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UK HEAT-PUMP GUIDE + FREE CHECK · REVIEWED 3 AUGUST 2026

Start with heat loss.
Not the badge.

A heat pump is a designed heating system, not a like-for-like boiler swap. Hearthline puts fabric, emitters, hot water, tariff and the current grant into the same planning view.

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Prepared by Hearthline · Reviewed 3 August 2026 · Planning guidance, not a heat-loss calculation, system design or grant decision

Cutaway of a British home showing an air-source heat pump, hot-water cylinder, pipework and radiators working as one designed system.
A heat pump is part of a complete heating design: outdoor unit, hot water, emitters, pipework and controls must work together.

Is this proposal ready for a price comparison?

Mark “yes” only when the installer has given you the evidence in writing. A product model and headline price do not complete the design chain.

FREE DESIGN-EVIDENCE CHECK

Test the six links in the proposal.

This checks whether evidence exists, not whether the design itself is correct.

WRITTEN EVIDENCE SCORE
0/6

Answer the design checks

Use written evidence from the proposal; do not mark a verbal promise as complete.

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Why quotes differ so much

Equipment is only one part of the job. Cylinder space, electrical capacity, pipework, radiator changes, access and the target flow temperature can move the price substantially. A quote issued without a proper heat-loss assessment is still an early estimate.

Central gross cost £11,000
Standard BUS support £7,500
Typical system type Air-to-water

What determines running cost?

The key number is seasonal performance, usually expressed as SPF or seasonal COP. It depends on the home, weather, emitter sizing, flow temperature and system control. Electricity is more expensive per unit than gas, so efficiency and tariff matter.

Compare heat-pump and gas running costs using your own tariff →

Ask for the design, not only the machine

The installer should share room-by-room heat loss, design outdoor temperature, flow temperature, emitter schedule and expected seasonal performance before work begins.

What support is available?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently provides £7,500 for eligible air-to-water and ground-source heat pumps in England and Wales. From 21 July 2026 until 31 March 2027, the value rises to £9,000 in specific off-gas-grid cases, including eligible air-to-water or ground-source systems replacing oil or LPG heating. Other off-grid replacements may remain at £7,500, and air-to-air systems have a different grant level. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different routes. Confirm the technology, existing fuel and application date against the official scheme rules before committing.

What a useful heat-pump quote should show

  • Room-by-room heat-loss calculation and chosen design temperature.
  • Heat-pump output at the design condition—not only the model name.
  • Target flow temperature and every radiator or emitter change.
  • Cylinder, controls, electrical work, pipework and making good.
  • Modelled SPF, warranties, MCS certification and aftercare.
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Primary sources and checks