It is hoped that in the future, carbon-free heat pumps will become the standard for heating our homes. However, if you’ve ever discussed this new kind of green tech with a friend or neighbour, you may have encountered some common misconceptions that could deter you from considering purchasing a home with a heat pump or installing one yourself.

Heat pumps are noisy

One of the most common misconceptions about low carbon heating systems is that they are very noisy. While they do produce some sound—similar to many other household appliances, like gas boilers—the noise level is comparable to a dishwasher, rather than a volume that’s going to cause disruption. Additionally, since these systems are typically installed outside, you probably won't hear them while you are indoors.

You need lots of space for a heat pump

To install a heat pump, you need space, similar to what is required for a gas boiler. You will need an outdoor area for the heat pump itself—an area that could comfortably accommodate a wheelie bin, for instance. Additionally, you will need space inside for a hot water cylinder if you don't already have one.

Water from your taps will be lukewarm

Heat pumps typically heat water to around 48 degrees, which is the industry standard for domestic use. This temperature is definitely considered 'hot' rather than lukewarm. While heat pumps can raise the water temperature higher if desired, doing so would require mixing it with cold water to avoid the risk of scalding.

Hot water is stored in a cylinder, ready to supply taps and showers with instant hot water, eliminating the need to wait for a boiler to start up. The size of the water cylinder is usually chosen based on the size of the home and the number of residents, ensuring a consistent supply of hot water when needed.

Heat pumps stop working when it gets really cold

A common myth about heat pumps is that they stop functioning when the weather gets very cold. Similar to any heating system, they will work harder in lower temperatures, but a heat pump should effectively operate during a typical winter in the UK.

Heat pumps are too expensive to install

The average cost of a gas boiler, including the device itself and installation, is approximately £3,700, according to the Energy Saving Trust. In comparison, an air source heat pump typically costs around £14,000. Additionally, the average lifespan of a gas boiler is between 10 to 15 years, while a heat pump can last about 20 years.

It is also important to note that, unlike gas boilers, there are grants available to help with the installation costs of a new low carbon heating system. These grants can be as much as £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, or available through the Home Energy Scotland grant if you reside in Scotland.

Heat pumps are expensive to maintain

A heat pump requires annual servicing, similar to a gas boiler. However, the maintenance for a heat pump is comparable to that of gas boilers. While servicing a gas boiler primarily focuses on safety—due to the risk of carbon monoxide exposure—a heat pump service is more about making sure the system operates as efficiently as possible, saving you money on your energy bills.

Electricity is more expensive than gas, so heat pumps are more expensive to run than gas boilers

The truth is that some heat pump installations perform significantly better than others. The more efficient your heat pump installation, the greater your potential savings when switching from gas.

Energy Saving Trust has calculated the potential savings from transitioning to a well-designed system, based on field trial results that reflect actual heat pump performance in UK homes:

Figures are for a typical gas heated 3 bedroom semi-detached house, assuming the household stops paying a gas standing charge after installation, with an electricity price of 22.4 p/kWh and a gas price of 5.5 p/kWh – accurate as of July 2024.

In short, a system that runs efficiently can mean significant cuts to your heating bill.

Your heat pump will need to stay on all the time

A heat pump operates when there is a demand for heating and hot water, but it doesn't have to run continuously. However, it's important to note that if your heat pump remains off for an extended period and your home becomes very cold, it may take longer to heat up again compared to using a gas boiler. This is because heat pumps are designed to operate at a lower output over a longer period, which is essential for achieving high performance.

Additionally, heat pumps come equipped with smart controls that automatically adjust to changes in outside temperature. You can also control them completely, by turning them on or off via a mobile app.

To learn more about the myths of heat pumps, please read this article published by Rightmove.