Heat Pump Database

heat pumps
manufacturers
ASHP
WSHP / GSHP
💡 New to heat pumps? Learn about COP, refrigerants, sizing, and UK grants on our What Is a Heat Pump? page.
Filter heat pumps

Compare selected heat pumps

Select units from Browse, then review side-by-side here.

Visualise the data

Explore the whole database visually. Hover or tap any point to see the product; click it to open full specifications. Use the filters to narrow the dataset across every chart.

COP vs Maximum capacity

Efficiency against heat output. Larger units sit to the right; higher points are more efficient. Note that COP is measured at differing test conditions — colour shows heat-pump type.

Maximum heating capacity (kW, log scale)

SCOP vs Maximum capacity

Seasonal efficiency against heat output — a more realistic year-round figure than a single COP test point. Note that SCOP is measured at differing test conditions — colour shows heat-pump type.

Maximum heating capacity (kW, log scale)

Maximum heating flow temperature

Heat pumps grouped by the hottest water they can deliver for heating, with bars coloured by type. Click any band to list the models in it and open full specs.

Number of heat pumps in each band

Cost vs Maximum capacity

Retail price against heat output, using the average of the price range where a range is published. Only products with UK retail pricing data appear here.

Maximum heating capacity (kW, log scale)

Charts reflect the manufacturer-published figures held in this database. COP and SCOP are measured at different test conditions across products (shown in each product's detail view) — compare like-for-like where possible. Points with missing values are omitted from the relevant chart.

Knowledge

Background reading and resources to help you make sense of the database. Learn the fundamentals in the FAQ, compare the refrigerants used in heat pumps, or browse our directory of useful external links.

🔥
What Is a Heat Pump?
New to all this? A plain-English explainer with diagrams, a straight comparison against gas boilers, and what to consider before switching.
Start here →
FAQ
Frequently asked questions covering COP and SCOP, refrigerants, sizing, flow temperatures and UK grant schemes.
Read the FAQ →
🔗
Useful Links
A curated directory of manufacturers, certification bodies, grant schemes and independent advice on heat pumps.
Browse links →
🧪
Refrigerant Guide
Compare the refrigerants used in heat pumps — GWP, safety class, pros and cons, and the F-Gas regulations shaping their future.
Compare refrigerants →
📊
Understanding COP & SCOP
What the efficiency figures mean, why test conditions like A7/W35 matter, and how to compare heat pumps fairly.
Read the guide →
🌡️
Flow Temperature & Efficiency
Why a lower flow temperature means a more efficient heat pump, the trade-off with radiators, and how to read the data.
Read the guide →
💷
Funding & Grants
Every UK funding route for a heat pump in one place: the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, 0% VAT, Home Energy Scotland, Warm Homes: Local Grant, ECO4 and Northern Ireland support.
Read the guide →
🔧
Installation Costs
What a UK ASHP installation actually costs, broken into the unit, hot water cylinder, controls and radiator upgrades.
Read the guide →
📋
Planning Permission
Do you need planning permission? Permitted development rules, the application process and costs for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Read the guide →

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an electric appliance that heats your home (and often your hot water) by moving heat that already exists outside (in the air, the ground, or a body of water) rather than burning fuel to create heat. It's the same technology as a fridge, just running in reverse.

A fridge pulls heat out of the cold inside of the box and dumps it into your warm kitchen, which is why the back of a fridge feels warm. A heat pump does exactly the same thing, but on a much bigger scale: it pulls heat out of the cold outdoors, however chilly, and pumps it into your warm home. It can do this even when it's close to freezing outside, because there is still usable heat energy in the air down to well below 0 °C.

How it works

A small amount of electricity runs a compressor, which is used to concentrate and move heat rather than generate it directly. That's why a heat pump can deliver several times more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes: typically 3–4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity.

OUTSIDE Heat energy already there, even when cold extracts the heat HEAT PUMP Compresses & moves the heat indoors + ELECTRICITY IN delivers 3–4× the heat INSIDE YOUR HOME Radiators, underfloor heating & hot water

Behind that simple picture is a repeating loop: a cold refrigerant gas absorbs heat from outside (the evaporator), a compressor squeezes it to raise its temperature further, the hot gas gives up its heat to your home's water or air (the condenser), and an expansion valve drops the pressure so the cycle can start again. You don't need to understand this to use the database; it just explains why figures like COP and SCOP and flow temperature matter so much.

The three main types

Air source (ASHP)
Draws heat from the outside air via an outdoor unit. Cheapest to install and by far the most common choice in UK homes.
Ground source (GSHP)
Draws heat from buried pipes (a "ground loop"). Higher install cost and needs garden space, but very steady, efficient performance year-round.
Water source (WSHP)
Draws heat from a lake, river, borehole or similar. Excellent efficiency where a suitable water source is available, though this is rare in practice.

Browse air source, ground source and water source products in the database.

Heat pump vs gas boiler

A gas boiler burns fuel on-site to generate heat directly; a heat pump uses electricity to move heat that's already there. That fundamental difference shows up across almost every point of comparison:

Heat pump Gas boiler
How it makes heatMoves existing heat from outside air/ground/waterBurns natural gas on-site
Typical efficiency300–400% (COP/SCOP of 3–4)~90% (some heat lost up the flue)
Running cost driverElectricity price ÷ efficiencyGas price ÷ efficiency
Typical running costOften on par with or cheaper than gas, but it depends on your electricity-to-gas price ratio and the system's real-world COP. See What is COP and why does it matter?Tracks the gas price directly; electricity has historically cost several times more than gas per kWh, which is why a heat pump's efficiency matters so much
Emissions (running)None on-site; depends on the electricity grid mix, which keeps getting cleanerDirect CO₂ emissions every time it fires, for the boiler's whole life
Output temperatureMost efficient at 35–55 °C, suiting underfloor heating and larger radiatorsCan run hot, 60–80 °C, coping with small/older radiators
Upfront costHigher, though UK grants can offset a significant chunkLower
Space neededOutdoor unit (or ground loop/borehole), often a larger hot water cylinderCompact; usually wall-mounted
NoiseOutdoor unit makes a low hum, similar to an air conditionerNear-silent
Typical lifespan15–20 years10–15 years

Figures are typical UK ranges for guidance only; actual performance depends on the specific product, installation and property. See our COP & SCOP guide for how efficiency is measured.

Why "300–400% efficient" sounds strange

A gas boiler can never be more than 100% efficient: it can only release the energy locked in the gas it burns, and some is always lost. A heat pump isn't creating extra energy; it's moving free heat from outside, so the "output" can be several times the electricity "input". The diagram below shows roughly what happens to one unit of input energy in each case.

