We Answer Your Heat Pump Questions

Almost certainly! Choosing a heat pump to heat you home is a big decision and often a big investment so you need to be sure that its right for you. But, a heat pump will work better than all other heating systems in most cases and you'll use it in a very similar way to you current heating system. In fact, most of our customers agree that their own is now better heated with a heat pump than it was with their old boiler!

In most cases. yes! We are of the belief that heat pumps will work in almost every home in the UK, regardless of insulation levels and the age of the property. The key to a good installation is in the design and with the right design a heat pump system will work for almost every home. There are obviously exceptions to this which we'll explore in the "Things to Think About" section, we also believe that where you can increase insulation levels in your home you should do, the same is true regardless of what heating system you currently use!

Ideally, a house, flat, bungalow or even a business premises. An existing heating system is good but not necessary as we often install heating systems from scratch. Space is important, with heat pumps needing space for a unit outside and a cylinder / controls inside. In terms of eligibility for the BUS, a valid EPC is required, or if your renovating you'll need a valid EPC by the end of the project in order to claim the BUS grant.

We believe that heat pumps will work in most houses, which means they will work with most heating systems. Our ethos is to install efficient heat pumps so our quote often include upgraded radiators (nothing fancy, just bigger but not too big!) so we can keep the flow temperature of your heat pump lower and therefore more efficient. We often recommend changes to your heating system including converting to sealed systems, installing buffer vessels or voluimisers and making sure you have a good understanding of how to control your system, any recommendations would be included in your quotation, we see this as upgrading your heating system from the current crop of, often poorly designed and installed, systems throughout the UK.

A heat pump moves heat from one place to another. Your refrigerator is a simple example—it removes warmth from inside and releases it into your kitchen using a compressor and refrigerant. In heating systems, heat pumps transfer warmth from the outside air into the water in your heating system. Heat pumps use different refrigerants, including R32 and R290 in modern models. R32 replaced older, less eco-friendly refrigerants. It requires less refrigerant and has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 675. R290 delivers higher water temperatures—up to 75°C—with great efficiency. It also has a very low GWP of just 3, making it highly environmentally friendly. Both refrigerants help make heat pumps efficient and greener heating solutions.

Heat pumps use the vapour compression refrigeration cycle to heat your home. This cycle has four main stages: compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. First, the refrigerant enters the compressor as a low-pressure, low-temperature gas. The compressor squeezes it into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas. Next, the refrigerant moves to the condenser. In heat pumps, this is a heat exchanger where the refrigerant transfers heat to the water in your heating system. As it cools, the refrigerant changes into a high-pressure, low-temperature liquid. Then, the refrigerant passes through an expansion device. This reduces its pressure and prepares it for evaporation. Finally, the refrigerant enters the evaporator coil on the outdoor unit. A fan pulls air across the coil. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, warming up and turning into a low-pressure, low-temperature gas. This gas then returns to the compressor, and the cycle repeats—efficiently heating your home year-round.

Your heat pump will also heat your hot water. If you don’t have a hot water cylinder, we’ll install a new one during your heat pump installation. If you already have a cylinder, we’ll replace it with a heat pump-compatible model. Modern heat pumps can heat water up to 75°C, easily warming your tank. (Don’t worry—the shower safety valve limits water to 38°C to prevent scalding.) A new heat pump cylinder reheats from cold in about 30 minutes. So even after a busy day with guests, you won’t wait long for a full tank of hot water.

Each Swift heat pump includes a system controller for commissioning and monitoring. We install either third-party smart thermostats or the Vaillant Sensocomfort thermostat to manage your home’s heating. If you already have a smart thermostat, we often can reuse it—if it’s compatible. Use your heat pump like a boiler, but don’t turn the heating off completely. Instead, lower the room temperature by a few degrees. This method reduces running costs and keeps your home comfortable. Over 90% of our customers say their homes feel warmer and cozier than with their previous heating system.

We start by installing the main flow and return pipework for your heat pump. Then, we site and fit the outdoor unit. To minimise downtime, we usually keep your boiler running for heating while we replace or install your hot water cylinder. The immersion heater provides hot water during this time. We recycle every boiler we remove and send old radiators for recycling. We remove all waste from your site and recycle materials wherever possible. For full details on what’s included, please see our quotations and terms and conditions.

We complete smaller heat pump installations (3.5 to 5 kW) in 3 to 4 days. Larger installations usually take 5 to 7 working days. Your installation team will keep you updated throughout the process. They’ll also provide a full handover once the work is done. Full heating system installs or bigger projects often take longer than 7 days. We’ll discuss timelines during your site survey.

