Switching to low-carbon heating is increasingly popular among UK homeowners. Heat pump installation offers an energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas boilers, potentially reducing energy bills and carbon footprints. Unlike conventional systems burning fossil fuels, heat pumps extract thermal energy from air, ground, or water.
Ilford Property Agents recommend considering energy-efficient upgrades like heat pumps, which can reduce energy bills and carbon emissions.
Heat Pump Installation Process
Every property is different, and most heat pump installations follow a structured process designed to minimise disruption and ensure the system performs efficiently from day one.
Book a Home Survey
Every professional installation begins with a comprehensive home survey. Qualified engineers assess insulation levels, the current heating system, available space, electrical capacity, and heat requirements. Homeowners who want a hassle-free approach to managing their upgraded property can also work with Property Management Company to ensure smooth operation and tenant satisfaction.
Receive Your Fixed-Price Quote
You’ll receive a detailed quote covering the heat pump unit, hot water cylinder, radiator upgrades, pipework, electrical work, and installation. The £7,500 government grant (if qualified) is deducted from your quote, with your installer handling the application.
The Installation
Most installations take approximately five days, varying by property requirements. Some homes need minimal work, whilst others require substantial upgrades. For specialised services managing multiple units or shared spaces, check it out for the block management service.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump extracts thermal energy from environmental sources to heat your home. Heat pumps transfer thermal energy from air, ground, or water into usable heat for central heating and hot water.
Three main types exist:
- Air Source Heat Pumps extract heat from outdoor air and suit most UK properties.
- Ground Source Heat Pumps extract heat through buried ground pipes.
- Water Source Heat Pumps extract heat from nearby water sources. Heat pumps produce three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.
Heat Pump Installation Costs
Final costs vary depending on property size, insulation, radiator upgrades, and electrical work. Air source heat pumps cost £11,000-£14,000 installed, whilst ground source systems cost around £29,000 due to extensive groundwork.
The UK government offers £7,500 grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (England and Wales) or the Home Energy Scotland scheme. Your installer applies for grants and deducts them from your final bill.
How Long Does Heat Pump Installation Take?
Most heat pump installations are complete within five days, though simpler air source projects may take two to three days. Ground source installations require longer due to ground loop excavation.
| Installation Type | Average Time Required | Notes |
| Air Source Heat Pump | 2 to 5 days | Most UK homes fall within this range |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | 1 to 3 weeks | Longer due to excavation and ground loops |
| Boiler Replacement (for comparison) | 1 to 2 days | Heat pumps require more system changes |
Your installer provides accurate timeframe estimates during the survey. Temporary heating and hot water interruptions may occur, making warmer months preferable for scheduling.
Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump At Home
Switching to a heat pump offers multiple advantages for UK homeowners. From lower energy bills to environmental impact, the benefits go beyond simple heating.
Environmental Advantages
Heat pumps use renewable energy with no direct emissions, significantly reducing your carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil fuel heating systems.
Cost Efficiency
These highly efficient systems potentially lower running costs compared to traditional heating whilst lasting 15-25 years with proper maintenance.
Installation Challenges
However, the process is complex and more expensive than boiler replacement, though government grants help offset costs. Installation can be disruptive, particularly for ground source systems, with potential short periods without heating during work.
Key Considerations Before Installation
Before committing to a heat pump, evaluate your home’s suitability for low-temperature heating.
Home Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps perform best in well-insulated properties with cavity walls, 270mm loft insulation, and double glazing.
Space Requirements
The outdoor unit measures approximately 2m x 1m (similar to two wheelie bins), requiring adequate airflow clearance. Inside, you’ll need an 80cm x 80cm cupboard for the hot water cylinder.
Radiator Upgrades
Since heat pumps operate at 45-55°C versus boilers’ 70-80°C, many installations require larger radiators for adequate heating.
What Happens During the Installation of Heat Pumps
Installers position the heat pump unit at your property’s back or side, securing it on level ground with connecting pipework to your hot water cylinder and radiators. Some properties need pipework upgrades and larger radiators due to heat pumps’ lower operating temperatures.
Most installations require a new hot water cylinder sized like a large fridge freezer. Installers responsibly dispose of old equipment and cap gas supplies if no longer needed. A qualified electrician handles electrical upgrades, including new cabling and potentially a new consumer unit.
Planning Permission and Disruption Levels
Most UK heat pump deployments are permitted development, so planning permission isn’t usually required. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, and national parks.
Disruption During Installation
Expect medium-level disruption for about a week or more than boiler replacement, less than major building work. Immersion heaters are often used to maintain a temporary hot water supply.
Who Will Be on Your Heat Pump Installing Team?
Professional fitting of heat pumps typically involves a four-person team comprising three heating engineers and one electrician. One heating engineer serves as the lead engineer, overseeing all work, acting as your main contact point, and answering questions throughout the process.
This multi-skilled team ensures all aspects of installation meet professional standards, from plumbing and heating work to electrical connections and system commissioning.
Can You Replace a Gas Boiler with a Heat Pump?
Yes, absolutely. Most heat pump deployments involve replacing gas boilers with low-carbon heat pumps, then making necessary modifications to the rest of your home’s heating system. The transition requires careful planning to ensure your property can accommodate the different operating characteristics of heat pumps compared to boilers.
Location of Heat Pump and Radiator Requirements
- Heat pumps can be wall-mounted using brackets, though ground installation is simpler and more common.
- Most homeowners install units at the back or side of their property, balancing noise considerations, airflow requirements, maintenance access, and visual impact.
- Not all properties need new radiators, but many do. Heat pumps operate at lower temperatures than boilers, often requiring larger radiators for adequate heating.
Conclusion
Heat pump installation offers a sustainable heating solution with significant environmental and potential cost benefits. Understanding the process from initial survey through commissioning helps set realistic expectations. With £7,500 government grants and professional installers managing the five-day installation, switching to heat pumps is increasingly accessible for UK homeowners seeking cleaner, more efficient heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does installing a heat pump take?
Most installations take five days, though straightforward air source projects may be completed in two to three days. Complex installations requiring extensive upgrades take longer. Your installer provides timeframe estimates following your home survey.
- Can you install a heat pump yourself?
No. DIY installation makes you ineligible for government grants and requires specialised electrical, plumbing, and refrigeration knowledge. Only MCS-certified professional installers can provide the certification needed for grants.
- How much disruption will there be during the installation of heat pumps?
Expect medium-level disruption for approximately one week more than boiler installation but less than major building work. A four-person team works around your home, but your lead engineer keeps you informed throughout.
- Can heat pumps be installed in flats?
Technically possible but complex. Leaseholders need freeholder permission, and units must be positioned far enough from neighbours’ windows for planning compliance. Many installers don’t offer flat installations due to these challenges.
- Is planning permission needed for heat pumps?
No planning permission is required for most installations as they’re permitted development. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, and World Heritage Sites. Check with your local planning office for confirmation.
