Heat Pump Installation: The Complete Guide For Homeowners

In recent years, the UK has witnessed a surge in heat pump installations, with many households embracing their ability to reduce their bills and generate clean energy. 

While the UK is significantly behind other countries in implementing heat pumps, the government’s Heat Pump Investment Roadmap will help households save on installation costs and reduce their carbon footprint. 

Ready to learn about heat pump installation? Read on to discover how you can save money and benefit from these innovative solutions. 

The types of heat pumps available  

Households in the UK can choose between three types of heat pumps, each offering unique benefits. The right solution for your property depends on your budget, location and outside space. 

Air-source heat pumps 

Air-source heat pumps are common in the UK, as they’re compatible with most properties and don’t require much space. They work by collecting heat from the air and transferring it into energy. 

The energy then goes into your home, facilitating seamless heating and cooling. Air source pumps are typically mounted outside a property, and the interior unit is compact enough for smaller homes. 

Ground-source heat pumps 

Ground-source pumps are the most reliable solution, as they use the ground’s temperatures to collect heat and then transfer it into your home through a pipe system. Installing a ground-source heat pump can be beneficial, but you’ll need a large garden. 

People with small gardens can explore vertical boreholes, but installing these systems can be expensive, often exceeding £40,000. 

Water-source pumps 

Water-source pumps require a stream, river, pond, or other water source, making them unsuitable for many UK properties. If you have access to a water source, installing a pump and looking forward to consistent energy generation is possible. 

Installing a water-source heat pump requires a higher investment than opting for an air-source pump, but it can deliver consistent heating and cooling for your home. 

Are you eligible for financial support? 

The government is fully committed to reducing the country’s carbon emissions, and homeowners have access to financial support when installing heat pumps. 

One such incentive is the Heat Pump Grant, which gives you up to £7,500 for installation costs. To be eligible for the grant, you must: 

• Have a property in England or Wales. Households in Northern Ireland and Scotland will have access to different grants and initiatives. 
• Only property owners can apply for the grant. This includes second homes and Buy-to-let homes. 
• You must be replacing a fossil fuel system, such as a boiler, to receive the grant. 

If you meet the criteria, you can receive a grant that will make heat pump installation more affordable. 

How are heat pumps installed? 

A professional service should always install heat pumps. Trying to fit the pump yourself or choosing a service that doesn’t specialise in renewable energy solutions could cause the system to fail. 

Let’s explore the installation process in detail so you know what to expect. 

Pre-installation 

When you first enquire about heat pumps, the installation professionals will assess your property and decide whether it can accommodate a pump. 

Air-source heat pumps are easier to install and suitable for most buildings, while ground-source pumps require a lot of space—or a high budget for vertical boreholes. 

If you want consistency, ground-source pumps offer year-round heating and cooling, but modern air-source heat pumps will perform in below-freezing conditions. 

Heat pump installation

On the day of your installation, the technician will disconnect your current heating system and dispose of it safely. They’ll also determine where to install the heat pump and discuss a convenient place for the indoor unit. 

Depending on the system you choose, the installation process can take a day or longer. The technician will need to lay pipes for ground-source heat pumps, but air-source pumps require minimal preparation. 

Once installation is complete, the service will connect your units to radiators and underfloor heating systems to check whether the pump can provide energy. They’ll then connect the exterior and interior units. 

Post-installation assessment  

A professional heat pump installation service should perform thorough checks to assess whether the pump is working correctly. Then, you’ll be able to use the pump to heat and cool the property. 

Should I install a heat pump myself? 

A lot of people think that going the DIY route for heat pump installation means you can save money—well, initially anyway. 

Heat pumps are intricate systems, and failing to connect them correctly could cause significant damage to the components. It might also void your warranty, leading to high replacement costs. 

Removing a boiler without professional support could impact your health and lead to severe injuries. When you choose an expert service with proven experience in installing renewable energy solutions, you can have peace of mind that the heat pump will perform correctly. 

Do heat pumps require much maintenance?

Unlike boilers and traditional fossil fuel systems, heat pumps don’t need constant maintenance. Yes, you’ll need to check them for minor faults, but most agree they’re easier to take care of than the average boiler. 

Selecting a heat pump provider that offers ongoing maintenance packages means you won’t need to worry. The technician will assess the pump and make necessary repairs. 

Air-source pumps are exposed to the elements, which inevitably results in a shorter lifespan but can still last for around 25 years. Technology continues to evolve, and tomorrow’s air-source heat pumps could rival ground-source alternatives. 

Explore heat pump solutions today 

Heat pump installation is one of the most effective ways to decrease energy bills and actively contribute to the environment. As more people discover available grants, we’ll see properties across the UK installing them. 

Whether you’re interested in air or ground-source heat pumps, Geowarmth offers a range of services and excellent prices. We’ve helped households across Scotland and the North of England benefit from renewable energy, and now it’s your turn.

Our specialists go out of their way to provide each client with the best solutions and support after installation. Please take a look at our heat pump services today and contact us to arrange a quote.