Heating
Heat Pump (Air-to-Water)
Air source heat pumps can cut running costs for many homes — when the house is ready for them.
What it is
A heat pump is like a fridge working in reverse: it moves heat from outside into your home. It runs best when your home holds heat well and can use lower temperature heating (often larger radiators or underfloor).
How it works with Warm Home
- We check the basics first: heat-loss, insulation level, and your current heating setup.
- We recommend the sensible order (usually insulation + controls before big system changes).
- If it makes sense, we route your enquiry to the right installer/company and help you move forward calmly.
Good fit when…
- Homes that are reasonably insulated (or willing to insulate first)
- People who want steady comfort rather than quick ‘blast heat’
- Replacing old/inefficient boilers over time
Not ideal when…
- Homes with major draughts or poor insulation (fix that first)
- People who need very high heat instantly in short bursts
- Properties where noise/location for the outdoor unit is a hard constraint
Pros
- Comfortable, even warmth
- Can reduce running costs when set up properly
- Lower carbon heating option
Cons
- Works best after insulation improvements
- Upfront cost can be higher than a boiler
- Needs correct sizing and setup (rushing this causes problems)
A sensible order
This is the “don’t waste money” path — comfort first, then savings.
- Draft-proofing + basic insulation checks
- Heating controls (zoning, schedule, smart thermostat where useful)
- Radiator/emitters assessment (sometimes upgrades needed)
- Heat pump design + installation
Homeowners
For most homeowners, the biggest win is doing the prep properly. If you’re cold and drafty today, start with insulation/controls and build toward a heat pump.
Commercial
For commercial/portfolio work, heat pumps often succeed when decisions are standardised (templates for site surveys, heat-loss assumptions, clear reporting). Planning and consistency matter more than ‘one-off’ installs.
Plain tips
- If your home loses heat fast, don’t start with a heat pump.
- A good installer will talk about heat-loss and sizing — not just the unit brand.
- Comfort first, then savings. The order matters.
Grants & funding
You may be able to reduce upfront costs through official schemes. Eligibility varies — we keep details on the Grants page and link to official sources.
Next steps
- Run the wizard to confirm whether heat pumps are a ‘now’ or ‘later’ move
- If you already know you want one, send an enquiry and we’ll route it to the right company