A heat pump is a device that uses mechanical energy to transfer heat from one location to another. It can extract heat from the air, ground, or water and transfer it to provide heating or cooling for a space or to heat water.

Heat pumps work by using a refrigerant that evaporates and condenses in a closed-loop system. In heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air, ground, or water source and transfers it indoors. In cooling mode, the process is reversed, and heat is extracted from indoors and released outdoors.

The main types of heat pumps are air-source heat pumps, ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps, and water-source heat pumps. Air-source heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air, while ground-source and water-source heat pumps extract heat from the ground or water respectively.

Heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency. They can provide several units of heating or cooling for every unit of electricity they consume. This efficiency is measured by the coefficient of performance (COP) or energy efficiency ratio (EER) of the heat pump.

Yes, heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling. By reversing the refrigeration cycle, they can switch between heating mode and cooling mode, providing year-round climate control for a space.

Heat pumps can operate efficiently in cold climates but their performance may decrease as temperatures drop. However, technological advancements have led to the development of cold-climate heat pumps specifically designed to work effectively in low temperatures.

Heat pumps are considered environmentally friendly because they utilize renewable energy sources (such as the heat in the air or ground) and do not directly emit greenhouse gases during operation. However, the electricity used to power heat pumps may come from non-renewable sources, so the overall environmental impact depends on the energy source.

The lifespan of a heat pump can vary depending on factors such as maintenance, usage, and model quality. On average, well-maintained heat pumps can last 15 to 20 years or even more.

Yes, heat pumps can be used for domestic hot water heating. Heat pump water heaters use the same principles as space heating and cooling heat pumps to efficiently heat water for household use.

Yes. The UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers up to £7,500 for switching from a gas boiler, and from July 2026 up to £9,000 for off-gas grid homes switching from oil or LPG. See full details above. Additional incentives may also be available depending on your location.