GAS BOILER 1 unit of gas 0.9 unit of heat ~10% lost as flue gases HEAT PUMP 1 unit of electricity 3–4 units of heat (300–400%)

Key considerations: is a heat pump right for your home?

Heat pumps can heat pretty much any UK home, but a good result depends on getting a few things right beforehand. These are the main factors worth thinking through before you commit:

Insulation & heat loss
The better insulated your home, the smaller and cheaper the heat pump needed, and the easier it is to run efficiently. Loft, wall and floor insulation are worth tackling first.
Radiators & emitters
Heat pumps work best at lower flow temperatures than a boiler. Many homes need larger radiators, underfloor heating, or more radiators, to heat rooms comfortably at that lower temperature.
Siting & placement
Outdoor units typically need more space than a boiler cupboard: a firm, level base, clearance from walls, boundaries and windows, airflow on at least one side, and a route for condensate drainage. Ground source needs room for a buried loop or a borehole, plus rig access during installation.
Noise
Outdoor units make a low hum, similar to an air conditioner. Modern models run quietly, but tight gardens or close neighbours are worth discussing with your installer.
Hot water cylinder
Most heat pump systems need a hot water cylinder. If you currently have a combi boiler with no cylinder, you'll need to find space for one.
Upfront cost & grants
Installation typically costs more than a gas boiler, though UK grant schemes can reduce this significantly. Running costs depend heavily on your electricity tariff.
Property type & permissions
Most houses are straightforward. Flats and listed or conservation-area properties may need extra care siting the outdoor unit, and occasionally planning permission.

The most important points when selecting your residential heat pump

Of everything above, three factors matter most once you're comparing specific models:

1. Capacity
The heat pump's output (kW) needs to match your home's actual heat loss at the coldest design temperature, not just the size of the boiler it replaces. Too small and it can't keep the home warm on the coldest days; too large and it cycles on and off, hurting efficiency and adding cost. A proper heat loss survey is the only reliable way to get this right.
2. Heating flow temperature
The lower the flow temperature a unit needs to run at to meet your rooms' heat demand, the higher its efficiency. See our flow temperature guide. Check a model's flow range against what your radiators or underfloor heating actually need.
3. Noise
Outdoor units are rated by sound power level (dB(A)); check this against the distance to your own windows and your neighbours' boundary, especially in a terraced house or a tight garden. A few decibels makes a noticeable difference at night.
Getting started
  • Start with a room-by-room heat loss survey from an MCS-certified installer, which tells you the size of heat pump you need and whether your radiators or pipework need upgrading.
  • Get quotes from more than one installer, and ask what flow temperature the system is designed around.
  • Check current UK grant schemes (such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme): support and eligibility rules change, so confirm the latest position before budgeting.
  • Once you know roughly what capacity and type you need, use the database to browse and compare products.

Reviewed July 2026. This guide is general information, not professional or installation advice; always get a proper heat loss survey and installer quote for your specific property.

Refrigerants Compared

The refrigerant is the working fluid that lets a heat pump move heat from outside to inside. Which one a unit uses affects its environmental impact, its efficiency and achievable flow temperature, how it must be installed, and (increasingly) whether it can still be sold in the years ahead. This guide compares the refrigerants you will find across the database.

GWP (Global Warming Potential) measures how strongly one kilogram of the gas warms the planet over 100 years compared with one kilogram of CO₂, so CO₂ is 1, and a refrigerant with a GWP of 2,000 is 2,000 times worse if it leaks. The safety class (ASHRAE) flags flammability and toxicity: A1 non-flammable and low toxicity, A2L mildly flammable, A3 highly flammable, B2L mildly flammable but toxic.

At a glance

Refrigerant Family GWP (100-yr) Safety Typical heat-pump use
R717 (Ammonia)Natural0B2LLarge industrial / district water source
R1234zeHFO<1A2LLarge commercial / centrifugal chillers
R744 (CO₂)Natural1A1Commercial high-temp, hot water
R1233zdHFO1A1High-temp commercial, centrifugal
R290 (Propane)Hydrocarbon3A3Modern residential air source (monobloc)
R600a (Isobutane)Hydrocarbon3A3Industrial high-temperature
R454CHFC/HFO blend148A2LLow-GWP R410A replacement
R515BHFO/HFC blend293A1R134a replacement (non-flammable)
R454BHFC/HFO blend466A2LMain R410A replacement, commercial
R513AHFC/HFO blend631A1R134a replacement (non-flammable)
R32HFC675A2LCurrent residential & commercial air source
R452BHFC/HFO blend698A2LR410A replacement
R448AHFC/HFO blend1387A1Commercial systems
R134aHFC1430A1Commercial high-temp (legacy)
R407CHFC blend1774A1Legacy systems
R410AHFC blend2088A1Legacy / commercial (phasing out)

GWP figures are 100-year values, rounded. They vary slightly between IPCC assessment reports (the EU moved from AR4 to AR5 values in 2025), but the relative picture is unchanged.

The families, with pros and cons

Hydrocarbons: R290 (propane), R600a (isobutane)

Natural refrigerants with negligible GWP. R290 has become the default for new residential air source heat pumps, while R600a appears in large industrial high-temperature machines.

Pros
  • Ultra-low GWP (≈3), so no meaningful climate impact if it leaks
  • Excellent efficiency; high COP and SCOP
  • Reaches high flow temperatures (up to ~75 °C), good for radiators and retrofit
  • Not subject to the F-Gas phase-down, making it future-proof
Cons
  • A3, highly flammable, so charge limits, siting rules and a competent installer are essential
  • Generally confined to outdoor monobloc units
  • Charge-size limits can constrain very large indoor systems
CO₂ (R744)

A natural refrigerant that excels at producing very hot water and works well in cold weather. Common in commercial hot-water and high-temperature applications.

Pros
  • GWP of 1 (the benchmark)
  • Non-flammable (A1)
  • Excellent at high temperatures (70–90 °C) and in cold ambient air
Cons
  • Very high operating pressures need specialised components
  • Efficiency falls if the return-water temperature is high; best with a large temperature lift
  • Mainly commercial and hot-water duties
Ammonia (R717)

The workhorse of large industrial refrigeration, also used for big water-source and district-heating heat pumps.

Pros
  • Zero GWP and zero ozone impact
  • Outstanding efficiency, especially at scale
  • Decades of proven industrial use; inexpensive
Cons
  • Toxic and mildly flammable (B2L), not for domestic use
  • Needs a plant room, leak detection and specialist design
  • Incompatible with copper pipework
HFOs: R1234ze, R1233zd

Synthetic but ultra-low-GWP fluids, mostly used in large commercial and high-temperature centrifugal machines.

