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Heat pumps

How does a heat pump work?

Heat pumps take heat from outside your home and use it to warm the inside.

This heat can come from the air or from the ground. Even when it feels cold, there is still heat outside that a heat pump can use.

A heat pump uses electricity to collect this heat and make it warmer. It then moves the heat around your home, just like a normal heating system.

Because a heat pump gives out more heat than the electricity it uses, it is an efficient way to heat your home.

When it’s colder outside, the pump needs to work harder and uses more electricity.
When it’s warmer, it uses less electricity to heat your home.

What are the benefits of a heat pump?

  • A more eco-friendly home. Heat pumps don’t rely on burning fossil fuels to create heat unlike traditional gas boilers. They do still require electricity to operate but using a renewable energy supplier, or even your own solar panels, to power the pump means that they present a cleaner way to generate heat for your home. 
  • Off grid energy. For homes that aren’t connected to a gas supply a heat pump could provide an alternative heat source. They take their heat from below the ground using an underground series of pipes to absorb and release heat.
  • Comfort. Heat pumps can also cool your home. By working in reverse, they can move warm air outside, to make inside conditions more comfortable in summer.

Could a heat pump save you money?

The amount of money you could save from switching to a heat pump will depend on several factors.  Keep in mind the upfront cost too. These factors include:

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    How well your house is insulated. Preventing the heat from escaping through your walls, roof and floors will make your home more energy efficient. Heat pumps deliver medium heat continuously. Therefore, your property will need to be well insulated to fully benefit from the heat pump's higher efficiency.

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    The climate where you live. Heat pumps can extract heat in temperatures as low as -15C. However, the amount of electricity required could increase in lower temperatures as the heat pump would need to work harder. 

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    Your current heating system. Most heat pumps use radiators and underfloor heating. To avoid inefficiencies, you might need to adjust your heating system when installing a heat pump. For example, smaller radiators may make the heat pump work harder than larger radiators. 

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    The type of heat pump. Being highly efficient, heat pumps use less energy than they produce. However, different types of heat pump are suitable for different types of homes and the results will vary. Depending on the size of the property, the surroundings and the amount of heat required.

Want to upgrade your heating system?

There is a range of schemes which offer financial support for your energy saving home improvements.

England and Wales

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a scheme offered in England and Wales. Starting in April 2022, BUS will offer a grant up to £7,500 to replace traditional boilers with low-carbon heating alternative. Eligibility criteria regarding current EPC rating and outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation apply.

If you live in Wales, the Nest scheme helps with funding energy efficient improvements in low income households. They also offer free and impartial advice on energy and water saving.

Scotland

If you live in Scotland, Home Energy Scotland offers funding and loans supporting energy efficient measures.

Different types of heat pump

There are several types of heat pump, but the two most common in the UK are air source and ground source heat pumps.

Which one is right for you depends on factors like your budget and the amount of outdoor space you have.

Air source heat pumps

An air source heat pump, also known as an air‑to‑water heat pump, takes heat from the outside air and uses it to heat the water in your home’s central heating system.

This heat can be used to warm your home through radiators or underfloor heating. It can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your taps and showers.

Air‑to‑water heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump in the UK.

The typical cost of installation is around £11,000. The final cost will depend on factors such as the size of your property and the size of the heat pump you need.

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Ground source heat pumps

A ground source heat pump, also known as a ground‑to‑water or geothermal heat pump, takes heat from the ground and transfers it to a fluid. This heat is then used to warm your home through radiators or underfloor heating.

It can also heat water stored in a hot water cylinder for your taps and showers.

Installation costs can vary, but typically average around £29,000. The final cost will depend on factors such as the type and size of your property, as well as the amount of groundwork required.

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The estimated costs of the different types of heat pump stated in this article were taken from the Energy Saving Trust (2026). 

Heat pumps vs gas boilers

The suitability of a heat pump for your home depends on various factors, so if you're considering switching to a heat pump make sure you use a certified installer.

Costs and support

A heat pump can cost more to buy than a boiler.
But it usually costs less to run once it’s installed.

There is financial support available to help some homeowners switch to a heat pump. This could help lower the upfront cost and make moving to a heat pump more affordable.

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Home energy grants and schemes Open in new window

Energy efficiency

Heat pumps are highly efficient as they can generate between 3-4 times more energy than they consume.

The exact energy savings you might get will depend on your home's current heating system, which may also be efficient, and insulation.

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Ways to improve your insulation Open in new window

Cleaner energy

Heat pumps can be powered by solar panels or other sources of renewable energy, which makes them a better option for the planet. Rather than burning fuel, heat pumps use electricity for power and produce more energy than they consume.

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Questions about heat pumps