Our online heat pump estimator gives you an initial indication of the type of system your property may require and helps you understand the likely next steps.
You don’t need to know what size heat pump you need, whether your radiators need changing or what type of installation is right for your home. That’s what we’ll help you establish.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme can significantly reduce the upfront cost of moving to renewable heating.
Eligible air-to-water heat pump installations normally receive £7,500 towards the cost of installation.
Until March 2027, qualifying homes that are off the mains gas grid and replacing an existing oil or LPG heating system can receive £9,000.
As an MCS-certified installer, Option Energy Solutions can guide you through the process and handle the installer side of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application.
The grant is applied against the installation cost rather than being paid directly to you. Eligibility criteria apply.
Up to £9,000 towards your Heat Pump installation
There isn’t one standard way to install a heat pump. Some Sussex homes already have pipework and radiators that are well suited to lower-temperature heating and need relatively few changes. Other properties may benefit from selected radiator upgrades, alterations to pipework or a new hot water cylinder. More complicated homes may require a completely bespoke heating system design. Your engineer will assess the property first and recommend the most appropriate route.
A retrofit heat pump installation replaces an existing heating appliance, such as a gas, oil or LPG boiler, while making sensible use of the heating system already in the property.
It doesn’t automatically mean replacing every radiator and every length of pipework.
If your existing system can provide the heat your home requires efficiently, much of it may be retained.
In some properties, only a small number of radiators need changing. In others, localised pipework alterations or a different hot water cylinder may be worthwhile.
The important thing is that changes are based on proper calculations rather than assumptions.
For suitable homes, a Heat Geek ZeroDisrupt installation can help minimise unnecessary disruption.
The existing heating system is assessed carefully so we can establish what genuinely needs changing and what can stay.
Suitable radiators, pipework and other components may be retained where the design shows they can perform correctly.
The aim is not simply to do less work.
It is to make the right changes in the right places, helping keep installation time, cost and disruption under control while still creating an efficient system.
Some properties need a more comprehensive approach.
This can include larger or older homes, unusual buildings, properties with unsuitable existing heating systems or homes where the customer wants to achieve particularly high levels of efficiency.
A bespoke design may involve new radiators, changes to pipework, hot water storage, controls or other heating-system improvements.
Rather than forcing an unsuitable existing system to work around a heat pump, we design the heating system as a complete package.
If you are renovating or extending your home, it can be the perfect opportunity to design the heating system around a heat pump from the outset.
We can consider underfloor heating, radiator sizing, pipework, hot water requirements and the position of the heat pump while other work is taking place.
You don’t need to decide that yourself. We’ll assess your home, your existing heating system and how much heat the property requires. If the existing system is suitable, we’ll tell you. If a few improvements would make the system perform better, we’ll explain exactly what we recommend and why. And if the property requires a more comprehensive design, we’ll talk you through the options before work begins. Our aim is to find the best balance between comfort, efficiency, installation cost and disruption.
Good heat pump performance starts with good heating system design.
An air source heat pump isn’t simply another boiler. Heat pumps generally achieve their best efficiency when the home can be heated comfortably using lower water temperatures.
That means we need to understand the entire heating system.
We carry out heat loss calculations to establish how much heat the property and individual rooms require. We can then assess the existing radiators, pipework, hot water requirements and appropriate heat pump size.
This allows us to design around the home rather than simply choosing an outdoor unit and hoping the existing system will work with it.
Quite possibly.
Many existing radiators may already be suitable, particularly if they were originally oversized or improvements to the property have reduced the amount of heat required.
The same applies to pipework.
We assess whether the existing system can provide the necessary flow and heat output before recommending changes.
Where something is suitable, there is little benefit in replacing it unnecessarily.
Where an improvement would make a genuine difference to performance, we’ll explain why.
Vaillant make a fantastic and extremely versatile unit with the same heating controls that the UK is familiar with from their boiler range.
We have many of these units out there performing brilliantly.
Viessmann are the pinnacle in German engineering and our heat pump manufacturer partner.
We are confident to say that you cannot get better than a Viessmann heat pump installation.
Our MCS certification allows us to install qualifying renewable heating systems and access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for eligible customers.
