Which heat pump is right for your home?

Looking for a low-carbon, energy-efficient way to heat your home? A heat pump could be the answer! But with different types available, how do you know which one is best for your home?

Let’s break down the main types of heat pumps, how they work, and what to consider when choosing the right fit for your property.

Air source heat pumps

Great for most homes

An air source heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air – even in the coldest winter – to warm your home and provide hot water.

Best for: Homes of all sizes, especially if outdoor space is limited.
Cost: Lower installation costs than other heat pumps.
Efficiency: Works well in the UK climate, providing reliable heating even in winter. While output can be slightly lower in very cold weather, modern systems are designed to perform efficiently in typical UK temperatures.

Air source heat pumps are the most common type, widely used even in icy Scandinavian winters, proving their reliability in cold climates. Their ease of installation and ability to cut carbon make them a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve efficiency without major home adaptations.

Ground source heat pumps

Higher efficiency, but needs space

A ground source heat pump (GSHP) uses underground pipes to extract heat from the soil and transfer it into your home. Because the ground stays at a stable temperature year-round, these pumps work efficiently in all seasons.

Best for: Homes with enough outdoor space for underground pipes.
Cost: Higher upfront installation costs, but lower running costs over time.
Efficiency: More efficient than air source heat pumps, as ground temperatures remain stable.

If you have space for the ground loops or boreholes, a ground source heat pump can offer long-term energy savings and consistent heating.

Water source heat pumps

Efficient, but location-dependent

If you live near a lake, river, or well, a water source heat pump could be a highly efficient heating option. It works similarly to a ground source heat pump but extracts heat from water instead.

Best for: Homes near a reliable water source.
Cost: Similar to ground source heat pumps, with additional considerations for access to the water source.
Efficiency: Very efficient, but limited to specific locations.

While less common in the UK, some properties can benefit from this ultra-efficient heating option.

Air-to-air heat pumps

Heating and cooling in one

Unlike other heat pumps, an air-to-air system doesn’t provide hot water – it simply heats (or cools) indoor air through a ventilation system.

Best for: Homes needing both heating and cooling.
Cost: Cheaper than air source heat pumps but requires ducted air systems.
Efficiency: Good for homes in mild climates but not ideal for UK winters.

These systems are popular in warmer countries, but for UK homes, they’re usually a supplementary heating option rather than a primary system.

Which heat pump to choose?

The right heat pump depends on:

• Your home – Do you have space for underground pipes? Would an air source heat pump be simpler to install? Well-insulated homes will get the best performance, as good insulation helps retain heat and improves efficiency.
• Your budget – Ground source heat pumps cost more upfront, but long-term savings can be greater.
• Your sustainability goals – All heat pumps cut carbon, but some are more efficient than others.

Not sure which heat pump is right for your home? We can help! Our whole house energy efficiency assessment will help you understand whether your home is ready for a heat pump or if insulation improvements could maximise its benefits.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your home’s energy needs and find the best solution for you.

Will a heat pump save you money?

Curious about the potential savings of switching to a heat pump? These online tools can give you an estimate based on your home and current heating system:

• Nesta’s Heat Pump Cost Estimator – Uses real-world data to estimate installation costs.
• Daikin’s Heat Pump Calculator – Provides a quick cost breakdown.
• Aira’s Air Source Heat Pump Calculator – Estimates your potential energy bill savings.

These tools give you a helpful starting point, but every home is different. For a personalised energy efficiency assessment, talk to our team – we’ll help you find the right solution for your home.

Worried about upfront costs? Grants of up to £7,500 are available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to help with installation costs.

Get in touch with our team by calling 0330 223 2742 or click the button below to check your eligibility and take the next step.