Myth‑Busting Heat Pumps: What Every UK Homeowner Should Know
Heat Pumps Are Always Much More Expensive
Many people assume a heat pump must cost far more than a new boiler, but the reality is often different. When you factor in everything that goes into replacing a gas boiler i.e. the appliance itself, installation, flue changes, new controls, possible upgrades to pipework or radiators, commissioning and electrical works, the overall cost can be higher than expected. A good way to think about it is like changing your car. You might see the headline price for the base model, but once you add the road tax, insurance and extras you need, the true cost is quite different. A heating system is no different, the boiler is only one part of the full picture.
For many homes, a heat pump installation can be on par with a modern boiler upgrade or slightly more. But as with any home improvement projects, some installations are more straightforward while others are more complex, which naturally affects price.
The good news is that generous government support is available. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently offers up to £7,500 towards the cost of a heat pump, making them a very competitive option. Add in the long-term efficiency and reduced energy demand, and a heat pump quickly becomes a smart investment in both comfort and sustainability.
Myth 2: Heat pumps don’t work in cold weather
This is one of the most common misconceptions, yet it’s also the easiest to debunk. Heat pumps are not only suitable for the UK climate, they are already used in huge numbers in much colder countries. In Sweden, Norway and Finland, where winter temperatures regularly fall well below freezing, heat pumps are installed in millions of homes and are considered the standard way to heat.
Modern air source heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even when the air outside is several degrees below zero. The technology is tried and tested, with systems built to capture and upgrade even small amounts of heat from cold air. Ground and water source heat pumps perform even more consistently because they draw energy from below the surface, where temperatures remain stable all year round.
In the UK’s milder winters, heat pumps actually have an easier job than in the Nordics. When properly specified and installed, they deliver reliable comfort all year round. Pair them with good insulation and smart controls, and they become one of the most dependable heating options available.
Myth 3: Heat pumps only work in brand-new or perfectly insulated homes
Heat pumps are already working in a wide variety of UK homes from new builds to period properties and everything in between. The idea that you need a “perfectly insulated” house simply isn’t true.
The key is that the system is designed for your property. During the survey stage, our engineers take detailed measurements and specify a heat pump that will provide the comfort and performance you need. That means whether you live in a Victorian terrace, a 1930s semi, or a modern detached home, the right system can be tailored for you.
Of course, every home is unique, but a properly specified and installed heat pump will deliver reliable heating across a broad range of property types. That’s why they are already being fitted in everything from city flats to countryside cottages right across the UK.
Myth 4: Heat pumps are unreliable
When installed correctly, a heat pump is one of the most reliable heating systems you can own. The real difference comes down to the quality of the installation.
Designing a heat pump system is just as important as fitting it. If the system is not sized or specified properly at the start, even the best equipment will underperform. Some companies outsource the design work to a third party and then carry out the installation without fully understanding the design. This can lead to problems later and gives heat pumps an unfair reputation for being unreliable.
At Eaasy Heat, we are accredited for both the design and installation of heat pumps. That means every project is specified, installed and commissioned by a team that understands the whole process from start to finish. This joined-up approach ensures the system is right for your home, fitted correctly and set up to deliver the performance you expect.
Once installed by a competent, accredited team, heat pumps are extremely reliable. Most systems last 15 to 20 years or more, with minimal maintenance required beyond an annual service. Many models can even provide cooling in the summer as well as heating in the winter, offering year-round comfort.
Myth 5: Heat pumps use too much electricity
Heat pumps are extremely efficient. A well-designed system can deliver around three units of heat for every one unit of electricity used. This means that even though you will use more electricity once a heat pump is installed, your overall energy costs can still be lower.
That’s because most households currently pay for two types of energy: electricity plus another fuel such as gas, oil, wood or coal. When you switch to a heat pump, you may no longer need to pay for those other fuels. The increase in electricity use from a heat pump can be partially or fully offset by the fact that you are no longer buying gas or oil, or paying the standing charges that come with them.
These savings can improve further when paired with the right electricity tariff. Smart tariffs such as Octopus Cosy allow you to run your heating during cheaper off-peak periods. By combining a heat pump with a tariff like this, you can normally make decent savings compared to running a heat pump on a standard electricity tariff.
When you look at the complete picture efficiency, smart tariffs, and no longer paying for multiple fuels, heat pumps are not only competitive to run but can often be cheaper over the long term, while also delivering a cleaner and more sustainable way to heat your home.
Extra Perks You Might Not Know
- Replacing an old G-rated boiler with a heat pump can cut carbon emissions by as much as 2,900 kg of CO₂ per year (source: energy saving trust)
- Energy efficient homes are often more attractive to buyers and can achieve higher property values
- Government support such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme makes switching more affordable than many homeowners realise
- Government support such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme makes switching more affordable than many homeowners realise
The bottom Line
Heat pumps are not the complicated, expensive or unreliable technology some people imagine. They are a proven, efficient and future-ready way to heat UK homes.
At Eaasy Heat we are here to guide you through every step, from free surveys and grant support to expert installation and ongoing care.
Get in touch today and find out if a heat pump is right for your home.