Has my home got space for a heat pump?

If you’re thinking about a heat pump, one of the first questions is whether your home has space for one. The good news is that most homes do – but the type of heat pump that works best depends on the space you have indoors and outdoors.

Outdoor space for an air source heat pump

Air source heat pumps are the most common choice. The outdoor unit is about the size of a washing machine and is usually fitted on an outside wall or in the garden, with space around it for good airflow.

As of May 2025, planning permission is no longer required to install a heat pump within one metre of a neighbour’s boundary – removing a barrier for many terraced and semi-detached homes.

Find out more: Air source heat pumps explained >

“The concept may seem strange to us, but actually, in all our homes we have fridges – and an air source heat pump is very much like a fridge working in reverse.”

Geordie Stewart, Cosy Homes Oxfordshire Scheme Manager

Garden space for a ground source heat pump

Ground source heat pumps are highly efficient, but they do need outdoor space. Depending on the system, you’ll need either trenches for horizontal loops or boreholes for vertical ones. This makes them best suited to homes with larger gardens or plots of land.

Find out more: Ground source heat pumps explained >

Water source heat pumps and space requirements

Water source heat pumps can be an option if your property is close to a river, lake, or large pond. They’re less common, but for some rural homes they can be the right fit.

Find out more: Water source heat pumps explained

Indoor space for a heat pump system

Whichever system you choose, you’ll usually need space indoors for:

• A hot water cylinder (often fitted where the boiler used to be)
• Other compact components to manage heating and hot water

Flats and apartments can sometimes use wall- or roof-mounted air source units, but this depends on the building’s layout and communal heating system.

Why insulation matters before installing a heat pump

Space is only part of the story. Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes, which means you can install a smaller, more efficient system. If your insulation isn’t up to scratch, it’s worth upgrading first – it will save you money in the long run.

Read more: Why insulation comes first >

Real homes, real results

We’ve supported households across Oxfordshire to install heat pumps in everything from Victorian terraces to 1930s semis.

See more: Heat pump case studies >

“A ground source heat pump would’ve required too much work in the garden, so an air source heat pump was the obvious choice. We were excited because it was compatible with a house of this size.”

Meg, North Oxford

Next steps: find the right heat pump for your space

Heat pumps are a smart move – and with the right guidance, the process doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll help you:

• Work out whether your home has space for a heat pump
• Understand which type of system suits your home
• Plan improvements such as insulation before installation

When you’re ready, we’ll connect you with vetted local contractors and guide you through the steps.

Not sure where to start? A quick conversation can make things clearer.

Arantxa, one of our qualified Retrofit Advisors, is here to talk through your home, your goals, and the options available.

Call 0330 223 2742 or send us a quick message.

Smarter home upgrades. Backed by trusted local expertise.

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