Heat Pump Installation

Professional Heat Pump Installation

Upgrade your property with an efficient, modern heat pump system from London Plumbers 24/7 LTD.

Whether you are replacing a traditional boiler, looking to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, or exploring renewable heating options, a professionally designed heat pump system can provide an efficient and low-carbon alternative to conventional heating.

We provide professional heat pump installation services, helping property owners understand their options and choose a system that is suitable for their property, heating requirements and budget.

Government Grants for Heat Pump Installation

Installing a heat pump may be more affordable than you think.

Through the Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), eligible property owners in England and Wales can receive financial support towards the cost of replacing an existing fossil-fuel heating system with a qualifying low-carbon heating system.

Current Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants include:

£7,500 towards an eligible air-to-water heat pump
£7,500 towards an eligible ground source heat pump
£2,500 towards an eligible air-to-air heat pump
Up to £9,000 towards qualifying heat pump installations for certain off-gas-grid properties replacing oil or LPG heating

The enhanced grant for qualifying off-gas-grid properties is currently available until 31 March 2027.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is installer-led. An eligible MCS-certified installer applies for the grant voucher on behalf of the property owner, subject to the Government's eligibility requirements and scheme conditions.

Eligibility depends on several factors, including the type of property, the existing heating system and the type of heat pump being installed.

Air Source Heat Pump Installation

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it into your property's heating system.

Unlike a traditional boiler, which generates heat by burning fuel, a heat pump transfers naturally occurring heat from one place to another.

A correctly designed air source heat pump can provide an efficient source of heating and, depending on the system, domestic hot water throughout the year.

Air source heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular choice for property owners looking for an alternative to traditional gas, oil or LPG heating systems.

A professional air source heat pump installation can include:

An initial property assessment
Heat-loss calculations
Heat pump system design
Air source heat pump installation
Assessment of the existing heating system
Hot water cylinder installation, where required
Radiator assessments
Heating controls
System setup and commissioning
Guidance on using the new heat pump
Ongoing servicing and maintenance

Every property is different, so choosing the correct heat pump size and system configuration is essential for achieving effective and efficient heating.

How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Work?

An air source heat pump collects heat energy from the outside air through an outdoor unit.

The system uses a refrigeration cycle to increase the temperature of the captured heat before transferring it into the property's heating system.

This heat can then be used for radiators, underfloor heating and, depending on the system design, domestic hot water.

Because a heat pump primarily transfers existing heat rather than generating heat through combustion, it can provide an efficient, low-carbon alternative to conventional heating systems.

Air source heat pumps can continue to operate in cold weather because heat energy remains present in the outside air even when temperatures fall below freezing.

Ground Source Heat Pump Installation

A ground source heat pump uses naturally stored heat from the ground to provide heating and hot water for a property.

A network of underground pipes absorbs heat from the surrounding ground. The heat pump then increases the temperature of that heat so that it can be used within the property.

Ground source heat pumps can provide highly efficient heating, although the installation requirements are different from those of air source heat pumps.

Factors that need to be considered include:

Available outdoor space
Ground conditions
Property size
Heat-loss requirements
Existing heating system
Hot water requirements
Installation method
Access for groundworks

Depending on the property, ground loops may be installed horizontally in trenches or vertically through boreholes.

A detailed assessment is normally required before deciding whether a ground source heat pump is suitable.

Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump

A professionally designed and installed heat pump can offer a number of benefits.

Energy-Efficient Heating

Heat pumps transfer existing heat from the air or ground rather than relying on combustion to generate all of the heat required.

This allows a heat pump to deliver more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes under suitable operating conditions.

Lower-Carbon Heating

Switching from a fossil-fuel heating system to a heat pump can help reduce the carbon emissions associated with heating a property.

Heating and Hot Water

Depending on the type and design of the system, a heat pump can provide both space heating and domestic hot water.

Government Funding

Eligible property owners may be able to access financial support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, helping to reduce the upfront cost of installation.

No On-Site Fuel Combustion

Heat pumps do not burn gas, oil or LPG at the property to generate heat.

Long-Term Heating Solution

A professionally installed and correctly maintained heat pump can provide a reliable heating solution for many years.

Suitable for Many Types of Property

Heat pumps can be suitable for a wide range of existing homes and other properties, provided that the system is properly assessed and designed.

Is My Property Suitable for a Heat Pump?

Many properties can benefit from a heat pump, but suitability depends on several factors.

These can include:

The size of the property
The age and construction of the building
Insulation levels
Existing heating system
Heat-loss requirements
Radiator sizes
Underfloor heating
Hot water demand
Available outdoor space
Existing boiler or fuel type
Electrical supply
Available space for equipment

A heat pump should be selected according to the actual heating requirements of the property.

Correct sizing is important. A heat pump that is too small may struggle to provide sufficient heat, while an unnecessarily large system may operate less efficiently and increase installation costs.

