How a heat pump made our home cosier – and saves us money

Getting a heat pump installed is surprisingly simple, as Dave Mack discovered. Here, he shares his experiences – and the big difference it has made to his energy bills.

In 2023, Dave Mack’s gas boiler was approaching the end of its useful life. The retired electrician and his wife were spending more of their time at home, so comfortable and reliable heating was a must. After looking into the options, they settled on an air-source heat pump as the ideal solution for their house in Newport, South Wales.

Running on electricity, heat pumps work by drawing warmth from outside – using it to heat up water for radiators, taps and showers without the need to burn fossil fuels. They produce no carbon emissions at the point of use, and are up to three times more energy-efficient than a traditional boiler.

Ditching the old boiler was a big decision, and Dave was careful to seek out good advice.

“I’d strongly suggest speaking with someone who has already had one installed,” says Dave. “Online advice can be helpful, but there’s also a lot of misinformation. The ‘Visit a Heat Pump’ website is great for finding real homeowners with practical, unbiased experience.”

How to get started

If you decide a heat pump is right for you, the first step is to find an installer. The industry body MCS has a ‘find an installer’ search tool on its website, as does Which? Trusted Traders.

“It’s not the same as fitting a gas boiler,” says Dave. “It requires specific expertise. Look for a company with proven experience and a track record of successful installations.”

A heat pump can be installed in almost every type of home – in Dave’s case, a brick-built detached house dating from the 1990s, with an insulated loft and uninsulated cavity walls. The preparation began with a detailed heat-loss survey, to find out how much warmth was leaking out through the walls, roof, windows and elsewhere.

The survey also examined the efficiency of radiators and insulation.

Dave says: “Your home doesn’t need to be super-insulated for a heat pump to work effectively, although the better your insulation, the more efficient any heating system will be.”

New models of heat pumps are always coming on the market, and your installer can help you decide which one is best for you. You’ll also discuss where to place the outdoor unit and indoor hot water cylinder, and whether any radiators need updating. “Ours were changed because they were dated and inefficient,” says Dave. “They now look and perform much better.”

Installation can take several days, and involves both plumbers and electricians. “Be prepared for a bit of disruption,” he says. “It’s like having a new kitchen fitted, but the result is worth it. Once it’s in, your installer will explain how to use the system, but it’s simple - you just adjust the thermostat.”

Efficient and economical

Although there is an upfront cost for a heat pump, most people quickly see a reduction in energy use, potentially saving money on bills. The cost of an annual service is around the same as a gas boiler, and you can expect a heat pump to have a longer life – up to 20 years, if it’s well maintained.

Dave’s family now consumes a third of the energy it used to use on heating and hot water. Every home is different, and the exact savings will depend on your electricity tariff – so it’s worth looking around for the best deal.

Dave says: “Some energy suppliers now offer tariffs specifically for heat pumps. We already had solar panels and a home battery, which also help. The technologies really complement each other.

“Our current energy bill is £90 per month, which is well below the national average, and that includes powering our electric car. Because we no longer use gas, we’ve had our meter removed and don’t pay a standing charge, saving another £180 each year.”

Comfortably better

Lower bills aren’t the only benefit of a heat pump.

“It delivers heat more steadily than a gas boiler,” says Dave. “With our old system, the temperature swung up and down as the boiler cycled on and off, so we were either a bit too hot or a bit too cold. The heat pump stays gently on throughout the day, keeping the temperature consistently comfortable.”

Some people worry that a heat pump will be noisy, but this is unlikely to be an issue with current models.

Dave says: “The outdoor unit is very quiet. Only in very cold weather – well below freezing – can you hear it working harder, and even that’s never noticeable indoors.”

Two years on from installation, he’s confident that his choice was the right one. “Are we happy with our heat pump? Absolutely. Our home is more comfortable, our energy use is lower, and we’ve reduced our reliance on fossil fuels. As an added bonus, our heat pump was manufactured in the UK, supporting British jobs and industry.”

Find out more

Check out our essential guide to heat pumps and see Visit a Heat Pump to connect with local people who have already made the switch. You can discover how much they’ve saved, ask questions, and even arrange a fact-finding visit.

NEST can advise you on the best option for your home, a £7,500 grant, and the interest free finance available. Either visit their website, call for free on 0808 808 2244 or you can request a callback from one of their friendly advisors.