Heat Pump Advice
Thinking about getting a heat pump?
Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular way to heat homes across Cardiff and South Wales, offering highly efficient low-temperature heating compared with traditional gas boilers.
At Glowtech Heating & Plumbing we install modern air source heat pump systems designed to deliver efficient heating while working alongside properly designed heating systems.
If you’re considering upgrading your heating system, here are some key things to understand before installing a heat pump.
What is a heat pump?
An air source heat pump extracts heat energy from the outside air and transfers it into your home through your heating system. Unlike traditional boilers which generate heat by burning fuel, heat pumps move heat using electricity. This allows them to operate at very high levels of efficiency when correctly designed and installed. Heat pumps work particularly well with heating systems designed to operate at lower flow temperatures, allowing them to provide steady and efficient heating throughout the home.
Is my home suitable for a heat pump?
Many homes can successfully run a heat pump, but correct system design is essential.
A properly designed system ensures the heat pump can operate efficiently while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
Do heat pumps work in older homes?
Yes. Many properties across Cardiff, Penarth and the Vale of Glamorgan can successfully run heat pumps when the system is designed correctly. Older homes may require improvements such as upgraded insulation or larger radiators so the system can operate efficiently at lower flow temperatures. When combined with improvements to the building fabric, heat pumps can be an effective heating solution even for period properties.
How much does a heat pump cost in the UK?
The UK Government currently offers a £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant to help homeowners install air source heat pumps.
This grant significantly reduces the cost of installing a heat pump system.
After the grant has been applied, many heat pump installations can cost a similar amount to replacing a traditional gas boiler, depending on the property and the heating system requirements.
Many homeowners are surprised how affordable heat pumps can be once the government grant is applied.
The final cost of a heat pump installation depends on several factors, including:
Because every property is different, the best way to understand the cost is through a heating survey and proper system design.
Are heat pumps cheaper to run than gas boilers?
Heat pumps can be cheaper to run than gas boilers when they are correctly designed and operate efficiently at low flow temperatures.
Because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, they can achieve efficiencies of 300–400% or higher. This means that for every 1kW of electricity used, a heat pump can typically deliver at least 3kW of heat energy into the home.
By comparison, a typical gas boiler operates at around 85–90% efficiency, meaning some of the energy produced during combustion is lost through the flue.
However, running costs depend on several factors, including:
When heat pumps are properly designed and installed, they can provide very efficient heating and hot water for modern homes.
Professional heat pump installation in Cardiff
At Glowtech Heating & Plumbing we work alongside trusted renewable specialists to deliver air source heat pump installations across Cardiff and South Wales.
Our focus is on designing heating systems that allow heat pumps to operate efficiently long-term, ensuring the system works correctly with the property’s heating distribution.
We regularly work on heating projects across Cardiff, Penarth, Llandaff and the Vale of Glamorgan, helping homeowners upgrade to modern renewable heating systems.
Considering a heat pump?
If you’re thinking about installing a heat pump in Cardiff or South Wales, Glowtech Heating & Plumbing can provide advice and assess whether your property is suitable.
Contact us today to discuss your heating system or arrange a survey.