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How is a heat pump installed?

In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know before deciding to replace your traditional gas boiler with a heat pump and how they are installed in your home.
two men fitting a Vaillant aroTHERM plus heat pump
two men walking outside house with a heat pump in the background

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a type of heating system that uses existing thermal energy to provide a more environmentally friendly heat source. The system draws existing thermal energy from an environmental source, such as the ground, air or water, and then converts into steam to heat your home.

Heat pumps come in three varieties, each extracting thermal energy from a distinct source:

You can learn more about the process behind this in our guide to how heat pumps work.

Heat pumps are suited to a wide range of properties from semi-detached houses and flats. However, there may be some factors to consider before having one installed. Therefore, it’s important to research each one individually to determine which one, if any, is right for you.

How much does it cost to install a heat pump?

The cost of installing a heat pump varies greatly depending on the requirements of your property, as well as the type of system you want installed.

To give you an idea of what to expect, Energy Saving Trust estimates that air source heat pump installation costs around £14,000.

In addition, if you’re replacing your fossil fuel-powered gas boiler, you may be eligible for the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). If you live in England or Wales and are eligible for BUS, you could receive a grant of up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing either a ground source or air source heat pump. The scheme will run until 2028 as part of the government's Net Zero strategy. Your installer will apply for BUS on your behalf and deduct the cost from your final bill.

If you live in Scotland, you can also receive up to £7,500 through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme to enhance the energy efficiency of your home by installing a heat pump. For those living in Northern Ireland, there maybe other funding options available.

How long does it take to install a heat pump?

Each system is different and has its own set of requirements, so no two installations are the same. Air source heat pumps are the quickest and easiest to install, as they don’t require any groundwork. Whereas ground source installations re quire the digging of a borehole system or ground arrays.

A basic installation will take a couple of days whereas more complex systems may require longer to complete. When assessing your home for heat pump suitability and providing a quote, your installer will be able to advise you on the expected installation time.

LIVING WITH A HEAT PUMP Case Study:

As part of our Heat Pump Possible campaign with Kevin McCloud, he spoke to Luke Sheppard from Optimus Heating to discuss how his first heat pump install in his own home became a success.

Key considerations before installing a heat pump

Before installation, it's important to take a few factors into account:

  • Energy efficiency of your home

    To maximise the performance of your heat pump, it’s important to make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. Adding a sufficient amount of insulation to prevent heat from escaping will help your home feel warmer for longer. Insulation can range from cavity walls, loft insulation and fitting double or triple glazed windows.

    Discover how to insulate your home effectively

  • Space considerations

    Space is required for the various components of a heat pump, some of which are inside and some outside, although the size and location will depend on the type of heat pump you choose. You should also bear in mind that heat pumps require an indoor hot water cylinder, and some properties may also need a buffer tank, so this system might not be suitable for smaller homes.

    Learn how to select the ideal heat pump for your home.

  • Radiator size

    As heat pumps run at a lower temperature than boilers, your installer will need to check whether your existing radiators will deliver the desired level of heating comfort. Heat pumps operate at a much lower temperature than a boiler meaning your radiators will feel cooler to touch and this is perfectly normal. If you’re in the process of renovating or building a house, underfloor heating is a great option as they are designed to operate at lower temperatures.

Heat pump installation process Step 1: Initial assessment

Firstly, discover if a heat pump is suitable for your home, and what specifications the system will need to provide adequate heating.

When providing a quote, your heat pump installer will visit your property to carry out a heat loss calculation to assess how much heat is needed to keep your home warm. This will form the basis of their recommendations for your heat pump system.

You can also contact an independent energy assessor, who will be able to provide you with an energy performance certificate (EPC).

two installers fitting an aroTHERM plus heat pump

Step 2: Choosing your new system

Once the assessment has been completed, your installer will detail the specifics of the recommended heat pump system, including the size and power of the heat pump, and where the initial heat source will be drawn from.

They will also discuss where each component should be installed to get the most out of the system without disrupting your home.

Step 3: Pre-installation recommendations

Before going ahead with the installation, it’s important that you action any recommendations highlighted by the initial assessment to improve the efficiency of your heat pump or facilitate installation.

This might include improving your home’s insulation, replacing existing radiators with larger ones, or obtaining planning permission (although this is not required for all types of heat pump).

Your installer will also organise the BUS grant as well as notifying the DNO (District Network Operator).

Step 4: Fitting the inside unit

The inside unit will usually be positioned on an external wall and will be mounted on a bracket. The installer will drill a hole through the wall and feed the necessary cables and pipes to the outside, where they can be connected to the external unit. Note that during the installation process, you may experience a temporary lack of heating and hot water for a short time.

If you don't already have a cylinder, you will need one installing inside your home as a way storing hot water.

We recommended having your heat pump installed in the warmer months as you are less reliant on your central heating system.

Step 5: Fitting the outside unit

This step varies depending on what type is being installed. For air source, the outside unit can be quickly and easily secured to the ground using the anti vibration feet or wall mounted outside the building. The installation of ground or water source will require extensive digging and laying of pipes.

Step 6: Connecting and testing

Once both parts of the heat pump are in position, your installer will connect them to each other, as well as to the rest of your heating system. They will then perform a number of checks to make sure everything is working properly and is safe to use.

Heat pump installation benefits and considerations

Installing a heat pump offers lots of benefits, but also has some points to consider:

• Heat pumps use renewable energy to provide environmentally friendly heating with no emissions, reducing your carbon footprint.

• These systems are highly efficient and cost effective, resulting in lower running costs for heating your home compared to using a traditional gas boiler.

• This efficiency means less stress on the system, reducing repair, replacement and maintenance costs over the system’s lifetime.

installer putting the front of a vaillant heat pump
installer putting the front of a vaillant heat pump

• The installation process is complex and therefore much more expensive than standard boiler installation.

• Depending on the type of heat pump you’re having installed, it can be quite disruptive and may require significant work to your home and garden. You may be without heating and hot water for a short while whilst the installation is being carried out.

installer showing two people something on his phone
installer showing two people something on his phone

Boost home comfort with a Vaillant heat pump

Find a heat pump installer How to buy a heat pump

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  1. HEAT PUMP maintenance

    What to expect from a heat pump service?

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  2. SUPPORT

    What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

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  3. UPGRADE YOUR HEATING

    Modernise your home with a heat pump

    Read here