Heat pumps and air conditioning: what actually works in a UK home

Start with the system, not the box

A heat pump runs at a much lower flow temperature than a gas boiler. That means larger emitters, good controls and a well-insulated fabric. Fit one to an undersized radiator circuit and it will run expensively and disappoint.

Where heat pumps make sense

• Properties with reasonable insulation or planned upgrades
• Homes with underfloor heating or space for larger radiators
• Off-gas-grid properties currently on oil or LPG, where savings are largest

Air conditioning as heating

Modern inverter air conditioning reverses to heat efficiently, which makes it a genuinely useful option for extensions, loft conversions and home offices in the shoulder months — often at lower running cost than electric panel heaters.

Grants and running costs

We give realistic figures based on your actual heat loss, not manufacturer best case, plus current grant eligibility. If a full changeover is not right yet, we will say so and set out a phased plan instead.