Our current lead time is between 4 to 6 weeks for heat pump installations, from when the order is signed to when your installation team turn up.

Our headquarters are in Clevedon, North Somerset. To reduce our carbon footprint, we install heat pumps across the South West. This includes Somerset, Bristol, Devon, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and extends to Newport and South Wales. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call to discuss your project.

A heat pump installation has two main components. First, the outdoor unit. These units usually measure about 1.2m x 0.4m and stand around 1 metre tall. They need clear airflow, so they cannot face a fence or wall. You’ll need at least 0.3m of space behind them and side access for servicing. If you’re unsure about space, send us photos. We’ll assess your options or suggest alternatives like wall mounting or longer pipe runs. Second, the hot water cylinder. Cylinders range from 0.45m to 0.6m in diameter and 1.2m to 3m in height for larger models. We typically install cylinders in airing cupboards, storage rooms, or garages. If space is limited, we may fit a horizontal cylinder in your loft.

Every MCS-certified heat pump installation includes a noise report. This desktop assessment estimates the sound level of your system. It considers the heat pump’s location, distance from neighbours, nearby barriers, and reflective surfaces. If the system fails the noise check, we explore alternatives—such as adjusting the unit’s position or choosing a quieter brand. The heat pumps we install typically range from 46dB(A) to 52dB(A) at 1 metre. For comparison, a fridge freezer is around 47dB(A), so most systems are barely noticeable. Want to hear one for yourself? Visit our Try Before You Buy section below.

Most heat pump installations in England fall under Permitted Development Rights. However, rules can vary depending on your location. As of May 2025, the UK government updated the planning rules for heat pumps. You no longer need to install the unit at least 1 metre from a boundary. The size limit has also increased from 0.6m³ to 1.5m³. You can now install more than one heat pump without planning permission. If you’re unsure, check with your local authority before starting your installation.

We survey every property before installing a heat pump. In most cases, we carry out the survey before providing a quote. If you’ve received a remote or online quote, we’ll still arrange a survey before installation if you choose to proceed. The survey helps us specify the right heat pump system and avoid any surprises on installation day. A typical heat pump survey takes an hour. To help things go smoothly, have your utility bills, stop tap location, and electricity meter details ready for the surveyor.

Your property’s EPC give us the data to estimate the right heat pump size for your home. We also consider the number of bedrooms and other key details to assess if you’ll need a new hot water cylinder, radiator upgrades, or a full heating system installation. Our quotes are based on up-to-date material and labour costs. We also factor in the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant if you’re eligible. Our goal is to give you the most accurate and fair heat pump installation quote possible.

It depends on your home size and the heat pump system you need. With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, prices typically start from £500 to £3,000. Larger systems that need a full heating upgrade usually start from £5,000. Want a personalised estimate? Try our free heat pump cost calculator and see how much you could save.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) helps UK homeowners switch from fossil fuel heating to low-carbon systems like heat pumps. If you’re eligible, you can get £7,500 off your heat pump installation, plus pay 0% VAT on energy-saving materials. We handle the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application for you. You’ll just need to provide a few supporting documents. To qualify, your home must have a valid EPC. New builds don’t qualify, but self-builds and refurbishments might. Want to check your eligibility? Get in touch today.

Included in your quote is a new outdoor heat pump unit, sized to suit your home, along with a compatible hot water cylinder. We provide all the necessary heating controls, as well as a buffer vessel or volumiser—depending on your system size. Radiators and valves are included. Our team handles all plumbing and electrical work needed for a complete installation. Your installers carry out all labour, and we take care of the paperwork to register your 5–7 year warranty for the heat pump and cylinder, plus your 2-year workmanship warranty. If you’re eligible for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant, we deduct it from your total cost and manage the application process for you. At the site survey stage we can identify any extra costs and explain these clearly before any work begins. For a detailed breakdown, please see our T's and C's.

Some items in your heat pump installation may fall outside the standard quote or may be optional upgrades. Common extras include a full system repipe, an upgraded hot water cylinder, non-standard heating controls, extra radiators, or designer radiator installations. These come with additional costs. If you’re unsure what’s included, give us a call. You can also check the quotation terms and conditions for full details.

Like any heating system, heat pumps need regular servicing. We recommend an annual heat pump service to keep your system running efficiently. Our service engineers check the water quality, clean the filters, and remove any debris from the unit. Regular maintenance protects your warranty and helps extend your heat pump’s lifespan—often up to 20 years. Book your heat pump service to stay efficient, protected, and future-ready.

Service costs vary from heat pump to heat pump depending on system size etc. Costs generally start from £150 and an annual service is required in order for your warranty to remain valid.