FAQ: Has my home got space for a heat pump?
If you’re like many homeowners in the UK, you may be thinking about installing a heat pump to heat your home more efficiently. But do you have enough space for one?
Most heat pumps – whether ground source, air source, or water source – range from 4 kW to 15 kW in output, depending on the size of your home and how well it retains warmth.
If your home isn’t well insulated and leaks heat, your heat pump will need to be larger with a higher output, which isn’t ideal because it wastes energy. Heat pumps work best in well-insulated, airtight homes, so improving your insulation first is key!
Ground source heat pumps are laid in the ground and are best suited for homes with plenty of outdoor space. They need trenches dug about a metre underground, so they’re ideal for properties with large gardens. You can read more about ground source heat pumps [here].
Water source heat pumps require a nearby body of water like a river, lake, large pond, or borehole – something most homeowners won’t have access to. But if you do, it’s worth looking into! You can find out more about water source heat pumps [here].
Air source heat pumps need much less space. The external unit is usually about the size of a washing machine and is wall-mounted on the outside of your home. You’ll need enough space on an external wall with good airflow around the unit.
When installing an air source heat pump, your current boiler would be replaced by a smaller unit inside that handles the pumps and water, all heated by the air captured outside.
If you live in a flat or apartment, you’ll need to think about where the external unit can go – maybe on a roof or mounted on an outside wall. You’ll also want to check if it can work with your building’s existing heating system.
For all heat pumps, you’ll also need to consider space inside your home, especially if you want the heat pump to handle your hot water. If so, you may need a new hot water cylinder that’s designed for heat pumps – so plan for that space too.
It’s also good to think ahead when making changes like this. That’s why we recommend creating a Whole House Plan. It helps you see the full potential of your home, so you can plan your improvements in a way that makes the most sense for your space, budget, and future needs.
We’ve got some great case studies showcasing heat pump installations in all sorts of homes, from an 1880s terrace with solid brick walls to a 1930s-40s semi-detached and a pre-1900 ironstone cottage.
“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 back-to-front.”
Geordie Stewart, Cosy Homes Oxfordshire Scheme Manager
Thinking about installing a heat pump?
Heat pumps are much more efficient than traditional heating systems, typically producing around three times the energy they use – that’s 300% efficiency! And if they’re powered by renewable energy, they become an even more environmentally friendly way to heat your home!
If you’re thinking about switching to a heat pump, it’s essential to improve your home’s insulation and glazing first. This will help you get the most out of your heat pump and make your home even more comfortable and energy-efficient.
We also recommend getting a Whole House Plan before installation. This plan takes a comprehensive look at your home and creates a roadmap for any future improvements you may want to make. It helps ensure you avoid any unintended knock-on effects and allows you to maximise the benefits of your heat pump, making your home even more sustainable in the long run.
Make sure you work with a trusted MCS-certified heat pump installer (like the ones we work with at Cosy Homes Oxfordshire). They’ll ensure you get the right size and type of heat pump for your home.
If you use the Cosy Homes Oxfordshire service, we can help with this – we have access to a pool of trusted installers and contractors.
Planning ahead is key
If you want to plan properly, try our free online advice tool. It will give you a snapshot of your home’s potential and help you understand what improvements will make the biggest difference. It’s a great first step towards making your home more energy-efficient, comfortable, and ready for the future!
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