Most properties can install a heat pump without planning permission, this is known as permitted development, but some properties and some heat pumps will require this. The electricity network needs informing. Your fuse board may need upgrading. All these things need to be checked out by your installer before you commit to changing to a heat pump.
Change to a Heat Pump
Established since 1997, over 25 years experience
Hundreds of projects completed
MCS Accredited & TrustMark Approved
You can change to a heat pump from oil, gas, LPG, direct electric and coal
Changing to a Heat Pump will immediately lower you carbon footprint. Using energy more efficiently could save money on your fuel costs.
When considering switching from existing systems using gas, oil, LPG or direct electric, there are things to consider.
A heat pump can be installed into almost any building to provide 100% of the heating and hot water required. It comes without the need for an additional back-up or hybrid solution.
New-builds work exceptionally well. And large renovation projects can be easily accommodated. But for direct ‘retro-fit’ replacement of existing systems, the change to a heat pump can present some challenges.
Click here to find out more about Air Source Heat Pump installations or Ground Source Heat Pump installations, including answers to many of our frequently asked questions.
For specifics about making the change to a heat pump please read on…
Enjoy the simplicity
A well-designed, well-installed heat pump is low maintenance. It only requires an Annual Service for Manufacturers Warranty purposes. Designed correctly, your home should maintain an ambient temperature all year round. There is little requirement for additional controls, unless you want them.
Environmental Benefits
If you are currently using a fossil fuel system to heat your home, changing to a heat pump will immediately lower your carbon footprint. Used with a renewable electricity tariff, it’s lower still. By changing to a heat pump, you will use energy more efficiently.
Financial Support
Funding is available for most homeowners, self-builders and private Landlords from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England. And in Scotland, the Home Energy Loan. More details can be found in our Funding for Heat Pumps Guide.
Changing to a Heat Pump? There’s a lot more to think about then just how you heat your home
Heat pumps operate at lower flow temperatures then conventional fossil fuel systems. To get the most benefit, you need should consider your whole home.
Fabric First
However you heat your home, being well insulated will reduce your heating bills. The same goes for heat pumps. If you can have loft and cavity (or other) wall insulation, you should look at installing this either before, or as part of, your heat pump project. If you could have this and don’t you would not be eligible for support from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Existing System Upgrades
All heat pumps require space – internally and externally; less for air source, more for ground source. For both kinds, you’ll need space to house a hot water cylinder, a buffer tank, heat pump controller and ancillary pipework. Outside you’ll need land for a ground source pipework either vertically or horizontally, or a suitable area to locate your air source heat pump.
Other Services
Disruption
There’s likely to be disruption whilst the installation takes place. Notwithstanding any work required to upgrade your radiators or insulation levels, the heat pump installation itself will take 3 to 5 days. This depends on the complexity and location of the unit. During this time, you may be without heating or hot water, which can be minimised in a lot of cases to a day or so.
Will you save money?
You could save money on your fuel bill, with a well designed and installed heat pump. Heat pumps need electricity to run, and whilst you won’t have a gas bill, you will have an increased electricity bill. Currently gas is cheaper then electricity so fuel savings can be minimal, you will need to make sure you are fully informed of accurate running cost comparisons.
At IMS Heat Pumps we ensure that your change to a heat pump is the right choice for you
We understand that every home and every client is different and we know that the best clients are the fully informed clients.
Heat pumps are different from your current heating system and because of this they may require additional works to ensure your home is fit for purpose and suitable for installation. Knowing that you understand this is our first step to providing you with the right design to ensure that your change to a heat pump is the right choice for you.
Our experts will detail the financial support available to you and be able to demonstrate payback and fuel cost savings. They will fully check the other service requirements before you make a commitment. With no fees for surveys, no deposit or upfront payments required you will be able to make a fully informed decision based on facts.
Considering a change to a Heat Pump Heating System? Our guides will help.
IMS Heat Pumps
We work with homeowners, self-builders, renovators, and industry professionals to install heating systems in UK properties. A heat pump has a lifespan of 15-20+ years, and we’re there for clients for the full journey, from design to installation and service & maintenance.
Our experts will determine the most efficient heat pump for your home or commercial building and provide advice and guidance on every step of your journey.
Get in touch
Find out more about our services or request a quote.
