Heat pump FAQs

Replacing a fossil-fuelled boiler or direct electric heating system with a heat pump is a considered purchase.

Some key points to think about are:

• Have I reduced the heat escaping my home as much as reasonably possible?
• Has the cavity wall been filled (if applicable)?
• Has loft insulation been completed to a high standard?
• Are my windows double or triple glazed?

Before replacing your heating system you should make sure you have made your home as efficient as possible first.

Find out more at the Energy Saving Trust.

It is important that your installer thoroughly assesses the heating and hot water requirements of the property to select the correct size of heat pump and heating system, and get the best performance. They will need to complete a survey and heat loss calculation of the building to do this.

The installer will visit you to review and assess the fabric of your property, using a calculation method called MIS 3005 to complete a room-by-room heat loss calculation.

This will show how much heat each of your home’s rooms require to keep warm in the middle of winter - this is known as the peak heating requirement.

The installer will then recommend any changes to your system, possibly replacing radiators, the size of hot water cylinder and the size of the heat pump your property needs to keep you warm and comfortable.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is going to be available untill April 2028.

If your home is currently unsuitable speak with your MCS installer as well as visiting the Energy Saving Trust to see what improvements you can make to make your home low-carbon ready.