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Heat Pumps For Flats: Costs, Pros & Cons
- Heat pumps can be installed not only in stand-alone houses but in flats as well.
- For a small-sized flat with 2-3 bedrooms, a heat pump of 4kW-8kW would suffice.
- You will need to consider the space requirements and building regulations for installing heat pump in a flat.
Heat pumps are an effective heating and cooling solution for houses and buildings in the UK. While they are popular among homeowners, did you know that you can also install them in flats? In this guide, we will take you through heat pump for flats, their costs, and their pros and cons.
If you are on the lookout for a heat pump installer for your flat, you will need a reliable installer who offers the best prices, which can be a difficult task to do on your own. Fortunately, we can help you with that. Just fill out a 30-second form and get up to 4 free and non-binding quotes from our network of vetted installers.
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- Heat Pumps For Flats: Costs, Pros & Cons
- Can you install a heat pump in a flat?
- Heat pump for flats costs and savings
- Heat pump grants for flats and apartments
- Advantages and disadvantages of a heat pump in a flat
- Heat pump installation process for flats
- Is a heat pump for my flat or apartment the right choice?
- FAQ
Can you install a heat pump in a flat?
Heat pumps can be installed in flats when specific requirements are met. They extract thermal energy from the outside air, water, or ground and transfer it to the inside of the house. A heat pump can work in a flat if there is adequate space to install it.
You can replace your boiler with a heat pump for better energy efficiency. The most popular choice of heat pump for a flat is air source heat pump due to its requirement for less space compared to ground or water source heat pumps, which also need a water source nearby to function.
An air to water heat pump is ideal for flats with existing water-based heating systems such as boilers, underfloor heating or radiators, and buildings with adequate space. This is because air to air heat pumps can only provide heating and cooling for your house but not hot water.
Ground source heat pumps, water source heat pumps, and hybrid heat pumps can be installed only if the spacing and structural requirements are met.
Heat pump for flats costs and savings
Heat pump costs differ by the heat pump sizing. For a 1-bedroom flat in the UK, you will require an air to air heat pump of 4kW, which would cost you approximately £2,400.
This estimate is based on average energy consumption of about 1,800 kWh of electricity and 8,000 kWh of gas annually.
| Flat size | Heat pump size | Costs for air to air heat pump | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | 4kW | £2,400 - £6,200 | £220 |
| 2 bedroom | 5kW-6kW | £4,000 - £8,400 | £220+ |
| 3 bedroom | 6kW-8kW | £6,500 - £8,400 | £220+ |
| 4 bedroom | 8kW-10kW | £8,800+ | £220+ |
| 5 bedroom | 10kW-13kW | £8,800+ | £220+ |
A 2-bedroom flat requires a 5kW-6kW heat pump, with costs ranging from £4,000 to £8,400 and savings starting at £220. For a 3-bedroom flat, a 6kW-8kW heat pump is needed, priced between £6,500 and £8,400, with savings exceeding £220.
A 4-bedroom flat requires an 8kW-10kW heat pump, which costs over £8,800. Lastly, a 5-bedroom flat requires a 10kW-13kW heat pump, which is also priced above £8,800, with savings surpassing £220 annually.
You can make an informed decision with the help of a heat pump expert who can tailor the price according to your energy requirements. To get in touch with industry experts, simply fill out our 30 second from and get up to 4 free and non-binding quotes!
Click the button below to begin!
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save £7,500 with BUS grant
Heat pump grants for flats and apartments
There are several heat pump grants available for flats in the UK.
| Heat pump grant | Amount | Run time | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) | £7,500 | Until March 31, 2028 | Properties in England and Wales replacing existing fossil fuel system |
| Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) | Varies | April 2022 - March 2026 | Low-income and vulnerable households in England, Wales, Scotland |
| Home Energy Scotland Scheme | Up to £15,000 | Ongoing (no specified end date) | Properties in Scotland |
| Warmer Homes Scotland | Interest-free loans exceeding £10,000 | Launched October 2023 (ongoing) | Properties in Scotland |
| First Time Central Heating Grants Scheme | Varies | Part of ECO4 (April 2022 - March 2026) | UK-wide homes without previous heating systems |
| Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) | Varies | Ongoing (no specified end date) | Low-income properties off the main gas grid in England with EPC ratings D to G |
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers £7,500 for properties in England and Wales with a valid Energy Performance Certificate, that replaces fossil fuel systems, excluding new buildings or social housing.
