Heat pumps are one of the best ways to cut carbon and future-proof your home – but they’re not a plug-and-play upgrade. For many households, the real question isn’t which heat pump to choose – it’s whether your home is ready for one yet.

At Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, we speak to many people in exactly this position: interested in making the switch, but worried their home might not be suitable. And the truth is, they’re right to ask.

If your home is draughty, poorly insulated, or running on an outdated system, installing a heat pump too soon could leave you disappointed with the results.

So what does it mean for your home to be “heat pump ready”? And what can you do if you’re not there yet?

Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes

A heat pump runs at a lower temperature than a gas boiler. That’s what makes it so efficient – but it also means your home needs to hold onto heat more effectively.

If warmth is escaping through your roof, walls, or windows, your heat pump will have to work harder to maintain comfort. And that could mean higher bills, underperformance – or both.

That’s why insulation is such an important first step. Before thinking about a heat pump, it’s worth asking:

• Is my loft properly insulated?
• Are the external walls insulated?
• Are there draughts around my windows and doors?
• How old is the glazing?

Even small improvements can make a big difference. But skip this step, and you risk spending thousands on a system that can’t do its job properly.

The good news: you can still make progress

If your home isn’t heat pump ready just yet, you’re not starting from scratch. In fact, the upgrades that will help a heat pump work better are also the ones that make your home more comfortable, efficient, and affordable to run right now.

Some of the most valuable improvements include:

• Insulation – in the loft, under the floors, and in cavity or solid walls
• Air tightness and draught-proofing – to stop heat escaping
• Upgraded radiators – to run efficiently with lower flow temperatures
• Smart heating controls – for better management and zoned heating

These upgrades don’t just prepare your home for a heat pump – they deliver immediate benefits in comfort, control, and energy savings.

Planning ahead means better results

Every home is different. Some need only minor adjustments. Others need a more joined-up approach. That’s why we offer tailored advice that looks at the whole home – not just one system.

By thinking things through in the right order, you can avoid wasted spend, reduce disruption, and make confident decisions that will work long-term.

Is your boiler battling burnout? Don’t wait until your boiler breaks down to decide whether to stick with gas or switch to a heat pump. Exploring your options early means you’re not rushed into a decision when the heating suddenly stops.

Want to explore your options?

If you’re not sure where to begin, we can help.

Whether you’re ready to plan your next steps or just want to understand the options, we offer practical, independent guidance – and connect you with trusted local professionals who know how to get the job done properly.