Heat pumps, explained
Everything you need to know about heat pumps from the geeks who know best.
What is a
heat pump?
A heat pump doesn't make heat. It moves it. Using electricity, it pulls heat from the air outside your home and brings it inside.
Because it moves heat rather than generating it, a heat pump produces 3-5 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used. That's what makes it so efficient.
Heat pump benefits
5x
Up to 5x more efficient than a gas boiler
70%
Up to 70% fewer carbon emissions
£100s
£100s saved on heating bills a year
An install that can
save you money
With government grants and a system design tailored to your home, the total cost is often closer to a standard boiler than expected.
£3,000 average price
We design every system around your home to ensure it performs efficiently and fits your space. With government support applied, the overall cost is often comparable to replacing a boiler.
Up to £9,000 Grant
Most homeowners are eligible for the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (or Home Energy Scotland), which can provide you with up to £9,000 in grant funding towards the cost of your heat pump. We'll asses your eligibility, handle all the paperwork if you're in England or Wales and apply the grant directly to your quote. See our summary of grants here.
Help from your bank
Many banks and building societies offer additional funding for heat pump installations, often amounting to £1,000s. We can help you explore your options. Check out our article on support available from banks.
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They give you a guaranteed SCOP, so you have that confidence that you're paying for a premium service, you get a premium experience. You have that guarantee that the air source heat pump will work.
Harjit - Homeowner, Berkshire
The heat pump unit is only part of the story
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the heat pump unit itself is the most important component.
In reality, the most important factor is the quality of the installer and as a result the quality of the install. The radiators, pipework and controls play a big role in how well everything works.
If pipework is poorly configured, the heat pump is forced to run hotter and harder than it should.
That's why we've trained the best installers in the industry, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to design the right system for your home, so your heat pump performs as it should.
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Are heat pumps
expensive to run?
Not when they are set up properly. Because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, running costs can be significantly lower than a gas boiler. Heat Geek installations are 50% more efficient than the national average, which means lower bills, month after month.
Will a heat pump work in my home?
Most UK homes are suitable for a heat pump. The key isn't the age or size of your home, it's how the system is designed around it. A well-designed installation will outperform a boiler in almost any home.
How much does a heat pump cost?
The cost of a heat pump depends on your home, but most installations sit between £10,000 and £15,000. With the £7,500 - £9,000 government grant applied, many homeowners end up paying the same as replacing a boiler (or less).
Still got questions?
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FAQs
Do heat pumps increase house value?
Studies have confirmed that installing a heat pump in the UK can raise the value of your property by up to 3%.
How much do heat pumps cost in the UK in 2026?
In 2026, a typical air source heat pump installation in the UK costs between £3,000 and £20,000 after the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, which can be up to £9,000 if you’re on oil or LPG. Final costs depend on property size, insulation levels, emitter upgrades and system design quality. At Heat Geek our average install price is £3,000 (after the grant). That's the same as swapping out your gas boiler.
Because every home is different, the only way to get accurate numbers is through a properly modelled design. Heat Geek’s paid Design Consultation provides a full heat loss calculation, system specification and guaranteed performance estimate tailored to your property.
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme still available in 2026?
Yes. The UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently offers a £7,500 grant toward eligible air source heat pump installations in England and Wales which is rising to £9,000 for homes on oil or LPG. The grant must be applied for through an approved installer and eligibility rules apply. In Scotland the HES Grant can provide even more funding. All details are in the 2026 Heat Pump Guide.
Are heat pumps cheaper to run than gas boilers?
In many cases yes, especially when properly designed and when factoring long-term gas price inflation and your chosen tariff. Running costs depend on efficiency and tariff structure so it's worth looking closely at your best option. Use our calculator to give you an idea of what running costs could look like for you.
How can I find a heat pump installer near me?
Use our postcode search to check your home’s suitability and get an estimate of your install costs. If you’d like to proceed, we’ll match you with a local, vetted Heat Geek installer.
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