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If you’re thinking of opting for a low carbon heating technology, like a heat pump, it’s important to do your research and find the best solution for you and your home.
Heat pumps are a highly efficient heating solution that is becoming increasingly popular in many homes across the UK. Yet, there are still some misconceptions that people may have.
Heat pumps are energy efficient and are reliable all year round, regardless of the weather.
All Vaillant heat pumps have been successfully tested in temperatures down to -25°C degrees, meaning they can provide you with consistent heating and hot water whenever you need it.
There is a misconception that air source heat pumps are very loud. Air source heat pumps are similar in sound to a microwave or dishwasher. The aroTHERM plus is renowned for being one of the quietest heat pumps on the market with a sound power as low as 48db(A) in a three-meter distance and the 3.5, 7 and 12kW models have been Quiet Mark certified*.
*excluding the 10kW model.
Read further for additional details about the noise levels of heat pumps.
To help meet your heating requirements, a heat pump system comes in different shapes and sizes. It is important to note that you will also require sufficient internal space for the indoor unit, such as a hot water cylinder.
Read our guide how to size up the right heat pump system for your home.
From 29th May 2025, in England, you no longer require planning permission from your local authority for most* air source heat pump installs.
This allows you to:
For homeowners that live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, planning rules still apply meaning it is important to check with your local authority ahead of installation.
*If you live within a Conservation Area or World Heritage site, you will still need to check with your local authority first as different rules apply.
Rules also differ if you're looking to install either a ground or water source heat pump.
Heat pumps are suitable for a wide range of properties, including both new build and older houses as they can easily be retrofitted with some modifications to the property.
Air source heat pumps are the most flexible option and suitable for most property types, including terraced houses as they don’t require a large amount of outdoor space.
If you are opting for a ground source heat pump, you will need sufficient garden space for either a borehole or ground array to be installed. Equally, water source heat pumps mean your home needs to be located within a certain distance of a body of water such as a lake, stream, or pond.
Heat pumps have a robust design with very few moving parts, meaning they are low maintenance.
Similarly to traditional gas boilers, heat pumps require an annual service to be carried out by a heating engineer. By having it serviced each year, it will help the longevity of your heat pump system, whilst maintaining the validity of your guarantee with Vaillant.
Although underfloor heating works well with a heat pump, it is not a requirement. With underfloor heating, the heat pump can operate at a low flow temperature thanks to a large transfer area.
The same applies to radiators, however, you may need to upgrade them to a bigger output. This is because heat pumps operate more efficiently at a lower temperature. Your Vaillant heat pump installer will support you by choosing the best option for you and your property .
Heat pumps can be more expensive to install compared to traditional gas boilers, however, there is government support available to support you with the initial upfront cost.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides a grant of up to £7,500 for air source and ground source heat pumps (water source heat pumps are included in the ground source criteria). Available to homeowners in England and Wales, your installer will apply for BUS on your behalf and deduct the voucher from your final bill.
If you live in Scotland, there is alternative funding available through the Home Energy Scotland (HES) grant which also offers up to £7,500 off the cost of installation. If you live in a more remote area, homeowners may be eligible for the rural uplift £9,000.
