reliable? 

Heat pumps have a lifespan of around 20 years and are as reliable, if not more so, than gas boilers. They are also more dependable than the often temperamental combi boiler. While no system is completely infallible, Good Energy offers monitoring, diagnostics, a 10-year parts warranty, and a remote system that can sometimes resolve issues without the need for a technician to visit your home. 

Our Partnership with Good Energy 

We’ve partnered with fellow B Corp and leader in ethical energy, Good Energy, to support all our property owners in transitioning to renewable energy. This partnership has no financial benefit for either of us; it’s solely rooted in our shared commitment to fighting the climate crisis. The only benefit is for you—the property owners. Learn more about the partnership and the exclusive discounts available to you here.