Heat pumps are an energy efficient, low carbon way to heat your home. They’re suitable for almost all types of home and, depending on what heating system you’re replacing, could save you money on your energy bills.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a heating system that:
takes in heat energy from a colder area, usually outside
raises the temperature
moves the heat into your home
It uses electricity to do this. But it produces much more heat energy than it uses in electrical energy.
This makes heat pumps a more energy efficient way to heat your home than a traditional gas or oil boiler. It also produces far fewer carbon emissions than other heating systems.
For Scotland, you can get a grant of up to £7,500 (£9,000 in rural properties) energy efficient home improvements. You can also get a loan of up to £7,500 to install a home renewable system.
For Northern Ireland, there are no dedicated schemes for heat pumps. But there’s help available to get your home ready for a heat pump, including upgrading your home insulation.
Contact NI Energy Advice to find out what funding might be available to you.
I’m thinking about getting a heat pump. Where do I go next?
The best thing to do is to find out what heat pump system is right for you and speak to an installer for more tailored advice:
Use our online assessment tool, Go Renewable, to find out what renewable technologies, including heat pumps, are suitable for your home.
Speak to people who already own a heat pump and let them share their experience using Nesta’s visit a heat pump service.
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Last updated: 19 April 2024
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