Pros
  • Ultra-low GWP (≈1 or below)
  • R1233zd is A1 (non-flammable) and low-pressure, ideal for large high-temperature systems
  • Not meaningfully affected by the phase-down
Cons
  • Lower capacity per unit volume means larger equipment
  • Higher cost; mainly commercial/industrial
  • R1234ze is rated A2L (mildly flammable)
HFCs: R32, R410A, R407C, R134a

The fluorinated gases that dominated the last two decades. R32 is the current mainstream choice and far cleaner than the older R410A it replaced, but all are subject to the phase-down.

Pros
  • Mature, widely available and well understood
  • R32 has roughly a third of R410A's GWP and is a single compound (simple to recharge)
  • R410A, R407C and R134a are non-flammable (A1)
Cons
  • Mid-to-high GWP (675 up to ~2,088): supply shrinks and prices rise under the phase-down
  • R32's 675 GWP exceeds the EU's 150 limit for small monobloc heat pumps from 2027
  • R410A/R407C/R134a are legacy choices being replaced
  • R32 is A2L (mildly flammable)
Lower-GWP blends: R454B, R454C, R452B, R513A, R515B, R448A

Engineered mixtures that cut GWP while staying close to the equipment design of the gases they replace: R454B/R452B for R410A, R513A/R515B for R134a.

Pros
  • Much lower GWP than the HFCs they replace (148–700)
  • Near drop-in for manufacturers, easing the transition
  • R513A, R515B and R448A are A1 (non-flammable)
  • R454C sits below the key 150 GWP threshold
Cons
  • Still contain fluorinated components, so still caught by the phase-down
  • R454B, R454C and R452B are A2L (mildly flammable)
  • Being blends, they have temperature "glide" and must be recharged carefully

The regulations

Fluorinated refrigerants are controlled by F-Gas regulations, which shrink the supply of high-GWP gases over time and ban them in new equipment where cleaner alternatives exist. Natural refrigerants (R290, CO₂, ammonia) and HFOs largely sit outside these limits. The picture differs across the UK.

European Union: Regulation (EU) 2024/573 (also applies in Northern Ireland)

FromWhat changes for air conditioning & heat pumps
2025Steep cut in the HFC quota (EU supply roughly halved versus 2023); servicing ban on virgin gas with GWP ≥ 2,500 begins
2026Servicing/maintenance ban on GWP ≥ 2,500 extends to AC and heat pumps (reclaimed/recycled gas exempt)
2027New self-contained / monobloc AC & heat pumps ≤ 12 kW must use GWP < 150; monoblocs > 12–50 kW with GWP ≥ 150 banned; quota tightens again
2029New split air-to-air systems ≤ 12 kW with GWP ≥ 150 banned
2030Other self-contained AC/HP with GWP ≥ 150 banned; HFC quota falls to ~5% of the 2015 baseline
2032Full F-gas ban on new monobloc / self-contained AC & heat pumps ≤ 12 kW (bar safety exemptions)
2035New split AC & heat pumps ≤ 12 kW containing any F-gas banned
2050HFC phase-down reaches zero

Thresholds and category definitions are simplified here; some categories have safety-related exemptions. Existing installed equipment is unaffected; the bans apply to new products placed on the market.

Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales)

Great Britain did not adopt the EU's 2024 regulation. It keeps the retained Regulation (EU) 517/2014 (the earlier HFC quota phase-down plus existing rules such as the GWP ≥ 2,500 servicing ban), so the EU's new product bans above do not currently apply in GB. Defra reviewed the rules and launched a consultation on a tighter GB HFC phase-down in November 2025; in May 2026 it confirmed it would not change the phase-down steps for the 2027 period yet, with a fuller response due later in 2026. The direction of travel mirrors the EU: tighter HFC limits and a shift to low-GWP and natural refrigerants, but the precise GB timeline is still being decided.

Northern Ireland

Under the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland continues to follow the EU F-Gas Regulation, so the EU timeline above applies there.

All of this sits under the global Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which commits developed countries to cutting HFC use to a small fraction of historic levels over the coming decades.

Where it's heading

The shrinking quota makes high-GWP gases such as R410A and R134a steadily scarcer and more expensive, pushing the whole market toward low-GWP and natural refrigerants. In practice:

  • Residential heat pumps are converging on R290 (propane). It already dominates new monobloc ranges, has a GWP of 3, sits outside the phase-down and supports the higher flow temperatures UK retrofits often need, making it the most future-proof choice.
  • R32 remains common today but its 675 GWP exceeds the EU's 150 limit for small monoblocs from 2027, so EU and Northern Ireland units are moving to R290. R32 is likely to persist longer in GB and in larger or split systems.
  • Commercial and industrial systems are shifting to R290, CO₂, ammonia and HFOs (R1234ze, R1233zd, R515B) for large and high-temperature duties.
If you're choosing a heat pump
  • For a new home system, R290 is the most future-proof option and often the strongest performer at higher flow temperatures.
  • Already have an R410A or R32 unit? It's fine to keep running and servicing (the rules target new equipment, not existing installations), though servicing the highest-GWP gases will get costlier.
  • Flammable refrigerants (A3, A2L) simply need a competent installer and correct siting; this is routine for modern units.
  • Check the refrigerant when comparing models here: it shapes environmental impact, long-term serviceability and sometimes efficiency and flow temperature.

Reviewed June 2026. Regulations change and the GB rules are under review; always confirm the current position before making decisions. This guide is general information, not regulatory or professional advice.

GWP impact calculator

GWP in the table above is a multiplier, not a real-world quantity: on its own, "675" or "2,088" doesn't say much about actual climate impact. This calculator turns it into a concrete figure: enter the refrigerant charge (the amount of gas sealed inside a heat pump's circuit, usually stated on its data plate or datasheet) and it converts that into the CO₂e it represents. Because a sealed system doesn't lose its whole charge at once, the calculator also shows how that impact builds up gradually over time through ordinary annual leakage, rather than assuming a one-off release.

Default 4%/yr is CIBSE TM65's typical rate for a heat pump with some on-site pipework (their range: 2% factory-sealed monobloc – 6% VRF). Edit to match your own system.

Illustrative estimate only. GWP values are the 100-year AR5 figures from the table above (charge in kg × GWP = kg CO₂e). Annual leak rate is user-adjustable; the 4% default follows CIBSE TM65: Embodied Carbon in Building Services — A Methodology, which gives typical annual refrigerant leakage rates of roughly 2% for factory-sealed monobloc units with no on-site refrigerant work, 4% for systems with some on-site pipework, and 6% for VRF systems with large on-site-filled charges; well-installed heat pumps can leak far less, and any leak of this size should be found and repaired by a qualified installer, not budgeted for. This tool is not a substitute for a proper F-Gas leak check or emissions audit.