Heat Loss Calculations

Professional heat-loss calculations are an important part of designing a heat pump system.

Heat loss refers to the amount of heat a property loses through areas such as:

Walls
Windows
Doors
Floors
Roofs
Ventilation

The results help determine how much heat is required to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during colder weather.

Accurate heat-loss calculations allow the installer to select an appropriately sized heat pump and assess whether radiators or other heat emitters need to be upgraded.

Heat Pumps and Radiators

A common question is whether existing radiators can be used with an air source heat pump.

In some properties, existing radiators may be suitable. In others, larger or more efficient radiators may be required.

Traditional boilers often operate at higher flow temperatures than heat pumps. Because heat pumps generally work most efficiently at lower temperatures, larger radiators can sometimes be needed to provide the required amount of heat.

A heating-system assessment can determine whether the existing radiators are suitable or whether any upgrades are recommended.

Heat Pumps and Underfloor Heating

Heat pumps can work particularly well with underfloor heating systems.

Underfloor heating is designed to operate over a large surface area and can provide comfortable heating using relatively low water temperatures.

This can complement the operating characteristics of a heat pump and help the system work efficiently.

Both existing and newly installed underfloor heating systems should be assessed as part of the overall heat pump design.

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems

Many heat pump systems can also provide domestic hot water.

In many cases, the system will use a dedicated hot water cylinder designed to work efficiently with the heat pump.

The correct cylinder size depends on factors such as:

Number of occupants
Number of bathrooms
Typical hot water usage
Available installation space
Heat pump capacity

The complete heating and hot water system should be designed around the requirements of the property.

Replacing a Gas Boiler with a Heat Pump

A heat pump can provide an alternative to a traditional gas boiler.

However, replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump involves more than simply swapping one appliance for another.

The property's complete heating system may need to be assessed, including:

Heat loss
Radiators
Pipework
Hot water storage
Heating controls
Insulation
Electrical requirements

A properly designed system helps ensure that the heat pump operates efficiently and provides sufficient heating throughout the property.

Replacing an Oil or LPG Boiler with a Heat Pump

Heat pumps can also provide an alternative for properties currently heated by oil or LPG.

This may be particularly attractive for properties that are not connected to the mains gas network.

Eligible off-gas-grid properties replacing oil or LPG heating may also qualify for enhanced Government support under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, subject to the current scheme rules and eligibility requirements.

Heat Pump Installation Process

A professional heat pump installation generally involves several stages.

1. Property Assessment

The property and existing heating system are reviewed to understand the heating requirements.

2. Heat-Loss Calculation

Heat-loss calculations are carried out to determine how much heat the property requires.

3. System Design

The appropriate type and size of heat pump are selected, along with any required changes to radiators, hot water cylinders or heating controls.

4. Installation

The heat pump and associated components are professionally installed.

5. System Commissioning

The system is tested and configured to ensure that it operates correctly.

6. Customer Handover

The operation of the system and heating controls is explained so that the property owner understands how to use the heat pump effectively.

Heat Pump Servicing and Maintenance

Regular heat pump servicing and maintenance can help keep the system operating efficiently and identify potential problems before they develop into more serious faults.

A heat pump service may include checks on:

System performance
Heating controls
Filters
Electrical connections
Refrigerant components
Pumps
System pressure
Outdoor unit condition
Hot water system
General operation

Maintenance requirements can vary depending on the manufacturer and type of system installed.

Air Source Heat Pump Cost

The cost of an air source heat pump installation varies from property to property.

Factors affecting the overall price can include:

Size of the property
Required heat pump capacity
Existing heating system
Number and size of radiators
Hot water cylinder requirements
Pipework modifications
Electrical work
Installation complexity
Access to the property
Available Government grants

For this reason, a proper assessment should be carried out before an accurate installation price is provided.

Heat Pump Government Grant Eligibility

Eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme depends on the property and the type of heating system being replaced.

The scheme is designed to support eligible low-carbon heating installations in England and Wales.

Property owners considering a heat pump should ensure that they understand the current eligibility requirements before proceeding with an installation.

Government grant values, eligibility criteria and scheme rules can change, so the latest official guidance should always be checked before an application is made.

Why Choose London Plumbers 24/7 LTD for Heat Pump Installation?

At London Plumbers 24/7 LTD, we understand that installing a heat pump is an important investment in your property's heating system.

Our approach focuses on selecting an appropriate heating solution based on the individual requirements of the property.

We can assist with:

Air source heat pump installation
Ground source heat pump installation
Heat pump system assessments
Heating-system upgrades
Radiator assessments
Hot water system requirements
Heating controls
Heat pump servicing
Heat pump maintenance
Renewable heating solutions

Our goal is to help customers understand their heating options and ensure that the proposed system is appropriate for their property.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pumps

Are heat pumps efficient?

