Are air source heat pumps suitable for older homes?

Older homes can be characterful and elegant, often with beautiful period features, but they can also be drafty and expensive to heat. An air source heat pump is a more cost-effective way of heating the home, but you may be unsure if this modern solution will work in your older home.

Usually – yes!

The good news is that air source heat pumps will usually work well in older homes, although there are a few matters to consider before going ahead. If you are unsure how they apply to your home, seek professional advice. To find professionals operating in your area, use a relevant internet search term, such as ‘air source heat pumps Cheltenham’, and you should get results like gsmlimited.com/services/air-source-heat-pumps/cheltenham.

Three things to consider

First, consider how well your home is insulated, as otherwise, additional heat can simply vanish. As well as loft insulation, check if you have cavity wall insulation or whether adding solid wall insulation is an option. Also, check your windows and doors, as simple measures like insulation tape or brushes can really make a difference.

Check the size of your radiators. Larger radiators can distribute heat more effectively. The water flow temperature leaving an air source heat pump tends to be slightly lower than a gas boiler, so larger radiators are needed to maximise the heat going into the rooms.

Lastly, make sure your pipework and water tank are compatible. Narrower pipes have a more restricted flow, which means that more heat will be lost before the water reaches the radiators. The water tank also needs to be right for the lower flow temperature and it needs to be the right size for the home.

These issues can all be rectified, but this will increase the costs associated with installing an air source heat pump.

Planning permission

Usually, air source heat pumps do not require planning permission, and generally speaking, air source heat pumps are being encouraged. But if you live in a listed building or have any other restrictions on your property, check before going ahead with an installation.