- How to Retrofit Your Home for a Heat Pump System
There’s a steady shift happening across the UK heating industry. More households are moving away from gas and oil towards systems that run on cleaner electricity. One of the most practical technologies leading that change is the air source heat pump (ASHP).
For anyone considering a residential heat pump upgrade, it’s not as simple as swapping out a boiler. Heat pumps work differently, and your home has to be ready to get the best out of them. With the right preparation, though, they can deliver long-term comfort and an impressive heat pump efficiency upgrade.
Why More Homes Are Turning to Heat Pumps
Cutting Carbon and Emissions
Unlike a boiler that burns fuel, a heat pump transfers energy already present in the air outside. There’s no combustion and no flue gases, meaning zero on-site carbon emissions or local pollutants. As the national grid continues to incorporate renewable generation, the environmental case for heat pumps grows stronger every year.
Potential for Lower Running Costs
While electricity costs more per kilowatt-hour than gas, a well-designed heat pump can generate three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity it consumes. That 300–400% efficiency means lower running costs than direct electric or LPG systems. The balance against gas depends on tariffs and real-world efficiency, known as SCOP.
Preparing for Future Standards
The UK’s net zero targets make it clear: fossil-fuel systems will be phased out over time. Investing in a heat pump now futureproofs your property and keeps you aligned with upcoming regulations.
Access to Support and Grants
In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) can offer upfront grants to help fund the installation of an air source or ground source heat pump. It’s always worth checking gov.uk for up-to-date eligibility and funding levels before you start planning.
Assessing Your Home for a Heat Pump Retrofit
Getting the groundwork right is the difference between a successful residential heat pump upgrade and one that disappoints. Heat pumps run best at lower water temperatures, so your home must retain heat well.
Step 1: Insulation First
The first job is improving the building envelope. Insulate the loft, cavity walls (or add internal insulation for solid walls), floors, and ensure your windows and doors are properly sealed. Without this step, your system will have to work harder, and you’ll lose much of the expected heat pump efficiency upgrade.
Step 2: Review Your Radiators or Emitters
Because heat pumps operate at lower flow temperatures, radiators often need to be larger or upgraded to high-output versions. Underfloor heating works exceptionally well with low-temperature systems. Consider radiators from Myson, designed for energy-efficient installations.
Step 3: Plan for a Suitable Hot Water Cylinder
Most heat pumps supply stored hot water rather than instantaneous hot water like a combi boiler. You’ll likely need a dedicated cylinder with a larger heat exchanger coil. Reputable brands such as Gledhill and Kingspan manufacture excellent cylinders specifically for heat pump systems.
Step 4: Check Electrical Capacity
A qualified electrician should confirm whether your existing consumer unit can handle the additional load. Minor electrical upgrades might be needed before installation.
Step 5: Identify Outdoor Space
The external ASHP unit must be positioned on a solid base, ideally near the property wall, with enough clearance for airflow and maintenance. Noise levels on modern models are low, but still consider neighbouring properties and boundary distances.
Designing and Sizing the System
Every successful residential heat pump upgrade starts with accurate design.
Heat Loss Calculations
An accredited installer should calculate the building’s precise heat loss, factoring in insulation, construction type, and glazing. This calculation dictates the required capacity and ensures the system runs efficiently.
Choosing the Right Size
Undersized units will struggle in cold weather. Oversized units cycle on and off, wasting energy. Correct sizing keeps the system efficient and extends its lifespan.
Adapting Pipework and Components
Expect some pipework adjustments when integrating with your existing heating circuit. Reliable materials like Polypipe and durable fittings ensure minimal heat loss and long-term reliability.
Controls and Smart Thermostats
Heat pumps perform best when controlled intelligently. Smart thermostats that support weather compensation and gradual heat management are ideal. Explore compatible options from Honeywell Home and Danfoss, both well-suited to electric heating systems.
What Happens During Installation
Choose an MCS-Certified Installer
Only use an MCS-accredited installer for your heat pump project. Certification ensures proper design, installation, and commissioning, and it’s usually required for government grants.
Decommissioning Your Old System
Your existing boiler, along with any redundant fuel pipework or tanks, will be safely removed.
Installing Outdoor and Indoor Units
The external ASHP is positioned and secured outdoors, then connected to the indoor “hydrobox” and the hot water cylinder. Internal modifications may involve reworking cupboards or airing spaces to house new components.
Radiator and Pipework Adjustments
Installers will replace undersized radiators and adapt circuits as needed. This is often the most disruptive part, but critical for achieving your heat pump efficiency upgrade.
Electrical Connections and Final Testing
The electrician connects the new system to your home’s power supply. Once everything is wired, filled, and pressurised, the installer commissions the setup, checks refrigerant levels, and hands over full operational guidance.
Maximising Your Heat Pump Efficiency Upgrade
A heat pump runs differently from a boiler. It works best when left to maintain a steady background temperature.
Understand Lower Flow Temperatures
Radiators will feel warm rather than hot; that’s perfectly normal. The system’s efficiency comes from running consistently rather than cycling on and off.
Smart Control and Scheduling
Use the thermostat’s built-in features to your advantage. Weather compensation automatically adjusts output as outdoor conditions change. Stick to gradual heating schedules rather than sudden temperature jumps.
You’ll find suitable control solutions at Heating and Plumbing World, including advanced models from Honeywell and Danfoss that integrate with modern electric systems.
Maintain the Outdoor Unit
Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of leaves, snow, or obstructions. Airflow is vital for heat exchange.
Regular Servicing
Annual maintenance is essential. A technician should inspect refrigerant levels, clean coils, and check electrical components. Reliable pump brands like Grundfos, Lowara, and Stuart Turner all offer long-lasting performance when maintained correctly. Valves from Altecnic Ltd are also common in these systems and benefit from periodic inspection.
Common Questions About Retrofitting
How Much Disruption Should You Expect?
Fitting a heat pump isn’t a quick boiler swap. Expect several days of work involving both indoor and outdoor spaces, including possible radiator changes.
Can You Keep Existing Radiators?
Sometimes, yes. If they’re large enough for low-flow operation, they can stay. Otherwise, upgrades are needed for consistent comfort.
Are Heat Pumps Noisy?
Modern ASHPs are impressively quiet, often no louder than a fridge when running properly. Placement still matters, so installers typically position them away from windows and neighbours.
Will You Need Planning Permission?
In most standard homes, heat pump installations fall under permitted development rights, provided certain noise and size limits are met. Always confirm with your local planning authority, particularly for listed or conservation properties.
Making the Switch to Efficient Electric Heating
Completing a residential heat pump upgrade is a solid investment in your home’s comfort and sustainability. It takes careful planning, proper insulation, and attention to detail in system design. Once installed, it rewards you with stable warmth, quiet operation, and reduced environmental impact, a real heat pump efficiency upgrade for your home.
If you’re preparing for a retrofit, ensure your heating components are up to standard. Explore:
- Myson radiators for high-output systems
- Kingspan and Gledhill hot water cylinders
- Grundfos and Lowara circulation pumps
- Honeywell Home and Danfoss controls
- Polypipe pipework and Altecnic valves fittings
All are available through Heating and Plumbing World, your trusted partner for professional-grade components that help every installation run efficiently.
For further technical advice or product support, you can get in touch with the Heating and Plumbing World team.