Will you be forced to get a heat pump? Experts reveal five key things you need to know

With just 60,000 heat pumps installed last year, the UK’s ambitious goal of 600,000 annual installations by 2028 feels far off, as adoption rates lag significantly behind Europe.

Although 49% of UK homeowners show interest in low-carbon heating, 73% admit they don’t feel well-informed enough to take the plunge.

This knowledge gap is concerning, given that heat pumps already perform well in colder climates like Scandinavia.

Last month, a new regulation requiring boiler manufacturers to ensure at least 6% of their sales are heat pumps has sparked concerns. Dubbed the ‘boiler tax’, it has forced up gas boiler prices, with major firms like Worcester Bosch increasing prices by around £100 to offset potential fines.

Aira unveils one of the slimmest and most compact heat pump solutions on the market

But does this mean homeowners will be forced to switch to a heat pump?

As searches for “are heat pumps worth it” surged by 90% over the past months, experts at Confused.com Energy stepped in to clarify. They’ve also highlighted five key benefits of installing heat pumps and tips to help homeowners make their homes heat pump-ready.

Key findings

• The UK trails far behind Europe in heat pump adoption, with around 86% fewer heat pumps per 100,000 people.
• Homeowners can save between £260 and £580 per year on energy bills with a heat pump, and could break even on installation costs in about 4.5 years.
• Installing heat pumps can boost property value by up to 3%, increasing resale potential.

Will I be forced to switch to a heat pump? The experts at Confused.com Energy answered, “The short answer is no – you won’t be forced to switch to a heat pump. While transitioning to low-carbon heating is certainly becoming central to the UK’s net-zero strategy, homeowners are not required to make the switch immediately. Instead, the focus is on encouraging adoption with incentives like the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which helps offset installation costs.

Currently, home heating accounts for 14% of the UK’s emissions – nearly unchanged from the 1990s. The UK lags behind Europe in heat pump adoption, with only 412 heat pumps per 100,000 people compared to the European average of 3,068. High costs, averaging £10,000 for air source and £20,000 for ground source systems, are major barriers, but prices are expected to drop by 20-25% by 2030.

For now, homeowners in existing properties can explore options at their own pace, with hopes that technological advances will make heat pumps more practical and affordable. With the gas boiler ban for all new-builds brought forward to 2027, policymakers must continue efforts to make clean heating more attractive, ensuring the UK meets its 2035 goals.”

Five key benefits of switching to a heat pump – here’s what you need to know

1. Lower energy bills and increased property value

Heat pumps can run at up to 400% efficiency, producing three to four times more energy than they consume. Homeowners can expect to save between £260 and £580 annually on energy bills by replacing an old gas or LPG boiler with a heat pump. While the initial retrofit cost ranges between £7,000 to £30,000, the savings quickly add up.

It may only take around 4.5 years to break even, after which homeowners can enjoy average savings of £532.80 per year. Heat pumps can also increase property value by up to 3%, all while reducing your home’s emissions by 90%.

Did you know? To maximise savings, ensure proper insulation in key areas like the loft, walls and windows. Up to 50% of a home’s heat is lost through windows and doors, so install double or triple glazing and seal gaps with weatherstripping to help retain warmth. Upgrading loft insulation to at least 270mm and adding cavity wall insulation will also reduce heat pump workload and boost efficiency.

2. Low maintenance and long lifespan

Heat pumps are built to last 20 to 25 years with proper care, far outpacing traditional heating systems that typically last up to 15 years. Their longevity comes with minimal maintenance as unlike gas boilers, heat pumps don’t rely on combustion, meaning fewer moving parts, and less wear and tear.

Did you know? While minimal maintenance is required, annual checks to inspect components are still necessary to catch potential issues early. Homeowners can manage simple tasks like filter cleaning and keep the outdoor unit clear of debris, leaves and snow for proper airflow.

3. Consistent year-round heating

Heat pumps provide reliable heating throughout the year, regardless of the weather. Unlike boilers that struggle in very low temperatures, heat pumps continue to perform well at temperatures as low as -25°C.  In fact, heat pumps are widely used in countries with colder climates, such as Norway where 60% of homes rely on them, as well as 43% of households in Sweden.

Did you know? Properly sizing your heat pump to match your home’s heating demand is crucial. An appropriately sized unit will run more efficiently, avoiding wasted energy and high running costs from an oversized system, or insufficient heating during extreme cold with an undersized one. For a well-insulated 2-bedroom flat, a 4kW air source heat pump is usually sufficient, for example.

4. Improved indoor air quality

The average Brit spends 92% of their time indoors, making indoor air quality crucial for preventing respiratory issues and asthma. Heat pumps naturally filter the air, removing pollutants, and reduce carbon emissions by running on clean energy. Unlike gas-powered systems which can release harmful combustion pollutants and pose gas leak risks, heat pumps eliminate these dangers.

Did you know? Regular maintenance of your heat pump’s filters is crucial for maintaining optimal indoor air quality. By cleaning or replacing the filters, you ensure the system operates efficiently and helps to keep the air in your home fresh and free from pollutants.

5. Dual functionality for heating and cooling

Heat pumps are more than just a heating solution, they provide cooling in the summer too. By reversing their operation, they efficiently extract heat from your home and release it outside, keeping you cool without the need for separate air conditioning units. In addition, heat pumps help control humidity, acting as dehumidifiers when in cooling mode by removing excess moisture from the air.

Did you know? Maintaining proper refrigerant levels in your heat pump is crucial for efficient cooling. Low refrigerant reduces the system’s ability to absorb and transfer heat, leading to higher energy consumption and potential breakdowns. Regular servicing ensures timely top-ups, preventing costly repairs.