Last Updated on June 9, 2025
If you’ve been wondering if your house is suitable for a heat pump, chances are you’re already thinking about low-carbon heating alternatives for your property.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade an ageing boiler or a landlord preparing for incoming energy-efficiency standards, understanding if your property is ready for a heat pump is a vital first step.
In this guide, we’ll cover the factors that determine heat pump suitability, including both air source and ground source options. We’ll also help you visualise system sizing and bust some common myths.
Let’s dive in.
Contents
How Do I Know If My Home Is Suitable for a Heat Pump?
When assessing heat pump suitability, several key property characteristics come into play. The good news is that most UK homes can support an air source or ground source heat pump, provided certain factors align.
1. Property Insulation
Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes. Loft insulation, cavity or solid wall insulation, and double glazing reduce heat loss and make the system far more efficient. Poor insulation can result in oversized systems and higher running costs.
2. Outdoor Space
For air source heat pumps, you’ll need sufficient exterior space to place the unit, ideally near the kitchen or utility room. It must be well-ventilated and on a firm base. Take a look at our air source heat pump installation guide for more insights.
For ground source heat pumps, you’ll require either:
- Trenches for horizontal pipework, which need a large garden area.
- Boreholes for vertical pipework, ideal for smaller outdoor areas but more expensive.
3. Radiator Compatibility
A common question we hear is, will a heat pump work with my radiators? Since heat pumps operate at lower flow temperatures, your existing radiators may need to be upsized or replaced.
4. Hot Water Requirements
Larger households or those with multiple bathrooms will need a suitably sized cylinder or thermal store. Your installer will factor this into your quote.
5. EPC Rating & Efficiency Targets
Heat pump grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) require an EPC rating without loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations.
Air Source vs Ground Source Heat Pump Suitability
Both systems extract renewable heat from your surroundings, but which is right for your home?
| Feature | Air Source Heat Pump | Ground Source Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Complexity | Simple | Complex |
| Outdoor Space Required | Small area (exterior wall or garden) | Large area for trenches or access for boreholes |
| Ideal For | Most UK homes, urban or rural | Homes with large gardens or rural locations |
| Noise | Slight external noise | Very quiet |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront, lower running cost |
Many homeowners ask, do air source heat pumps work in old houses? They can, with the right upgrades.
Heat Pump Sizing Guide for Different UK Property Sizes
Choosing the correct air source heat pump size or ground source system is critical for optimal efficiency, energy savings, and system longevity. Both air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps have different performance profiles and sizing recommendations.
Below is a general guide based on typical UK property sizes and insulation levels.
| Property Type | Approx. Size (m²) | Estimated Heat Load (kW) | Air Source Heat Pump Size (kW) | Ground Source Heat Pump Size (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | 40–50 | 3–4 | 4–5 | 3.5–4.5 |
| 2-bed terraced house | 60–70 | 5–6 | 6–8 | 5.5–6.5 |
| 3-bed semi-detached | 80–100 | 6–8 | 8–10 | 7–9 |
| 4-bed detached | 120–150 | 8–12 | 12–14 | 10–12.5 |
| Larger commercial buildings | 200+ | 15–30+ | Custom system | Custom system |
Note: These figures are based on well-insulated properties with average UK climate conditions. Final sizing must always be confirmed by a qualified installer following a detailed room-by-room heat loss assessment.
Is Your Home a Good Fit for a Heat Pump?
- Modern Homes (Built after 2000): High chance of suitability. Often well insulated and require minimal upgrades.
- Period Homes (Pre-1940s): May need insulation and radiator upgrades but still viable.
- Flats and Apartments: Air source heat pumps can be installed on balconies or roof spaces with landlord permission.
- Rental Properties: Ideal for landlords aiming to meet EPC requirements and attract eco-conscious tenants.
Get Your Free Heat Pump Quote Today
You’ve made it this far, so you’re clearly serious about reducing your carbon footprint, lowering your heating bills, and improving your property’s energy efficiency. The best next step is simple: request a free air source heat pump quote from Eco Happy.
We’ll assess your home’s unique needs, recommend the right heat pump size, and guide you through installation and available grants. Our expert installers handle everything, from design to commissioning with zero hassle.
Don’t guess—get the answers you need.
FAQs
What houses are not suitable for heat pumps?
Houses that are poorly insulated or very draughty may not be ideal for heat pumps without improvement works. Heat pumps work most efficiently in well-insulated homes that retain heat.
Very old properties with solid walls, single glazing, or no insulation may struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures unless they are retrofitted with proper insulation. However, most homes can become suitable with upgrades like wall, loft, and floor insulation.
What locations are not suitable for heat pump installation?
Locations that lack outdoor space, such as flats without access to a garden, courtyard, or balcony, may not be suitable for air source heat pumps. Similarly, homes in densely built-up areas with strict planning restrictions or noise-sensitive surroundings might face installation challenges.
Ground source heat pumps also require significant garden or land space for the ground loop system. Always check local planning rules and consult with a certified installer.
How far should a heat pump be from a house?
An air source heat pump should generally be installed close to the property, ideally within 1 metre of an external wall to minimise pipe runs and heat loss. However, UK regulations state it must also be at least 1 metre from your property boundary.
The exact placement depends on the model, noise level, and access requirements, so it’s best determined by a qualified installer following a site survey.
Do you need permission to install a heat pump?
In most cases, you do not need planning permission to install a heat pump in the UK, as long as the installation meets the criteria for permitted development. These include limits on the unit’s size, distance from boundaries, and noise output.
However, if your property is listed, in a conservation area, or in a flat, planning permission may still be required. Always check with your local planning authority before proceeding.
How do I prepare my house for a heat pump?
To prepare your home for a heat pump, start by improving insulation—this includes walls, lofts, and floors. Heat pumps perform best in energy-efficient homes. Next, ensure your radiators or underfloor heating are appropriately sized for lower flow temperatures, as heat pumps heat water to a lower temperature than boilers.
A hot water cylinder may also be needed if you’re switching from a combi boiler. Finally, have a professional installer carry out a heat loss survey to tailor the system to your home’s needs.
James Elston
Boiler Expert
James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.