Understanding COP & SCOP

COP and SCOP both describe how efficiently a heat pump turns electricity into heat, but they answer different questions, and neither figure means anything without the conditions it was measured at. This guide explains what each one is, how to read the test conditions shown throughout this database, and how to compare models fairly.

What COP measures

COP (Coefficient of Performance) is the heat delivered divided by the electricity consumed at one specific operating point. A COP of 4 means the unit produces 4 kW of heat for every 1 kW of electricity it draws: in other words, 400% efficient. It is an instantaneous snapshot, taken with the source and output temperatures held fixed.

Why the conditions are everything

A COP only has meaning alongside the two temperatures it was measured at, written as source/output. For an air source heat pump, A7/W35 means 7°C outdoor air going in and 35°C water leaving to the heating system. Change either temperature and the COP changes, often dramatically. The same machine might post a COP of 5.0 at A7/W35 and 2.7 at A7/W55; both are true. The refrigerant a unit uses also affects how efficiency behaves across conditions.

NotationWhat it meansUsed for
A7/W357°C air in, 35°C water outStandard headline rating for air source (EN 14511)
A2/W35Colder air, same 35°C flowPerformance as it gets colder outside
A7/W557°C air, hotter 55°C flowHigher flow-temperature operation
B0/W350°C brine in, 35°C water outGround source heat pumps
W10/W3510°C source water in, 35°C outWater source heat pumps

How COP changes with conditions

Two levers move the number: a colder source lowers COP (the unit has to work harder to gather heat), and a higher flow temperature lowers it (it has to lift the heat further). The figures below are illustrative ranges for a typical modern air source unit, not a specification; they show the shape of the effect.

ConditionTypical COP (illustrative)
A7/W35~4.5 – 5.0
A2/W35~3.5 – 4.0
A-7/W35~2.5 – 3.0
A7/W55~2.7 – 3.2

The flow-temperature effect is the one you have most control over once a system is installed. See the Flow temperature & efficiency guide.

What SCOP measures

SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) averages efficiency across a whole heating season. The EN 14825 standard, often used by manufacturers, sets very specific test procedures for estimating SCOP. Rather than a single operating point, it weights many points across a full year of outdoor temperatures and part-load conditions for a reference climate. That makes it a far better predictor of real annual running cost than any single COP.

SCOP carries conditions too. The two that matter are the application flow temperature and the climate. A complete figure therefore reads something like "SCOP 4.6 (W35, average climate)". The familiar ErP energy label (A+++ to G) is derived directly from SCOP.

What the EN 14825 SCOP test assumes

Because SCOP is a calculation across a season rather than a single measurement, EN 14825 fixes a detailed set of assumptions so every manufacturer's figure is built the same way. Knowing them explains both how the number is reached and why a lab SCOP won't exactly match your own bills.

A reference climate, not your weather. Efficiency is weighted across a standard heating season for one of three defined climates. The Average profile is mandatory and is the one behind the ErP energy label; Warmer and Colder are optional. Each sets a reference outdoor design temperature (the coldest design point) and a total number of heating hours.

Reference climateDesign temperatureHeating hours (approx.)Role
Average (Strasbourg)−10°C~4,910Mandatory; basis of the ErP label
Warmer (Athens)+2°C~3,590Optional
Colder (Helsinki)−22°C~6,446Optional

Within the chosen climate, the rest of the framework is:

  • A spread of temperatures, not one. The season is divided into temperature "bins", each with a number of hours and a matching heating demand that rises as it gets colder. COP is tested at part-load points of +12, +7, +2 and −7°C plus the design temperature (−10°C for Average; a −15°C point is added for Colder), then averaged by how many hours fall in each bin.
  • Mostly part-load running. Most of the season is mild, so the unit spends most hours well below full output. The method therefore rewards good part-load and modulating efficiency, where inverter-driven units do well.
  • A backup heater below the bivalent point. Below a declared outdoor temperature the heat pump can't meet demand alone, and a supplementary (usually electric) heater covers the shortfall at lower efficiency, and that penalty is counted in.
  • A defined flow-temperature application. The test is run for a low-temperature (35°C) and/or medium-temperature (55°C) application, which is why a SCOP only means something alongside its W35 or W55 basis.
  • Auxiliary electricity counts. The headline SCOP also includes power drawn in thermostat-off, standby, off and crankcase-heater modes. You may also see SCOPon (active mode only) and SCOPnet (excluding auxiliary modes and any backup heater).

What it deliberately leaves out is your building. EN 14825 assumes a standardised climate and load, not your home's heat loss, controls or installation quality. A figure measured in a real installation is called the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF), and it can sit either side of the rated SCOP.

COP or SCOP: which should you use?

COP is a snapshot at one condition; SCOP looks at the whole year. To judge how a unit will perform (and cost to run) over a year, SCOP at the flow temperature you intend to use is the more useful number. COP is best for understanding behaviour at a particular point, such as a cold snap (A-7/W35) or heating domestic hot water at a high flow temperature.

Comparing fairly

  • Match the conditions. Compare A7/W35 with A7/W35, or SCOP W35 with SCOP W35, never across different tests.
  • Don't compare across source types. A ground- or water-source COP (B0/W35, W10/W35) looks higher than an air-source one because the source is warmer and steadier; it isn't directly comparable.
  • Be wary of an easy headline. A high COP quoted at an unusually mild condition flatters the unit.
  • Read the spread. A strong A7/W35 figure with a much weaker W55 one tells you the unit is happiest at low flow temperatures.
  • "Not stated" means caution. If the test basis isn't recorded, you can't reliably compare it.
Using the figures in this database
  • Every COP and SCOP here is shown with its test condition (for example A7/W35, or W35 for a SCOP).
  • Where the basis couldn't be verified from the source data, it is marked "not stated" rather than assumed.
  • Compare units at matching conditions, and prefer SCOP at the flow temperature you actually plan to run.
  • The lower the flow temperature you need, the higher these numbers climb.

Reviewed June 2026. This guide is general information to help interpret the data, not professional or design advice; always confirm performance figures against the manufacturer's datasheet.

Flow temperature & efficiency

Flow temperature (how hot the water is that a heat pump sends to your radiators or underfloor heating) is the single biggest factor you control that affects efficiency. This guide explains why lower is better, the trade-off with your heat emitters, and how to read the flow-temperature data in this database.

What "flow temperature" means

The flow temperature (or leaving water temperature) is how hot the heat pump heats the water it sends out to the heating system. It is the "W" number in a rating such as A7/W35, where 35 is a 35°C flow. The water gives up its heat to the rooms and returns cooler: the return temperature.

