Heat Pumps in Large and Old Homes: Expert Insights and Real-World Success Stories
Heat pumps are frequently promoted as a cleaner alternative to traditional gas boilers, but for owners of large or period properties, a critical question remains: can this technology perform effectively beyond modern, well-insulated homes? Powered by electricity, heat pumps extract warmth from the air or ground to provide heating and hot water. While they offer significant reductions in carbon emissions, the substantial upfront costs—even with government grants—leave many homeowners uncertain about making the switch.
Understanding the Challenges and Solutions
Experts acknowledge that doubts are understandable, given the unique characteristics of older or larger homes. However, homeowners who have already transitioned argue that heat pumps can excel even in properties where conventional boilers previously struggled. Key to success is proper installation, including heat-loss calculations, appropriate radiator sizing, and energy efficiency upgrades like insulation.
Real-Life Experiences: From Edwardian Villas to Victorian Houses
Retired GP Richard Smithson and his wife live in a six-bedroom Edwardian semi-detached villa in North Tyneside. Motivated by environmental concerns, they replaced their gas boiler over two years ago. The installation involved underfloor insulation, new radiators, and a zoned heating system, costing £11,000 after a government grant. Mr Smithson reports that the house is now warmer than with the gas boiler, and by maintaining a steady temperature, they benefit from cheaper overnight electricity tariffs, reducing their overall energy bills.
In south London, Nick Barr is renovating a detached five-bedroom Edwardian house. Initially sceptical about heat pumps in such properties, he worked with an installer who conducted thorough heating requirement calculations. The result is an efficient, quiet system that Barr describes as "elegant" and a sensible choice for new installations or replacements.
Software engineer Andy Balaam installed a heat pump in his detached four-bedroom Victorian home in Surrey in 2021. After initial adjustments by the installer, the system now effectively warms the house, surpassing previous performance despite some noise concerns.
Expert Perspectives and Industry Backing
Leah Robson, managing director of Your Energy Your Way, specialises in challenging installations. She emphasises that comfort levels often exceed expectations, even in solid-wall houses with basic insulation like double glazing and loft insulation. Robson conducts heat-loss assessments and addresses draughts to ensure viability, though she notes that projects can be costly and not always suitable.
Supporting these experiences, a demonstration project by the Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) installed heat pumps in 742 homes, including 8% pre-1919 properties. Monitoring revealed that house age and type did not impact efficiency, provided installations were correctly executed. Daniel Logue from ESC states, "If a trained installer says that your house could have a heat pump, and installs it correctly, it should perform well regardless of the type or age."
Addressing Myths and Encouraging Uptake
David Cowdrey of The MCS Foundation highlights a lack of public information leading to widespread myths about heat pumps. He calls for government-led campaigns to dispel misinformation and promote adoption across all property types. For homeowners considering the switch, experts recommend starting with a professional heat-loss assessment to make informed decisions and ensure optimal system design.
