Why now might be the perfect time to upgrade to a heat pump

Why heat pumps?

Heat pumps are entering the mainstream - and rightly so! Not only are they essential for the UK to reach net zero, but they are likely to save consumers money over their lifetime.

The reason they achieve both these objectives is the same: heat pumps turn one unit of electrical energy into 3-4 units of thermal energy! When that electricity is from low or zero carbon sources, heat pumps become an incredibly clean and efficient way to heat our homes - breaking our reliance on imported natural gas, the fuel most commonly used for heating in the UK. This is why the UK’s net zero pathway requires around half of homes to have heat pumps by 2040, and around four fifths by 2050 - a huge retrofit challenge.

How do they work?

Heat pumps work a bit like a fridge, but in reverse. A fridge removes heat from inside and releases it into your kitchen, making the inside cold. A heat pump does the opposite - it takes heat from the air, ground, or water outside and moves it into your home. It does this using a special liquid called a refrigerant, which absorbs heat, turns into a gas, and is then compressed by the heat pump, releasing the heat inside the home. The now super-chilled refrigerant is then returned to the outside to be warmed up again by nature. A more detailed description can be found here.

Because heat pumps move and then concentrate heat rather than create it, they use much less energy than traditional electric heaters or gas boilers. Designing and installing a heat pump system requires a much greater level of accuracy than for a gas boiler. Put simply, gas boilers use a sledgehammer approach to heating a home: they fire up and immediately send very hot water circulating through radiators, allowing for rapid heat.

Heat pumps are more gradual, and the output temperature is lower. They require constant operation and perhaps a new distribution system - such as underfloor heating or larger radiators. This needs to be calculated by an expert depending on the heat loss of your home. However, it also hints at one of the big benefits of a heat pump: a more consistently warm home!

Should I upgrade to a heat pump?

If you have a gas boiler, or an old electric heating system, you may be wondering whether to upgrade to a heat pump - assuming a heat pump is a suitable technical solution for your home. Here is some general advice:

• When it comes to gas…

  • If your boiler was installed prior to 2005 then it likely has a much lower efficiency that current standards, and should be replaced - your options are therefore a new gas boiler, or a heat pump;

  • If your boiler is more than 10 years old, or not working well, then you may want to consider a pre-emptive upgrade;

• For traditional electric heaters, you would get an immediate 3-4x cost reduction - for the same heating output - by upgrading to a heat pump.

When is best to upgrade?

Be proactive! The worst case scenario is having your old gas boiler pack up in the depths of winter, forcing you to make an emergency upgrade. A heat pump will likely take a bit of planning, plus you’ll want to get a few quotes, so doing this in a rush will backfire. It’s much better to initiate the process in advance, allowing you to choose an installer and heat pump you are happy with.

There are other great reasons to consider an upgrade sooner rather than later:

• The government is currently offering a £7,500 grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme;

• The cost of gas seems likely to remain high so long as there is continued geopolitical instability;

• By shifting your heating to a heat pump you can take advantage of smart tariff savings by shifting your consumption into off-peak hours - a pilot study proved this is viable, without impacting comfort.

I’m all in! What next?

It is really critical that heat pumps are sized correctly, and installed well. Many of the negative stories from early installations are due to mistakes in either design or setup.

We recommend identifying a specialist heat pump installer, not a firm doing heat pumps on the side. A great place to start is Heat Geek: they help train installers, and provide a wealth of information on how to ensure a high quality install. 

Final thoughts

Heat pumps represent one of the most important steps in the journey to clean, efficient home heating. By being proactive about your upgrade, you'll not only avoid the stress of an emergency replacement but also position yourself to take advantage of current government grants and reduce your carbon footprint. 

What’s more, combining your heat pump with the right smart tariff can help you save significantly on your heating and electricity bills. Interested? Whether you're thinking of having a heat pump installed or already have one, you can use our smart tariff comparison tool to find the best tariff for your unique consumption profile and maximise your investment.