This grant supports air and ground source heat pumps with a maximum of 45kW capacity. The applications for this scheme are done in collaboration with the installers.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) provides varying amounts to low-income and vulnerable households in England, Wales, and Scotland, potentially covering the total cost of upgrades with a £4 billion budget.
The Home Energy Scotland Scheme offers up to £15,000 for properties in Scotland, including a £7,500 grant for low-carbon heating, an additional £7,500 interest-free loan, and an extra £1,500 for rural or island homes.
Warmer Homes Scotland provides interest-free loans exceeding £10,000 for air-source heat pumps and other energy-efficient measures for properties in Scotland. The First Time Central Heating Grants Scheme offers varying amounts for UK-wide homes without previous heating systems, providing significant funding.
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) offers varying amounts in grants for low-income households that are off the main gas grid in England. Other requirements include EPC ratings that range from D to G.
Advantages and disadvantages of a heat pump in a flat
There are a couple of pros and cons of installing heat pumps in flats:
Advantages
- Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are highly energy-efficient, as they transfer heat rather than generate it, resulting in lower energy consumption compared to traditional heating systems.
- Low Energy Bills: Due to their efficiency, heat pumps can significantly reduce energy bills, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
- Versatility: Heat pumps can both heat and cool a flat, offering year-round temperature control from a single system.
- Sustainability: Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and help reduce carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources. For example, when considering boilers vs heat pumps, the latter offers reduced carbon emissions and better efficiency.
- Low Maintenance Costs: Heat pumps typically require less maintenance than conventional heating systems, leading to lower upkeep costs over time.
Disadvantages
- High Costs: The initial investment for purchasing and installing a heat pump can be high, which may be a significant barrier for some homeowners.
- Few Models for Flats: Fewer heat pump models are designed specifically for flats, which can limit options and complicate the selection process.
- Space Requirements: Heat pumps require adequate space for installation, which can be a challenge in smaller flats or buildings with limited exterior space.
- Permissions: Installing a heat pump in a flat may require permissions from building management or local authorities, adding to the complexity and time needed for installation.
- Potential Noise Issues: Some heat pump models can be noisy, which might be a concern in a flat where space is shared closely with neighbours.
Heat pump installation process for flats
Heat pump installation in flats involves several key steps:
- Pre-installation assessment: This includes a detailed site survey and heat loss calculation to determine the appropriate heat pump size and type. The flat must have access to sufficient outdoor space to install the external unit of the heat pump. This could be a balcony, terrace, or designated outdoor area. The building structure must be able to support the weight of the heat pump unit and any necessary modifications. The installation must adhere to local noise regulations, as heat pumps can produce some noise during operation. When calculating the heat loss, take into account the size and layout of your house, insulation levels in walls and floors, and window and door types.
- Location selection: To install the heat pump you need to choose a protected, ideally south-facing spot, considering noise and neighbour impact. A firm, flat, and level surface is essential for installation. Common locations in flats include external walls, balconies, or terraces.
- Installation (2-5 days): It involves installing the outdoor unit, connecting it to indoor components such as the cylinder and heating units, and wiring all components together. This may require drilling holes for connections. In many cases, existing radiators may need to be replaced or resized, or underfloor heating might be installed for optimal efficiency.
- System setup: This includes sizing and installing new emitters (radiators or underfloor heating), correctly sizing and insulating system pipework, and comprehensively setting up and commissioning the heat pump and heating/hot water system.
- Post-installation: Post-installation tasks involve finishing the appearance of newly fitted pipes, conducting thorough testing and efficiency checks, and providing an in-depth handover to the customer, explaining how to operate the system effectively.
Although space constraints can make it challenging, heat pumps can be successfully installed in flats by Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited professionals. Their expertise ensures both efficiency and compliance with regulations throughout the installation process.
Is a heat pump for my flat or apartment the right choice?
If you are looking to invest in an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient heating and cooling system for your flat, an air source heat pump can be an ideal solution. Despite the initial installation costs and potential space constraints, the long-term benefits make heat pumps a smart and sustainable investment for your flat.
With heat pumps, you can enjoy year-round temperature control while saving on energy costs. However, finding an MCS-accredited heat pump installer for the installation process can be a time-consuming and stressful task.
Luckily, you can save hours of your precious time by making use of our super simple service, which can guide you towards finding MCS certified professionals in your area.
Just fill out our 30-second form and we’ll put you in touch with up to 4 local heat pump installers for free! Click below to get started.
- Quotes from local engineers
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