If you’ve spent any time researching heat pumps, you’ve probably noticed the same questions popping up quite a lot. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be hard to know where to start or who to trust.
If you’d like to find out more about heat pumps, we’re here to help. This post pulls together the questions we’re asked daily from homeowners across Norfolk and beyond.
Why are heat pumps so expensive?
This is easily the most common question we get, and it’s usually asked before anything else.
Heat pumps cost more upfront because they are not a simple plug and play. You’re paying for quality equipment, specialist work, and an investment in your property. Heat pump systems are becoming increasingly advanced, using carefully engineered components – and with this quality comes cost. They’re designed to run efficiently for many years, including outdoors in all weathers.
A big part of the cost also sits with professional installation. Fitting a heat pump takes a host of planning and experience. Positioning, insulation, and pipework all play a key role in an efficient setup. When done right, the result should be a durable, energy-efficient system that performs as it should.
We break this down in more detail in our blog ‘Why are heat pumps so expensive?’.
Can heat pumps cool your house in summer?
Heat pumps can indeed help keep your home comfortable in summer, and for many homeowners this comes as a pleasant surprise. With the right system design, some heat pumps are able to provide gentle cooling alongside heating, helping to take the edge off during warmer days.
How this works is dependent on your setup. In our blog ‘Staying cool this summer with the right heat pump setup’, we explain how options like passive cooling, underfloor heating and fan coil units can work alongside a heat pump to manage indoor temperatures.
When cooling is planned from the start, it can be an efficient and low energy way to improve comfort, especially when combined with good insulation and shading.
Do heat pumps work in winter?
Yes, heat pumps work very well in winter, including the UK’s record temperature lows. They are designed to extract heat from the air or ground and deliver steady, reliable warmth indoors, even when outdoor temperatures drop. Rather than short bursts of high heat like a boiler, heat pumps work best when they run gently and consistently in the background.
In our winter energy saving blog, we discuss some tips on keeping cosy while saving money in the colder months. Small changes can make a big difference to performance and cut down on energy costs. In short, if a heat pump is well designed and used as intended, it should have no trouble keeping your home comfortable throughout the winter without inflating running costs.
Air source vs ground source heat pumps – what’s the difference?
When choosing between air source and ground source heat pumps, there isn’t a one size fits all answer. Both systems are efficient and reliable, but they suit different properties altogether.
Air source heat pumps are the most popular of the two, as they are more modern and often come with a lower price point. They’re quicker to install, need less space, and work well for the majority of homes. As they require a small unit outside, they don’t require a lot of outdoor space.
Ground source heat pumps are usually more durable and efficient in the long term, as ground temperatures stay stable year round. Positioning the system underground also means it’s more protected from the elements and therefore, more likely to last.
In our comparison blog, we explain the differences in installation, efficiency and suitability in more detail, helping you to decide which option makes the most sense for your home.
Can I get a grant for a heat pump?
Many UK homeowners can get financial support of up to £7500 towards a heat pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which has now been extended to 2028. The scheme offers a grant towards the cost of installing an air source of ground source heat pump when you replace a fossil fuel heating system.
Visit our BUS blog to find out more about who is eligible, what types of properties quality, and how the process works in practice. You can get an MCS certified installer to apply on your behalf and keep things simple and hassle free. It’s designed to make switching to low carbon heating more accessible and reduce the upfront cost of installation.
Can I install a heat pump myself?
Short answer – please don’t. Heat pump installation is not something you can DIY, even if you’re the house handyman. It requires specialist training and experience to do safely.
A professional installation starts with a complete survey of your property. This includes heat loss calculations, radiator checks, and a pipework assessment.
A trusted installer will be thorough to design a bespoke system that fits into your home. If it’s undersized, your home will struggle to stay warm. If it’s oversized, it can cost more to run than it should. Getting this right takes time, experience and technical expertise.
In our blog on improper installation, we explain how heat pumps rely on attention to detail during every stage. Small mistakes can lead to higher running costs, poor performance, or long term damage to the system. We’d always recommend consulting a professional, as DIY installation is too much of a risk for both safety and damage to the system.
Chat with the experts
If you’ve fallen down a heat pump research rabbit hole you’re not alone. There is a lot of information out there, and not all of it is clear or helpful. It can quickly turn into information overload.
If you want to talk through what would work for your home, we’re always happy to help you make sense of it without the jargon.
If you would like to get in touch, send us an enquiry and our team will be happy to answer your questions.