Heat pumps can be highly efficient because they transfer heat rather than generating all of their heat through combustion. Actual efficiency depends on system design, property characteristics, outdoor temperatures and operating conditions.

Can a heat pump replace my boiler?

In many properties, yes. However, the heating system should be properly assessed before replacing a boiler with a heat pump.

Can a heat pump heat my whole house?

A correctly sized and professionally designed heat pump can provide whole-property heating where the building and heating system are suitable.

Do heat pumps work in winter?

Yes. Air source heat pumps are designed to extract heat from the outside air even during cold weather.

Do I need new radiators for a heat pump?

Not always. Some existing radiators may be suitable, while others may need to be replaced with larger or more efficient models.

Can a heat pump provide hot water?

Yes. Many heat pump systems can provide domestic hot water when installed with a suitable hot water cylinder.

Are Government grants available for heat pumps?

Eligible property owners in England and Wales may receive financial support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, subject to the current scheme rules.

How much does a heat pump cost?

The cost depends on the size of the property, the type and capacity of the heat pump, the existing heating system and any additional work required.

Is an air source or ground source heat pump better?

The most suitable option depends on the property. Air source heat pumps generally require less external installation work, while ground source systems require sufficient land or suitable access for boreholes.

How long does a heat pump installation take?

Installation time varies depending on the property, system design and amount of additional heating-system work required.

Heat Pump Installation from

London Plumbers 24/7 Ltd.

A professionally designed heat pump system can provide an efficient, reliable and lower-carbon alternative to conventional heating.

Whether you are considering an air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, replacing an existing boiler or researching the Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme, London Plumbers 24/7 LTD can provide professional heat pump installation services tailored to the requirements of the property.

Typical Vaillant Heat Pump Installation – Example

Wondering what a typical Vaillant heat pump installation might look like?

Below is an example of a complete air source heat pump system for a typical 3-bedroom home in London or Surrey.

Example System

Property: Typical 3-bedroom house

Heat Pump: Vaillant aroTHERM plus 7 kW air source heat pump

Hot-Water Cylinder: Vaillant uniSTOR 200-litre heat pump cylinder

Heating Controls: Vaillant sensoCOMFORT controls

System Type: Air-to-water heat pump providing heating and hot water

Example Installation Cost

Complete supply and installation: £13,500

Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant: – £7,500

Estimated Customer Contribution: £6,000

What Is Included in This Example Installation?

A typical Vaillant heat pump installation may include:

Vaillant aroTHERM plus 7 kW air source heat pump
Vaillant uniSTOR 200-litre hot-water cylinder
Vaillant heating controls
Full room-by-room heat-loss calculation
Complete heat pump system design
Installation of the outdoor heat pump unit
Installation of the hot-water cylinder
Pumps, valves, filters and associated components
Plumbing and heating alterations
Electrical installation and connections
Radiator upgrades where required
Removal or decommissioning of the existing boiler
System flushing and filling
Testing and commissioning
Customer handover and system demonstration
MCS certification
Boiler Upgrade Scheme application and administration

Why the Vaillant aroTHERM plus?

The Vaillant aroTHERM plus is an air source heat pump designed to provide both heating and hot water.

It is suitable for a wide range of properties and can be used with radiators, underfloor heating or a combination of both.

For this example, we have shown the Vaillant aroTHERM plus 7 kW model. However, this does not mean that every 3-bedroom property will require a 7 kW heat pump.

The correct heat pump size must always be determined by carrying out a detailed room-by-room heat-loss calculation.

Depending on the property, a different Vaillant aroTHERM plus output may be more appropriate.

Example Cost After the Heat Pump Grant

Here is a simple example of how the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can reduce the upfront installation cost:

Vaillant heat pump system supplied and installed

£13,500

Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant

– £7,500

Estimated Amount to Pay

£6,000

The £7,500 grant is subject to Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility requirements.

Vaillant Heat Pump Installation in London & Surrey

We provide Vaillant air source heat pump surveys, system design, supply and installation throughout London and Surrey.

Every installation is designed around the individual property rather than simply choosing a heat pump based on the number of bedrooms.

We assess your home's heat loss, existing radiators, pipework, hot-water requirements and available space before recommending the most suitable Vaillant system.

Get a Vaillant Heat Pump Quote

Want to know which Vaillant heat pump would be suitable for your home?

We can provide a personalised system design showing:

Recommended Vaillant heat pump model and output
Hot-water cylinder requirements
Radiator requirements
Full installation cost
Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant
Estimated customer contribution

This is a typical installation example provided for guidance only and does not constitute a quotation. The heat pump model, system size, cylinder size and final installation cost will depend on the individual property, heat-loss calculations, hot-water requirements, existing heating system and any additional work required. Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding is subject to current scheme rules and eligibility.