Can My House Have a Heat Pump?
Most UK homes can have an air source heat pump installed. The key requirements are outdoor space for the unit, reasonable insulation, and adequate electrical supply. Here's how to quickly assess your home.
At a glance
- Outdoor space needed
- About 1m x 1m
- Indoor space for cylinder
- Airing cupboard or similar
- Minimum insulation
- Loft + double glazing
- Most homes suitable?
- Yes
Check if your home is suitable
Answer a few questions about your property and we'll tell you if a heat pump would work.
The essentials: what you definitely need
You need outdoor space for the heat pump unit — it's about the size of a large suitcase and sits outside your home. It needs good airflow around it, so it can't be boxed in. You also need space inside for a hot water cylinder (about the size of a tall fridge), and your electrical supply needs to handle the extra load — usually a 100A supply is sufficient.
Insulation matters more than you think
Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes because they produce heat at a lower temperature than gas boilers. If your home loses heat quickly through poor insulation, the heat pump has to work harder and costs more to run. At minimum, you want decent loft insulation and double glazing. Cavity wall insulation is a big help too.
Property types that work well
Detached and semi-detached houses are the easiest to fit. Terraced houses work well too — the unit just goes in the back garden. Bungalows are often ideal candidates. Flats are more challenging but not impossible, especially ground floor flats with outdoor access.
What might make it harder
No outdoor space at all is the biggest barrier — you need somewhere for the external unit. Listed building status can add planning complications. Very old properties with solid walls and no insulation will need significant prep work. And if you're a tenant, you'll need your landlord's agreement.
How we calculate estimates
Our estimates use published data from the Energy Saving Trust, Ofgem tariff caps, and MCS installer pricing. We model savings based on your home size, insulation level, and current heating system. All figures are indicative — your actual costs will depend on your installer's survey and quote.
Check if your home is suitable
Answer a few questions about your property and we'll tell you if a heat pump would work.