5 Common Heat Pump Myths Debunked
Are heat pumps worth it? Which type is best? Are they expensive to run? These are just a few questions homeowners ask when considering this renewable heating technology. But with so much conflicting advice online, it's easy to be misled. To clear things up, our Founder, Fred Masters, is tackling the top five myths surrounding heat pumps, setting the record straight once and for all.
In 2024, the UK saw a surge in heat pump fittings, reaching an all-time high. With almost 60,000 MCS-certified installations (a 43% jump from 2023), it's evident that more residents are embracing renewable heating. Yet, despite this shift, some remain hesitant. After speaking with a few customers on the fence, I've noticed five key queries that tend to come up time and time again.
1. Are Heat Pumps a New Technology?
While they've gained more attention in recent years, the heat pump's origins stretch back further. In the 1800s, British Mathematician Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) introduced the fundamental principles that underpin today's tech. Fast forward to the 1940s, and the first domestic units were already being installed.
For nearly eight decades, property owners have relied on heat pumps for efficient heating. They’ve been notably popular in chillier regions like North America, Canada and Nordic countries, where they’ve proven their effectiveness in harsh winters. So, no, this isn’t a new tech. Surprisingly, it's been around far longer than the smartphone you’re probably reading this on, not to mention plenty of other everyday innovations we all take for granted.
2. Do Heat Pumps Provide Enough Warmth?
Heat pumps deliver just as much heat as the gas boilers we’re more familiar with, they simply run a little differently. Rather than blasting heat in short bursts, they offer steady warmth over a longer period.
For example, if a home has a heat load of 10kW on an especially cold day, a 10kW gas boiler and a 10kW heat pump both generally supply the same amount of energy. The key distinction? A heat pump needs to be used and controlled in a way that optimises its performance, ensuring stable and efficient thermal output.
3. Are Heat Pumps Expensive to Run?
Not necessarily. In fact, for many homeowners, they can be cheaper to run than a gas boiler, specifically when fitted properly. While electricity prices are currently three to four times higher per unit than gas, it’s important to remember that heat pumps are substantially effective.
On average, they are three times more efficient than gas boilers and, when optimised, they can perform even better. At FJM, we’ve installed systems achieving SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) of 4.5+, meaning some of our customers are now paying less to heat their homes than they did with their old gas boiler.
4. Are Heat Pumps Noisy?
For the most part, modern heat pumps are quieter than you may expect. In colder weather, the compressor works harder, and the fan speed increases to generate more heat, which can, inevitably, lead to a slight rise in noise levels. However, the Viessmann heat pumps we fit have a noise level of around 34 decibels at a distance of 3m from the heat pump. For comparison, a standard refrigerator runs at about 50 dB, which means a heat pump typically operates at little more than a whisper.
Several manufacturers focus on minimising sound, while others allow for slightly higher levels. The most frequent challenge we encounter isn’t the noise of the unit itself but how it’s fitted. If a heat pump is mounted directly onto a building, vibrations can transfer indoors, creating an unwanted hum; something many find frustrating. That’s why we avoid attaching units to buildings unless absolutely necessary. Instead, we fit them on separate footings and use anti-vibration rubber clips to secure pipework to walls, considerably reducing any acoustic transmission into the home.
Fred’s Fix: It's worth noting if a heat pump is noticeably loud, it could indicate a complication. Unbalanced fan blades or a compressor not running smoothly might be the cause and, in those cases, a professional inspection is recommended.
5. Is My Home Too Old for a Heat Pump?
It’s no secret that the UK’s housing stock – old and new – repeatedly falls short when it comes to insulation. But that doesn’t mean heat pumps aren’t a viable choice. With the correct setup, they can perform superbly, even in older, draughtier properties.
Before any setup, a full heat loss survey is essential, particularly in period properties. This assessment identifies areas where insulation could be improved, helping to maximise efficiency. In countless examples, simple upgrades like increasing loft insulation, adding cavity or external wall insulation (EWI) and upgrading windows and doors make a huge difference. That said, a heat pump can still be installed without these changes, as long as the system is designed suitably.
Fred’s Fix: The key is ensuring the emitters, such as radiators or underfloor heating (UFH), are appropriately sized for the heat pump. When set up adequately, the system works efficiently and effectively, even in homes with higher heat loss.
At FJM, we’ve successfully fitted heat pumps in 17th-century listed barns and 100+-year-old grain store conversions, helping householders cut their energy bills profoundly and proving that age and history don’t have to be barriers to low-carbon heating.
The Real Reason Heat Pumps Get Bad Press and Why They Work When Done Right
A large portion of the bad press and widespread misconceptions relating to heat pumps stem from three key issues: Poor installation, inadequate knowledge and subpar advice.
In our experience, when a heat pump is designed, sized and set up correctly, it performs exceptionally well. That’s why we’ve gone above and beyond industry regulations, investing significant time and resources to fully understand heat loss, optimise system design and ensure every installation delivers maximum output.
The truth is heat pumps are fantastic technology; they're incredibly effective and reliable – when done right. The problems reported in the media or by frustrated homeowners aren’t down to the equipment. Often, the real issue lies with installers who don’t set systems up accurately and energy providers charging significantly more for electricity than gas.
That's why it's crucial to choose a qualified heat pump installer who knows how to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.