Is your home ready for a heat pump

Is your home ready for a heat pump

Posted on February 7, 2024

Installing a heat pump in your home

With increasing emphasis on sustainable living, many homeowners are considering swapping their boiler for an air source heat pump. And thanks to a rise in the grant available via the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, greener energy is more affordable than ever. But how do you know if your home is ready for one? Let’s take a look at some key factors.

Insulation and energy efficiency

The first aspect of your home that you need to evaluate is its insulation and energy efficiency. Put simply, if your home isn’t properly insulated, you’ll be paying to waste a lot of energy. Before investing in a heat pump, you’ll need to ensure the energy efficiency of your property is maximised. Take a look at schemes such as the Great British Insulation Scheme to help with making any necessary upgrades. Remember that in order to qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, your EPC must have no outstanding recommendations.

Available space and permissions

Before you call in the heat pump installers, you’ll need to check that your home has the necessary space and permissions for installation. Most properties in England and Scotland won’t require planning permission for air source heat pump installation, but it’s worth checking with your local authority. Air source heat pumps are typically 1-1.5m high and 0.5-1m wide. They need to be fitted to one of the outside walls of your home and have enough space around them for adequate air flow.

Radiators and pipework

Another way to ensure your home is ready for a heat pump is to check your radiators and pipework. Heat pumps can work with either radiators or underfloor heating, and your MCS certified installers can assess whether any changes will need to be made to your system. They may recommend new or larger radiators in certain rooms.

Servicing and maintenance

Like boilers, heat pumps require regular maintenance in order to perform efficiently. Many installers also offer annual heat pump servicing to ensure optimal performance. Here at Aura Heating, we offer dedicated heat pump cover at an affordable price, so you can be sure your appliance is always operating smoothly.

Choosing a heat pump installer

If you’re looking for heat pump installers in Hampshire, ensure you choose an MCS certified installer. MCS is a mark of quality, demonstrating that your installer will provide a product that meets a high standard, as well as fitting it safely and competently. This is necessary if you wish to access the government grants available, and provides peace of mind not only during the installation but long afterwards.

The technicians at Aura Heating are fully MCS certified and can fit air source heat pumps in Hampshire, Berkshire, Sussex, Surrey and Outer London. If you’re ready to make the switch, contact a member of our team today for a free consultation and site assessment. We’ll even apply for any relevant grants on your behalf.