A realistic look at what affects how much it costs to run a heat pump.
Running costs are one of the biggest concerns for anyone considering a heat pump. The honest answer is that it depends on several factors — and some of them are within your control.
This is the single biggest factor. A well-insulated, draught-proofed home will use significantly less energy than a leaky one. Improving insulation often has more impact on running costs than the heat pump itself.
A correctly sized and commissioned system will run more efficiently. Poor design, incorrect flow temperatures, or badly sized radiators/underfloor heating are common reasons for higher-than-expected running costs.
Underfloor heating generally allows a heat pump to run more efficiently than traditional radiators because it works well at lower temperatures. If you’re keeping existing radiators, they may need upgrading for best results.
Many people stay on a standard tariff. Switching to a heat pump or off-peak tariff can reduce running costs noticeably in many cases.
Heat pumps tend to work best when left running at a steady temperature rather than being turned up and down frequently. Homes that maintain a consistent temperature usually see better results.
In a reasonably well-insulated home with a properly designed system, many people find that heat pump running costs are similar to — or slightly lower than — a modern gas boiler.
In older or poorly insulated homes, running costs can be higher unless insulation improvements are made alongside the heat pump installation. There is no single figure that applies to everyone.
Use our Heat Pump Estimator to get a better idea of system size and performance for your property.