Heat Pumps for Terraced Houses
Terraced houses are one of the most common property types in the UK, and they're generally good candidates for heat pumps. The main consideration is where to put the outdoor unit — and noise.
At a glance
- Suitable?
- Yes — both mid and end terrace
- Typical cost (after grant)
- £1,500–£5,500
- Unit location
- Back garden or side return
- Noise concerns?
- Manageable with good positioning
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Where does the outdoor unit go?
In most terraced houses, the heat pump unit goes in the back garden, close to the rear wall of the house. It needs about 30cm clearance around it for airflow. Side returns (the narrow alley between your house and the neighbour's) can work too, but check there's enough airflow. Front gardens are possible but less common due to noise and aesthetics.
Noise and neighbours
Modern heat pumps are quiet — typically 40-50 decibels at 1 metre, similar to a fridge. But in a terrace, your neighbours are close. Position the unit away from neighbouring bedroom windows if possible. Most installers know how to minimise noise impact, and planning rules require units to be at least 1 metre from a neighbour's boundary.
Mid-terrace vs end-terrace
Mid-terrace homes have a hidden advantage: they lose less heat through shared party walls, so they need a smaller heat pump and cost less to run. End-terrace homes have one exposed wall, so they need slightly more heat output. Both work well with heat pumps — mid-terrace homes just have a slight efficiency edge.
Typical costs for terraced houses
A 2-3 bed terraced house typically costs £9,000–£13,000 for a heat pump installation before the £7,500 grant. After the grant, you're looking at £1,500–£5,500. Mid-terrace homes are usually at the lower end. Budget an extra £500–£1,500 for radiator upgrades if your home was built before 1970.
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.