Will a Heat Pump Work in an Older Property?

Is a heat pump really the best choice for older homes? Or are we just being nudged to help hit government targets?

With the UK Government aiming for 600,000 heat pump installations a year by 2028, it’s no surprise they’ve become the poster child for low-carbon heating. They’re efficient, sustainable, and a great fit for new builds. But if you live in an older property, you might be asking the same question as thousands of others: will a heat pump actually work in my home?

The truth is, for many, the answer is no. Reports suggest that up to 13 MILLION homes in the UK aren’t suitable for a heat pump without serious (and costly) upgrades. And with the gas boiler ban on the horizon, that leaves a big question mark: how do these homes switch to something cleaner without being left behind?

The Unique Challenges of Retrofitting Heat Pumps…

Older homes have undeniable charm – ornate cornices, original sash windows, high ceilings – but they weren’t built with modern heating systems in mind. And when it comes to installing a heat pump, these architectural quirks can quickly become costly obstacles.

The way heat pumps work is fundamentally different to traditional boilers. While gas boilers heat water to high temperatures (60–80°C) and quickly warm your radiators, air source heat pumps operate far more efficiently at lower temperatures (35–45°C). This means they need to run for longer periods to maintain comfort, and they rely heavily on your home being properly insulated to hold onto that warmth.

Here’s where older properties hit their first snag: insulation. Many period homes have solid walls instead of cavity walls, which makes modern insulation techniques tricky, and sometimes impossible without major disruption. Sash windows and draughty doors don’t help either. And if you’re in a listed building, you might not be allowed to make the necessary changes at all.

Then there’s the issue of surface area. Because heat pumps emit heat more gently, they usually require bigger radiators or underfloor heating to warm a space effectively. If your home has original floorboards or decorative features, this can be a serious dilemma.

The Hidden Costs of Heat Pump Retrofitting

Heat pumps aren’t cheap, installation typically costs between £7,000 and £13,000. But in older homes, the price often creeps higher due to the extra work involved.

It’s not just the pump itself – it’s everything around it:

• Insulation upgrades: especially in solid-walled homes, this might mean installing internal insulation that eats into room space, or external cladding that alters the building’s appearance.

• Larger radiators: these don’t always fit neatly where the old ones were.

• Electrical upgrades: heat pumps run on electricity, not gas, so your existing setup may need work.

• Floor replacements: especially if underfloor heating is the only viable option – not ideal in properties with heritage flooring.

And unlike a boiler swap, this isn’t a quick job. Heat pump installation often requires significant work across the whole house, which means more time, more trades, and more disruption.

For many owners of older homes, that level of upheaval (not to mention the risk to period features!) can make heat pumps feel like a poor fit, despite their environmental benefits.

So What’s the Alternative?

Heat pumps are a brilliant solution… for the right home. They offer an efficient and eco-friendly way to heat properties, capitalising on renewable energy sources to reduce carbon footprints. However, their installation and effectiveness can be significantly hampered in homes that lack proper insulation or have an outdated infrastructure. For the millions of properties across the UK that simply aren’t suitable without major retrofitting, the cost and effort required to make these homes heat pump-ready can be prohibitive. It’s in these situations that homeowners should consider alternatives that meet both environmental and practical needs. Enter the NEOS, an innovative heating solution designed to bridge this gap. The NEOS system offers a more adaptable approach, capable of integrating seamlessly into existing home infrastructures without the need for extensive modifications. It provides a viable path forward for those seeking to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability without the financial burden of retrofitting, ensuring that eco-conscious heating is accessible to a broader range of homes.

Not every older home needs to be gutted just to decarbonise. If you’re working with a property that can’t easily accommodate a heat pump, or you’re simply not ready for the disruption, there are other options.

A Better Fit for British Homes

The NEOS electric radiator is built to deliver the benefits of electric heating without the drawbacks of disruptive installation.

At the heart is a soapstone core , a natural material that absorbs heat and releases it gradually, mimicking the steady, comfortable warmth older homes are used to. This reduces energy waste, keeps temperatures stable, and protects fragile building materials from sudden changes.

They don’t need pipework or system changes, just a power connection. And because each radiator works independently, you can heat the rooms you use without wasting energy on the ones you don’t.

For listed buildings or homes with strict planning restrictions, this minimal-intervention approach can make all the difference.

And when paired with the Octopus Cosy Tariff, the NEOS can be charged during cheaper times, storing heat in the soapstone core and releasing it steadily without using energy, a clever way to cut your electricity bills without sacrificing comfort.

Want to Know If It’s Right for Your Home?

If you’re weighing up your options, our team of heating experts can give you tailored advice based on your property’s layout, insulation, age, and heating needs. Request your FREE consultation here. 

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