Why lower flow temperature means higher efficiency

A heat pump's efficiency is governed by the "lift": the gap between the source temperature and the flow temperature. The smaller that gap, the less work the compressor does, and the higher the COP and SCOP. This is fundamental thermodynamics, not a quirk of any one model.

As a rule of thumb, every 1°C you can shave off the flow temperature improves efficiency by roughly 2–2.5%. Dropping from a boiler-style 55°C to 35°C can lift seasonal efficiency substantially, often taking a SCOP from around 3 to comfortably above 4. The numbers below are indicative, to show the shape of the relationship.

Flow temperatureEfficiencyTypical emitters
35°CExcellentUnderfloor heating, generously sized radiators
45°CGoodLarger or low-temperature radiators
55°CWorkable, noticeably lowerExisting radiators
65–75°CHigh-temperature mode, least efficientExisting radiators (retrofit)

The trade-off: your heat emitters

The catch is that a lower flow temperature means each radiator gives out less heat, so you need more emitting surface to warm the room. Underfloor heating is ideal, a huge surface area running happily at 30–40°C. Existing radiators sized for a 70–80°C gas boiler are often undersized for 35–45°C operation and may need upsizing. Matching emitters to a low flow temperature is the central design task of a heat pump installation, and the main reason a proper heat-loss survey matters.

Weather compensation

Modern heat pumps use weather compensation: they raise the flow temperature only as the weather gets colder, and keep it as low as possible the rest of the time. Leaving this enabled, rather than fixing a high flow temperature year-round, is one of the easiest ways to protect efficiency, and it is how the low seasonal figures are actually achieved in practice.

Hot water is the exception

Domestic hot water has to be stored hotter, typically around 50–60°C, partly to manage legionella, so the heat pump briefly runs at a high flow temperature to reheat the cylinder, at lower efficiency. That is normal and unavoidable; what matters is that space heating stays at a low flow temperature the rest of the time. High-temperature R290 units can reach the hot-water temperatures directly without an electric backup heater.

Maximum flow temperature & high-temperature heat pumps

Every model has a maximum flow temperature (shown here as the upper end of its flow range). High-temperature heat pumps (usually running R290 (propane)) reach 70–75°C, which lets them replace a boiler on existing radiators with little or no upgrading. That is genuinely useful for difficult retrofits, but running permanently hot sacrifices efficiency. Treat a high ceiling as headroom for the coldest days, not an everyday target.

Reading the data here

  • The flow temperature range is listed for each model; the upper figure is the hottest it can deliver.
  • The COP/SCOP conditions tell you the flow temperature each efficiency figure was measured at: an A7/W35 COP and an A7/W55 COP describe very different operation.
  • Design for the lowest flow temperature your emitters allow, then pick units that are efficient at that temperature.
Practical takeaways
  • Aim for the lowest flow temperature your home's emitters allow: 35°C is ideal, 45°C is good.
  • Size radiators or underfloor heating for low-temperature operation; it is the key to a high SCOP.
  • Keep weather compensation switched on.
  • Only high-temperature (R290) models run efficiently near 65–75°C, and even then, lower is better.
  • See the Understanding COP & SCOP guide for how flow temperature shows up in the efficiency figures.

Reviewed June 2026. This guide is general information, not professional or design advice; a heat-loss survey by a qualified installer is the basis for any real system design.

ASHP installation costs explained

An air source heat pump installation is a package of several separate costs, not just the price of the outdoor unit. This guide breaks the total down into its parts: the heat pump itself, the hot water cylinder, controls, and radiator upgrades, using typical figures reported by UK installer cost guides, so you know roughly what to expect before getting quotes.

Typical total cost, by property size

These are supply-and-install totals for a straightforward air-to-water ASHP replacing a fossil-fuel boiler, before and after the current £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant in England and Wales. Actual costs depend heavily on your property's insulation, existing pipework, and how many radiators need upgrading; treat these as a starting point, not a quote.

Property Typical ASHP size Supply & install After £7,500 BUS grant
2-bedroom, well insulated~5 kW£8,000–£10,000£500–£2,500
3-bedroom~7 kW£10,000–£12,000£2,500–£4,500
4-bedroom~11 kW£12,000–£14,000£4,500–£6,500
5-bedroom or larger, older/less insulated~14 kW+£14,000–£16,000+£6,500–£8,500+

Figures are indicative UK averages compiled from installer cost guides (Checkatrade, The Eco Experts, MyJobQuote), current as of 2026. Individual quotes commonly range £7,000–£16,000 depending on the factors below; always get several quotes from MCS-certified installers.

What makes up the cost

A quote is really several line items bundled together. Here is roughly what each one costs on its own.

The heat pump unit itself

The outdoor unit (and, for split systems, the indoor hydraulic box) is priced mainly by capacity. Larger, higher-output, or high-temperature/R290 models sit at the top of each band.

Unit sizeTypical unit cost (supply only)
4–8 kW£4,000–£6,000
9–12 kW£6,000–£8,500
13–16 kW£8,500–£11,000
Installation labour

Fitting the unit, connecting pipework, commissioning and the heat-loss survey typically adds £3,000–£7,000: around £3,000–£4,500 for a standard swap onto existing pipework, rising to £4,500–£7,000 where significant pipework changes are needed.

Hot water cylinder

Most ASHP installs need a new (or first-time) unvented hot water cylinder, since heat pumps heat water more gradually than a combi boiler. A heat-pump-ready cylinder (with a larger heat-exchanger coil to transfer heat efficiently at a lower flow temperature) supplied and fitted typically costs £900–£2,000, depending on size (commonly 150–300 litres for a household) and coil specification. It must be fitted by a G3-registered installer and serviced annually.

Controls

A basic room thermostat and outdoor sensor for weather compensation is usually bundled with the unit. Extra controls (additional zone thermostats, smart thermostatic radiator valves, or a multi-zone control setup) typically add £300–£1,200 depending on how many zones and rooms are covered.

Radiator upgrades (per radiator)

Because a heat pump runs at a lower flow temperature than a gas boiler, each radiator gives out less heat for the same size, so some radiators sized for a 70–80°C boiler need replacing with larger ones to keep rooms warm at 35–45°C. Installers typically charge £300–£500 per radiator supplied and fitted: for example, upgrading 10 radiators is commonly quoted around £3,000 in total. Not every radiator needs replacing; a heat-loss survey identifies which ones are undersized for low-temperature operation.

Electrical work

Many properties need a consumer unit upgrade or a new dedicated circuit to the outdoor unit, typically £500–£800. Whether this is needed depends on your existing electrics and the unit's power draw; your installer will confirm this during the survey.

Ongoing running costs are separate from installation: budget roughly £150–£300 for an annual service. Figures above are indicative UK 2026 averages from Checkatrade, The Eco Experts and similar installer cost guides, not fixed prices; always get itemised quotes from at least three installers.

