Will a heat pump work in my home?

It’s almost certainly a “yes”! Heat pumps are efficient, safe – and a key step along the Path to Zero. And despite the myths, they work in all kinds of homes.

So, whether you live in a new-build flat or detached cottage you can get heat-pump ready. Here’s what to consider for each type of home.

Is it true that heat pumps can work in any home?

Yes, almost any home. A recent government-funded report found that heap pumps can work in homes of every age and style. From modern flats to old terraces and detached cottages, the project couldn’t identify any homes that wouldn’t suit a heat pump.

This is great news since 18% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from heating homes1. Heat pumps can also be around 4 times more efficient than traditional gas boilers. And because they’re run on electricity not gas and oil, we can power them with renewables.

Here’s how to make sure your heat pump performs at its best…

Key things to think about: from insulation to installation

Before you get a heat pump you need to know how energy-efficient your home is. You can find this out by checking your energy performance certificate (EPC). It’ll also tell you how much money and carbon you could save by making improvements.

Don’t have a recent EPC? It might be an idea to book a visit from one of our Energy Experts. They can give you a new one as part of a Home Health Report. Which will also include personalised energy-saving recommendations.

Your home’s EPC matters because heat loss will affect the heat pump you get. The higher the heat loss the bigger and more powerful the pump you’ll need. And this might cost more.

The right engineer can advise you on this, so it’s important to get a good one.

When you get a heat pump through OVO, you’ll have access to a network of award-winning heat pump engineers through our partners, Heat Geek. All their engineers are highly trained, MCS-certified, and can design a quality bespoke system for your home.

Heat pumps in flats and maisonettes

Your biggest consideration? Outdoor space

Live in a flat and want to get a heat pump installed? You first need to work out where it will live. Air source heat pumps are usually installed on the ground against an outside wall. But they can also go on a flat roof (at least 1 metre from the edge) or fixed to an exterior wall.

What’s important is that there’s plenty of space around it, for unobstructed air flow. Enclosed spaces won’t work.

Right now, heat pumps must be installed at least 1 metre from your neighbours’ homes. But the government is considering removing this restriction. Which is good news for anyone with a smaller garden.

You’ll also need space inside for your water tank to live. This might be in your airing cupboard. Or if you’re replacing a boiler it could go where your existing unit is.

Wherever your engineer decides to place your heat pump, ask them to check that building regulations are being followed.

Heat pumps in old houses

Getting insulation helps (but isn’t essential)

The more insulated your home, the less heat will escape. This means your heat pump can keep you cosy for longer and save you money too. That’s because you can get a smaller heat pump that’s cheaper to buy – and run. 

Unlike new homes that have cavity walls you can insulate, older properties tend to have solid walls. This can sometimes make them too difficult (or expensive) to insulate. But if this is the case, you could also try loft insulation or underfloor insulation. 

Whatever you decide, it’s good to remember that insulation is not essential for switching to a heat pump.

Larger radiators are usually better 

That’s because larger radiators with more surface area can release heat more slowly and at a lower temperature – all while keeping you cosy and comfortable. It’s this “low and slow” approach that helps maximise efficiency and minimise running costs. 

A good installer will assess your radiators thoroughly. They’ll tell you whether you might want to replace any. And they can even relocate radiators to reduce costs. For example, a medium-sized radiator that’s too small for your living room might end up in a small bedroom – saving you from buying two new ones. 

When you get a heat pump through OVO and our partners Heat Geek, their network of expert engineers will handle everything. At the consultation stage, they’ll take the time to review your whole heating system. They’ll show you how your bills might change if you replace specific radiators. And they can replace them as part of your installation.

Want more proof that heat pumps can work in old homes? Check out this installation of an air source heat pump in a Grade 2 listed barn conversion. It was completed as part of Vaillant’s Heat Pump Possible project. 

Heat pumps in new-build homes

Some new-build developments are being built with heat pumps and solar panels in mind. So, if you’re lucky, your new home might come with an air source heat pump already. If not, you can still switch your current heating system for a heat pump. New builds are typically better insulated than older properties so your heat pump should cost even less to run. 

Find out more about getting a heat pump installed through OVO and our partners, Heat Geek. Their network of award-winning installers are experts in offering high-quality heat pump installations. 

Heat pumps in larger houses 

Wondering what size heat pump to get? 

Air source heat pumps can still work in large houses. Generally speaking, the larger the property the more kilowatts you’ll need to power it. And the bigger the heat pump needed. 

That said, it’s not always that cut and dry. A detached bungalow with a sprawling layout will need to be heated differently to a terraced house with modest rooms.

The good news is that your heat pump installer can assess your home and advise you. Want a rough idea of heat pump size? As a rule of thumb, most homes suit a pump below the size of 12 KW.