As a Heat Geek Elite installer, we take a design-led approach to heat pumps, focusing on heat loss, lower flow temperatures and whole-system performance rather than simply fitting an outdoor unit.
Our background in traditional heating is particularly valuable when converting existing homes to heat pumps because we understand both the system being removed and the one replacing it.
Option Energy Solutions is Trading Standards Approved and highly rated by customers across Sussex.
“I have over 20 years experience in the heating industry and over 10 years as director and lead heating engineer for Option. I’m immensely proud of the work that we do from both a sustainability and technical perspective. If you are looking for a more efficient and sustainable way to heat your home, not only would I love to help you with that, but I genuinely think you deserve a lot of credit. I want to work for forward thinking people like you, and will strive for me and my team to deliver you the best service possible in your home energy journey.”
Heat pump running costs depend on the property, heating system design, electricity tariff and the temperature at which the system needs to operate.
Good design matters because reducing the required heating temperature can help the heat pump operate more efficiently.
Solar PV, battery storage and suitable electricity tariffs can also create opportunities to reduce running costs.
We prefer not to promise a particular saving before understanding the property and how you use your heating.
Yes.
An older property does not automatically rule out a heat pump.
Sussex has a wide variety of housing, from modern developments to cottages and traditional properties.
What matters is understanding how much heat the building loses and designing the heating system appropriately.
Some older homes may benefit from insulation improvements or changes to radiators and pipework. Others may already have a heating system that provides an excellent starting point.
We assess the property rather than making assumptions based purely on its age.
Office Phone : 01903 814777
Please use the form or existing customers can respond to our previous email
Option Energy Solutions Ltd 9 Penlands Way Steyning West Sussex BN44 3PN
All the big Heat Pump questions answered below
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers system sizes up to 45 kW, and this will heat most small to medium size commercial properties.
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are a great energy-saving solution for your home. They pull heat from the outside air, even in cold weather, and bring it indoors to keep your space warm and cosy. They work efficiently in temperatures as low as -15°C, making them ideal for the UK's chilly winters.
One of the big advantages of ASHPs is their efficiency. For every unit of electricity they use, they can generate up to three to five times that amount in heat. So not only will you stay warm, but you’ll also see savings on your energy bills.
To get the most out of an ASHP, it’s important that it’s installed correctly and it helps if your home is well insulated. This ensures the system runs at its best, keeping you comfortable all year round.
The cost of running a heat pump depends on a few things, like the design of your heating system, the size and insulation values of your home, your electricity rates and control strategy.
In general, running costs of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are comparable with running costs of a gas boiler, but a good design and a control strategy, particularly one that leverages cheap electricity tariffs and/or home batteries can provide massive savings.
The running costs are also influenced by the coefficient of performance (COP), which measures how efficiently your heat pump converts electricity into heat. In general, a combination of good property insulation and low temperature design will deliver a more efficient system leading to energy savings.
When it comes to heat pumps, the main difference between Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) is where they draw their heat from.
Air Source Heat Pumps grab heat from the air outside—even when it’s chilly—and use it to warm your home and water. They’re generally easier and cheaper to install, making them a popular choice. However, they can be a bit less efficient during those freezing winter days.
Ground Source Heat Pumps, on the other hand, pull heat from the ground through pipes buried underground. These systems are more efficient, especially in colder weather, but they need more space and can cost a lot more to install due to the digging involved. GSHPs are not viable in the majority of cases, but they make more sense at large outputs or in niche outdoor situations with regards to landscaping and planning.
While air source heat pumps are the obvious solution in most situations, both are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional heating, helping you reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your property toasty.
When it comes to heating your home, there are some key differences between Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) and traditional boilers.
Heat Generation: An ASHP pulls heat from the air outside—even when it’s cold—and transfers it into your home. Boilers, whether gas or oil, burn fuel to produce heat directly. Boilers are typically supplying heat at a high temperature for shorter periods, whereas heat pumps operate at low temperatures for longer periods which makes for a more comfortable indoor environment.
Efficiency: ASHPs are more efficient, often producing 3-5 units of heat for every unit of electricity used. Boilers, especially older ones, aren’t as efficient, converting 80-90% of fuel into heat.