What affects your price

  • Property size and heat loss. A bigger or less-insulated home needs a larger, costlier unit, and a properly sized system depends on a room-by-room heat-loss calculation, not a rule of thumb.
  • How many radiators need upgrading. A well-insulated home with already-generous radiators may need none; an older, poorly insulated one may need most of them replaced.
  • Underfloor heating vs radiators. Underfloor heating suits low flow temperatures perfectly but is expensive to retrofit; sticking with upgraded radiators is usually cheaper for an existing home.
  • Existing pipework and cylinder. Reusing existing pipe runs and pipework diameter keeps labour down; microbore pipework or no existing cylinder adds cost.
  • Brand and specification. Premium brands, R290 high-temperature models, and longer warranties typically cost more than budget or standard-temperature units.
  • Site access and complexity. Where the outdoor unit goes, how far pipework has to run, and any scaffolding or difficult access all affect labour cost.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently provides £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump in England and Wales (£2,500 for air-to-air, £5,000 for biomass boilers). It is applied as an upfront discount by your MCS-certified installer: you do not pay the full amount and claim it back.

  • Requires an MCS-certified installer and product. An EPC is no longer required as of April 2026.
  • Covers replacements of an existing fossil-fuel heating system, not most new-build properties.
  • Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate schemes: see Home Energy Scotland or your local grants.
  • Read our full funding & grants guide or the official GOV.UK guidance for the current eligibility rules and how to apply.

Related reading

Reviewed July 2026. Costs are general UK guide prices, not quotes, and change over time; always confirm current grant eligibility and get itemised quotes from MCS-certified installers before budgeting. This guide is general information, not financial or professional advice.

Heat pump funding & grants in the UK

There isn't one single UK heat pump grant: there are several, and which ones apply to you depends on where you live, your income, and what you're replacing. This guide covers every current route: the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, 0% VAT, Home Energy Scotland, Warm Homes: Local Grant, ECO4, and support in Northern Ireland: what each gives you, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Find your funding in 10 seconds

Answer two questions and we'll point you to the schemes worth applying for, in order.

A quick pointer, not a formal eligibility check; confirm details with the scheme directly before applying.

Scheme Where Who it's for Typical support
Boiler Upgrade SchemeEngland & WalesAny homeowner£7,500 ASHP/GSHP
0% VATUK-wideAny homeowner~17% off, automatic
Home Energy ScotlandScotlandAny homeowner£7,500 grant + £7,500 loan
Warm Homes: Local GrantEnglandLow incomeFully funded
ECO4England, Wales, ScotlandBenefit claimantsFully funded
Northern Ireland supportNorthern IrelandVariesSee below

You often can't combine two capital grants for the same measure, but 0% VAT applies alongside any of the others. Always confirm combinability with your installer or scheme adviser before applying.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (England & Wales)

The government's main heat pump grant, open to any homeowner regardless of income. Paid as an upfront discount off your installer's quote, not claimed back after the fact.

SystemGrant
Air source heat pump (ASHP)£7,500
Ground source heat pump (GSHP, incl. water source & shared loops)£7,500
Biomass boiler (off-gas-grid, rural only)£5,000
Air-to-air heat pump£2,500

Plus an extra £1,500 (£9,000 total) for ASHP/GSHP on oil or LPG properties with no mains gas connection, between 21 July 2026 and 31 March 2027. One grant per property; hybrid systems don't qualify.

  • Eligibility: you own the property (including rentals, second homes and businesses), you're replacing a fossil fuel system, and it's in England or Wales. Your installer must commission the system within 120 days of applying.
  • Requirements: an MCS-certified installer and product: this is now a statutory requirement. No EPC is needed as of 28 April 2026 (the old insulation-recommendation rule was scrapped).
  • Payment: deducted upfront from your quote by the installer, who applies to Ofgem on your behalf. Not means-tested, doesn't need repaying.
  • How to apply: get quotes from MCS-certified installers, confirm eligibility, agree a quote; your installer applies for you.

Funded through to 31 March 2030, with £400 million budgeted for 2026–27. Full detail: eligibility edge cases (self-build, new build), what doesn't qualify (social housing, previously-funded properties), and biomass-specific rules, are in our installation costs guide and the official GOV.UK guidance.

0% VAT on heat pumps (UK-wide)

Separate from any grant, and stackable with one: installing a qualifying heat pump in a UK home currently attracts 0% VAT instead of the usual 20%, covering both the equipment and installation labour.

  • What's covered: air, ground and water source heat pumps, plus the installation labour, controls and other qualifying energy-saving materials fitted at the same time.
  • Who's eligible: any residential property in the UK: there's no income test and no application. Your installer simply doesn't charge VAT (or charges 0%) on the qualifying elements of the invoice.
  • Typical saving: around £1,800–£2,500 on a typical residential ASHP installation, since it applies to the full pre-grant invoice total.
  • Timeline: in force since April 2022, currently scheduled to run until 31 March 2027, after which it's due to revert to 5% unless extended again (it has been extended more than once already).

Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan (Scotland)

Scotland's equivalent to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, run by Home Energy Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government: a grant that can be topped up with an optional interest-free loan.

  • Funding: up to £7,500 grant for a heat pump (air, ground or water source), plus an optional £7,500 interest-free loan on top, up to £15,000 combined. A £1,500 rural/island uplift applies to both, taking the maximum to £18,000.
  • Eligibility: you own and live in the property as your only or main residence, in Scotland. Only heat pumps providing 100% of heating and hot water qualify; hybrids don't. Replacement heat pumps can't get the grant, but can use the loan.
  • Requirements: MCS-certified installer and product. No EPC is needed to apply for the heat pump funding itself (only for separate energy-efficiency measures like insulation).
  • How to apply: call or email Home Energy Scotland for a free advice session first; you're referred to the online application only after that. Applications are processed in around 10 working days once submitted, and funding offers are valid for 9 months.
  • Payment: unlike BUS, funding is claimed back after work is done (with an optional deposit drawdown of up to 60% of material costs upfront) rather than deducted from the quote in advance.

Funding is allocated first-come, first-served and subject to availability, so apply early in the financial year. Full detail: Home Energy Scotland official guidance.

Warm Homes: Local Grant (England, low income)

A fully-funded scheme for lower-income households in England, delivered through local councils. It's a whole-home energy efficiency programme rather than a heat-pump-specific grant; a heat pump is only installed where a survey finds it suitable.

