Heat pumps transfer naturally occurring heat from the outside air or ground into your property. A refrigerant absorbs this heat before passing through a compressor, which raises its temperature. The heat is then transferred into your heating system to provide space heating and hot water.

Unlike a traditional boiler, a heat pump moves existing heat rather than generating it by burning fuel. This allows a well-designed system to deliver several units of heat for each unit of electricity it uses, making heat pumps a highly efficient way to heat a property.

Renewable heating systems such as air source and ground source heat pumps can be suitable for many different types of homes, including both newer and older properties. The right solution depends on factors such as your property’s heat loss, insulation, existing heating system, available space and hot water requirements.

Before recommending a system, your property should be properly assessed so that the heat pump, radiators or underfloor heating and other components can be designed to work effectively together. Where improvements are needed, these can be identified as part of the assessment.

A heat pump can reduce your energy bills, but the amount you could save depends on your property, the heating system you are replacing, how efficiently the heat pump operates and your electricity tariff.

Because heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it directly, they can produce several units of heat for every unit of electricity they use. A well-designed system, suitable controls and the right electricity tariff can all help reduce running costs. Before installation, your property and existing heating system should be assessed to give you a clearer understanding of the potential running costs and savings.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) can help towards the cost of installing a heat pump in eligible properties in England and Wales. The scheme currently provides grants of £7,500 towards eligible air-to-water and ground source heat pump installations.

Eligible properties that are off the gas grid and replacing an oil or LPG heating system may currently qualify for an increased grant of £9,000. Eligibility depends on the property, existing heating system and proposed installation, so this should be confirmed as part of the planning process.

Heat pumps require relatively little ongoing maintenance. An annual service is generally recommended to check that the system is clean, operating correctly and performing efficiently. Regular servicing can also help identify developing issues before they become more significant and may be required to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.

Between services, maintenance requirements are usually minimal, although you should always follow the manufacturer’s guidance for your specific system.