Is my house suitable for a heat pump?

Say hello to heat pumps; a smart way to heat your home

Looking to upgrade your heating system? A heat pump is a smart, low-carbon choice that keeps your home comfortable year-round. Before you dive in, it’s important to check if your home is suitable. We’re here to help you understand your options and guide you through the process step by step.

Check your home's setup

A heat pump can be a smart choice if you want to use less energy, move away from fossil fuels, or future-proof your home. Heat pumps, especially air source, are suitable for almost every home. It’s an efficient, low-carbon alternative to traditional heating as it draws in 75% renewable energy and converts it into home heating.

Before you have a heat pump installed, it’s important to check whether your home is a good match. Things like insulation, type of windows, the type of heating system you currently have and how much indoor and outdoor space you have.

Why a well-insulated home is essential

An air source heat pump works best in a well-insulated house. If the insulation is poor, the heat pump will have to work much harder to reach a comfortable temperature. This can result in lower efficiency and higher running costs on colder days.

If you’re thinking about a heat pump, it’s worth investing in solid insulation first. That way, the system can do a proper job, and your energy use stays under control.

Is my home well-insulated?

Keeping your home warm and energy-efficient starts with reducing heat loss. Double or triple-glazed windows are great at keeping warmth inside by slowing down heat escape through the glass. Windows aren’t the only area to focus on; heat can also escape through your walls. Installing cavity wall insulation helps prevent this, while adding loft insulation stops heat from disappearing through the roof.

Don’t forget the smaller details, like sealing cracks around doors and windows, which can make a big difference. While these improvements may seem like an investment, they’ll keep your home warmer for longer and help your heating system work more efficiently.

Do you have the space for a heat pump?

Some air source heat pumps require a lot of clearance and free space around the outdoor unit. Modern units, like the GeniaAir, are far more compact and can be placed almost anywhere — making them a realistic option even for homes with limited outdoor space, such as terraced houses, flats or properties with small gardens.

Are heat pumps noisy?

Heat pump noise is an important consideration when installing a unit. The GeniaAir works from 49 dB(A) similar to a microwave. That being said, placing a unit directly against a boundary wall, near a bedroom window or near a neighbour's house is not recommended. Your installer will advise you on the best location for your heat pump and will use anti-vibration feet to reduce the noise even further.

Compatible with your current heating setup

Heat pumps are versatile and work well with both radiators and underfloor heating. If you’re not ready to replace your current radiators, they may still perform efficiently. As heat pumps operate at lower flow temperatures, you might need larger radiators to maintain comfortable warmth. Your installer can help you choose the best options for your home.

If you’re planning a renovation project, underfloor heating is a great option to pair with a heat pump. It provides even, cosy warmth throughout your space while enhancing energy efficiency.

Heat pump grants

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government initiative designed to make low-carbon heating systems like air source heat pumps more affordable. If you’re a homeowner in England or Wales, you could get £7,500 off the cost and installation of a heat pump.

This scheme is part of the effort to help homeowners switch away from fossil-fuel heating systems, making homes future-ready.

If you live in Scotland, funding is available through the Home Energy Scotland (HES) grant. Learn more about your options by clicking here.