  • What it covers: wall, loft and underfloor insulation, air source heat pumps, smart heating controls and solar panels, whatever a home survey recommends. Your council arranges and pays for the work; you pay nothing (though a landlord may need to contribute for a rented property).
  • Eligibility: home privately owned (by you or your landlord) with an EPC of D–G, in England. Household income usually £36,000/year or less, though you may still qualify above that if you're in a targeted postcode area or receive certain benefits.
  • How to apply: apply online at gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant; your council should be in touch within 10 working days to arrange a survey. Availability depends on your council having funding allocated, so it isn't guaranteed everywhere.

Runs April 2025 to March 2028. Equivalent support in Wales is arranged through the Welsh Government's Warm Homes Programme, and in Scotland through Home Energy Scotland (above).

ECO4 (England, Wales & Scotland, benefit claimants)

The Energy Company Obligation is funded by energy suppliers rather than general taxation: they're required to fund efficiency upgrades, including heat pumps, for low-income and vulnerable households as part of a "whole-house" retrofit.

  • What it covers: can fund a heat pump installation in full as part of a wider package of measures aimed at bringing the home up to around EPC Band C, rather than a fixed voucher amount like BUS.
  • Eligibility: broadly, you (or your landlord, with permission) must be claiming a qualifying benefit (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA/ESA, Child Benefit or Housing Benefit) and the property needs an EPC of D, E, F or G (E, F or G if you're a private tenant). Social housing tenants in an E, F or G rated property may also qualify.
  • How to apply: contact your local council to check if they're participating, or contact a participating energy supplier directly (Ofgem publishes the current list). Be cautious of cold callers claiming to represent the scheme; verify independently before agreeing to anything.

Currently running to 31 December 2026. More tightly targeted than BUS, but can cover a much larger share (or all) of the cost for those who qualify.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland isn't covered by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and its own Boiler Replacement Scheme has closed with no direct £7,500-style heat pump grant currently in its place. Support is more limited for now:

  • 0% VAT applies in Northern Ireland the same as the rest of the UK (see above); no application needed.
  • Affordable Warmth Scheme, run by the NI Housing Executive, offers up to £7,500 of heating and insulation work for private owner-occupiers with household income under £23,000.
  • NISEP (Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme) offers a limited number of air source heat pump installations as part of heating upgrades for off-gas-grid households, funded by electricity suppliers.
  • The Department for the Economy has committed to a NI-specific heat pump grant broadly matching BUS, expected to follow a consultation completed in early 2026. Check nidirect.gov.uk for the latest before assuming any of the above still reflects the current position.
Which funding applies to me?
  • England or Wales, any income: Boiler Upgrade Scheme + 0% VAT.
  • England, lower income: check Warm Homes: Local Grant and ECO4 first; they can fully fund the work rather than just discount it.
  • Scotland, any income: Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan + 0% VAT.
  • Wales or Scotland, lower income: ECO4, alongside Home Energy Scotland or the Welsh Government's Warm Homes Programme.
  • Northern Ireland: 0% VAT, plus Affordable Warmth or NISEP if you meet their criteria, and watch for the NI-specific grant currently in development.

Related reading

Reviewed August 2026 against GOV.UK, Home Energy Scotland and nidirect guidance. This is general information, not financial or professional advice; funding rules, amounts and deadlines change and vary by circumstance, so always confirm current eligibility with the relevant scheme, your council, or an MCS-certified installer before budgeting or buying.

UK planning permission for heat pumps

Most residential heat pumps in the UK can be installed without a planning application, under what's called permitted development. But the exact size, siting and noise conditions differ by nation, and enough properties fall outside them, flats, listed buildings, conservation areas, tight boundaries, that it's worth checking before you commit to a quote. This guide covers the rules, process and costs for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

You'll likely need a full application if…
  • Your home is a listed building, or within its curtilage
  • You already have another microgeneration installation (such as a wind turbine) at the property
  • It's a flat or maisonette and the block-of-flats conditions for your nation aren't met
  • You want more heat pump units than permitted development allows
  • The unit can't meet the size, siting or noise conditions that apply where you live
  • Permitted development rights have been removed for your property by an Article 4 direction or a planning condition, common in some conservation areas

England

Since 1 December 2011, installing an air source heat pump on a house or block of flats has normally been permitted development, provided all of the following are met.

  • The installation must comply with the MCS Planning Standards (MCS 020a) sound calculation. From 28 May 2026, MCS 020a is the only certification scheme permitted development will accept.
  • The outdoor unit's volume, including any housing, must not exceed 1.5m³ on a house or 0.6m³ on a block of flats.
  • Only the first air source heat pump is permitted development on a house that isn't detached, or on a block of flats. Detached houses can have the first two units under permitted development.
  • Not permitted if there's already a wind turbine on the building or within its curtilage.
  • Can't be installed on a pitched roof; on a flat roof, it must sit at least 1 metre from the roof's edge.
  • Not permitted within the curtilage of a Listed Building or a Scheduled Monument.
  • In a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site: can't go on a wall or roof fronting a highway, or nearer a highway than the building itself.
  • Elsewhere: can't go above ground-floor level on a wall that fronts a highway.

The old rule requiring 1 metre of clearance from a neighbouring boundary was removed in May 2025: siting is now governed purely by the MCS 020a noise calculation, not a fixed distance. Ground source and water source heat pumps are usually permitted development too; see below for when an environmental permit is also needed. Full detail: Planning Portal: air source heat pumps.

Wales

Wales updated its permitted development rules from 1 June 2026, bringing them much closer to England's. Before that date the older, stricter rules (one unit, 1m³ limit, 3 metre boundary clearance) applied, so if you're reading older advice, check the date.

  • Detached houses can now have two air source heat pumps under permitted development, up from one; the combined noise of both units must still meet MCS 020(a).
  • The outdoor unit size limit rose from 1m³ to 1.5m³.
  • The previous 3 metre minimum boundary distance has been removed: siting is governed by the MCS 020(a) noise calculation instead.
  • Units can now be installed on a wall or roof that fronts a highway, which wasn't previously allowed.
  • Still can't go on a pitched roof; on a flat roof, it must sit at least 1 metre from the edge.
  • Air-to-air heat pumps have also been brought into permitted development.
  • Every installation covered by permitted development must meet MCS 020(a), whether or not the installer is MCS-certified.

Listed buildings and conservation areas are handled separately by your council, as in England. Source: MCS: PDR changes in Wales from 1 June 2026.

Scotland

Scotland runs a separate planning system with its own permitted development classes: Class 6H covers air source heat pumps, Classes 6D and 6E cover ground and water source. Scotland hasn't adopted England and Wales's two-unit allowance for detached houses.

