A cosy home powered by
a heat pump

It’s a low carbon heating system that takes heat from the outside environment and raises the temperature to use in your central heating system. 

It uses electricity to do this. But for every unit of electricity it uses, it produces three units of heat. This makes them a very efficient alternative to a gas or oil boiler for heating your home. 

They also produce much fewer CO2 emissions than other heating systems, and keep your home at a consistent temperature throughout the day making it warm and cosy.

Source: Energy Savings Trust

• Yes – and heat pumps can give more consistent warmth through the day and night than a typical gas boiler.
• Scotland’s winters are mild compared to countries where heat pumps are much more common – like Sweden and Norway.
• You can check whether any of your neighbours already have one through the Green Homes Network.
• Your installer will advise about the performance of your potential system, to ensure that it works for your home. Whatever system you choose, improving your insulation and draught-proofing is the first step to a warm, energy-efficient home.

• The only sound you’ll usually hear is from the fan drawing air into the system, which is comparable to the hum of a fridge or a quiet conversation.
• Most heat pumps produce noise levels similar to a typical gas boiler. And modern, energy efficient heat pumps are much quieter than the early models.
• If you live somewhere especially peaceful, you might want to place the outdoor unit away from a bedroom window – but for most homes, you’ll barely notice it’s there.

• Heat pumps can be designed to fit many types of homes, even those without much space. The exact space depends on the type of heat pump:
  • An air to water source heat pump needs a small outdoor area – usually 2 to 4 square metres – close to your home, plus some clearance for airflow and maintenance. Inside, you’ll usually need space for a hot water cylinder.
  • An air‑to‑air heat pump just needs an outdoor spot for the unit – on the ground or mounted to a wall. And in most cases, the indoor components are smaller than a standard boiler.

• Heat pumps have higher upfront costs than some traditional heating systems. As a guide, an air source heat pump typically costs around £14,000 to install.
• Your final quote will depend on the size of the system and any extra work needed, such as new pipework, radiators, or a hot water cylinder.  
• The good news is there’s financial support available. The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan offers Scottish homeowners up to £9,000 in grants, plus interest‑free loans, to help with installation costs.