  • Only one air source heat pump is permitted development per building or curtilage.
  • The unit can't protrude more than 1 metre from the wall, roof plane, roof ridge or chimney it's fixed to.
  • In a Conservation Area: must be at ground-floor level and on the rear elevation of the dwelling.
  • Elsewhere: can't sit forward of a principal or side elevation that fronts a road, and the resulting structure can't exceed 3 metres in height.
  • Not permitted in a World Heritage Site or within the curtilage of a listed building.
  • Must comply with MCS Planning Standards (MCS 020) or an equivalent.

Ground and water source heat pumps (Classes 6D/6E) are permitted development within the curtilage of a dwelling or flat building with no additional size or siting limits beyond that. Source: gov.scot: Planning circular 1/2024.

Northern Ireland

Since a July 2023 amendment, air source heat pumps are generally permitted development in Northern Ireland too, but the conditions sit closer to England and Wales's older, stricter rules than their current position.

  • The unit typically needs to be sited at least 1 metre from a neighbouring boundary; Northern Ireland hasn't removed this requirement the way England and Wales have.
  • Installations must meet the MCS Planning Standards noise requirements.
  • Not permitted development within the curtilage of a listed building, a conservation area, or a scheduled monument.

Northern Ireland's rules have changed less publicly than the rest of the UK's recently, so always confirm the current conditions with your council or nidirect's planning guidance before installing.

Ground and water source: a second permission to check

Planning permission is only half the picture for ground and water source systems. Because they exchange heat with groundwater or a watercourse, they're also regulated environmentally, separately from planning. In England, closed-loop systems installed after 1 October 2023 are usually covered by the Environment Agency's regulatory position statement for single residential systems, while open-loop systems generally need a registered exemption or a full permit. The equivalent regulator handles this in the other nations: Natural Resources Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), or NIEA in Northern Ireland. Check with your installer and the relevant regulator before finalising a ground or water source design; this is on top of, not instead of, the planning steps above.

The process, if you do need a full application

  • Pre-application advice (optional). Most councils offer this for a fee; worth it on a tight boundary or noise-sensitive site.
  • Get your paperwork ready. A site/block plan, elevation drawings showing the unit's position, and your installer's MCS 020(a) noise calculation.
  • Submit the application via the Planning Portal (England and Wales) or your local council's planning system (Scotland and Northern Ireland), with the fee.
  • Wait for a decision. The standard target for a householder application is 8 weeks; listed building or conservation area cases often take longer.
  • Outcome. The council can approve, refuse, or approve with conditions, commonly a fixed position, an acoustic barrier, or a maximum operating noise level.
  • If refused, you can revise the proposal and resubmit, or appeal to the relevant appeals body (the Planning Inspectorate in England, and equivalent bodies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland).

What it costs

Because most installations qualify as permitted development, most homeowners never pay a planning fee at all, this is separate from the cost of the heat pump itself (see our installation costs guide). Where a full householder application is needed, indicative 2026 fees for alterations to a single dwelling are:

NationHouseholder application fee
England£548
Wales£585
Scotland£300
Northern Ireland£327

Figures are the standard fee for a householder application to alter or extend a single dwelling, the closest published category to a heat pump application, and change periodically. On top of the fee, budget for pre-application advice if you use it, and for an independent acoustic assessment if your installer's MCS 020(a) calculation alone isn't accepted by your council. Always confirm the current fee with your local planning authority before applying.

Which route applies to me?
  • Detached house, no listed/conservation constraints: permitted development in all four nations, but the size, siting and unit-count conditions differ, check them against your installer's proposal before ordering.
  • Semi-detached or terraced house: usually permitted development too, but only the first unit counts (England and Wales allow two only on detached houses).
  • Flat or maisonette: often still covered, but check the curtilage and unit-count conditions for a block of flats with your council.
  • Listed building, conservation area, Article 4 area, or scheduled monument: budget for a full application and talk to your council first.
  • Ground or water source: the heat pump itself is normally permitted development, but check separately whether your loop or borehole needs an environmental permit.

Related reading

Reviewed August 2026 against Planning Portal, gov.wales, gov.scot and MCS guidance. Planning rules, fees and noise standards change and can also vary by local authority; this is general information, not professional planning advice, so always confirm current requirements with your council or a qualified installer before starting work.

Terms of Use

Heat Pump Database — heatpumpdatabase.com

1. Overview

This website provides a searchable database of heat pump products available in the UK market, alongside technical guidance and educational content. It is intended for informational and comparison purposes only.

2. Informational Use Only

All content, including product specifications, performance data, and technical articles, is provided for general information purposes only. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy by sourcing data from manufacturer datasheets and official documentation, no guarantee is given regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability for any particular technical, commercial, or operational use.

3. No Professional Advice

The information on this website does not constitute engineering, installation, commercial, legal, or regulatory advice. Product specifications should always be verified directly with the manufacturer before making purchasing or design decisions. Users should seek appropriate professional guidance — including MCS-certified installers and qualified engineers — before specifying, purchasing, or installing heat pump equipment.

4. Data Sources and Accuracy

Product data is compiled from publicly available manufacturer datasheets, product information sheets, and official brochures. Specifications including COP, capacity, noise levels, dimensions, and other performance metrics are reproduced as published by manufacturers at their stated test conditions. Actual installed performance will vary depending on site conditions, system design, and operating parameters. No warranty is given as to data accuracy, completeness, or currency — manufacturers may update specifications without notice.

5. Acceptable Use

Users of this website agree to the following conditions: no misuse or misrepresentation of data presented on this site; no scraping, harvesting, or automated extraction of data for commercial redistribution; no interference with site functionality or security; and retention of attribution and disclaimers when sharing or referencing content from this site.

6. Intellectual Property

The design, layout, code, and editorial content of this website are owned by the site operator unless otherwise stated. Product names, model numbers, and manufacturer trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Product specification data is sourced from manufacturer publications and remains subject to the original rights and licences of those manufacturers.

7. Third-Party Links

This website contains links to third-party websites and resources. These links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. We have no control over the content, availability, or privacy practices of linked sites and accept no responsibility for them.

8. Limitation of Liability

The operators of this website accept no liability for any loss, damage, or expense arising from the use of, or reliance upon, any information provided on this site. This includes but is not limited to errors or omissions in product data, decisions made based on comparison results, or any consequential losses arising from equipment selection or installation. Use of this website is entirely at your own risk.

9. Privacy and Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site. Analytics cookies are only loaded after the visitor provides explicit consent via the cookie banner. No personal data is shared with third parties for marketing purposes. Product comparison selections and filter preferences are stored locally in your browser and are not transmitted to any server.

10. Changes to Terms

These Terms of Use may be updated periodically. Continued use of this website following any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. The date of the most recent update is noted below.

11. Contact

For queries regarding these Terms of Use, or to report inaccurate product data, please contact: info@heatpumpdatabase.com

Heat Pump Database • Terms of Use • Last updated June 2026