Running Costs: With some level of proper insulation and a good system design, ASHPs tend to be cheaper to run, whereas boilers come with higher fuel costs, depending on gas or oil prices. A big benefit of heat pumps using electricity is you can take advantage of time of use and type of use tariffs to further increase energy savings.
Environmental Impact: Using the carbon intensity figures of the UK electrical supply, ASHPs are the greener option as they significantly reduce carbon emissions due to their high efficiency. Boilers, on the other hand, emit CO₂ by burning fossil fuels at the point of use at a relatively poor efficiency. This amounts to roughly a 75% carbon saving by switching to a heat pump, and more if you are on a renewable energy tariff.
In short, ASHPs are a more eco-friendly and cost-effective choice in the long run, though they often have higher upfront installation costs. Boilers are often cheaper to install but can cost more to run over time, and they aren’t as environmentally friendly.
When choosing a heat pump, the key difference between air-to-water and air-to-air heat pumps is how they warm your home.
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps: These systems take heat from the air outside and transfer it into water, which is then used to heat your home through radiators or underfloor heating. They also provide hot water for your taps. If you already have a water-based central heating system, this is a great option. These systems deliver a comfortable temperature and grade of heat throughout.
Air-to-Air Heat Pumps: Instead of using water, these units transfer heat directly from the outside air into warm air inside your home. They are ideal for homes without radiators and typically distribute heat through fans or ducts. As a bonus, they can also cool your home in the summer by reversing the process. Air heating doesn't feel as comfortable as radiant heat from wet heating systems, but the effect of air heating or cooling is fast.
Efficiency and Cost: Both options are similarly energy efficient. Air-to-water systems are more versatile since they handle both heating and hot water, while air-to-air systems are simpler and cheaper to install but only provide space heating (or cooling in summer). However, the BUS grant of £7500 is only available for air to water systems, so this needs to be factored in if you are eligible.
In short, if you need both heating and hot water and you would like to claim the BUS grant, an air-to-water system is your best bet. For straightforward heating or cooling, particularly in an open plan space, an air-to-air system is a good, cost-effective choice.
Heat pumps, especially Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), do create some noise, mainly from the external unit where the fan and compressor are located. On average, the noise is around 40 to 60 decibels—similar to the sound of a modern fridge or light rain. The exact noise level depends on the model, how it’s installed, where it's placed and how hard it is working.
While you may notice it when standing close to the unit, modern ASHPs are designed to be quiet. Many are installed away from bedrooms to minimise any chance of disturbance. On the other hand, Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) are generally much quieter because most of the equipment is underground or indoors.
To reduce any potential noise, it's important to ensure the heat pump is installed in the right spot—away from sensitive areas. Plus, all heat pumps must pass a sound assessment at design stage, so you won’t have to worry about them being a nuisance to neighbours.
The revolutionary iC Economiser Plus boiler has been described as the combi of the future, featuring industry-leading innovation and an 18-year warranty!
Wall mounted gas condensing boilers (system boiler and combi boiler). The popular solution for medium sized homes with 2-4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
A gas condensing storage combi boiler with integral enamelled loading cylinder or DHW cylinder and a rated heating output 1.9 to 32 kW.
Time for change?
Heat pumps are the perfect alternative to electric, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and oil heating systems. Fuel costs for heat pumps are considerably cheaper than the aforementioned options, and can be marginally cheaper than natural gas. Add this to the fact that a heat pump can use your own solar electrical energy, and this amounts to a more energy secure future for your home.
The installation cost can be offset by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a government grant which pays £5000 (for air source heat pumps) direct to your installation company on your behalf for deduction from your final payment. Eligibility criteria applies.
There are 2 initial considerations for you to bear in mind before having a heat pump installed;
Insulation
Always take a fabric first approach where possible. If you don’t have cavity wall, or loft insulation, you should get this done ideally before a heat pump installation.
The heat pump grant is not available to properties where the above measures are recommended on the EPC. If you have soild walls, then the situation is slightly different. As a rule, consider the prospect of insulation first and foremost.
We would recommend to have a minimum of loft insulation, double glazed windows and cavity wall insulation or similar, but we have successfully installed to properties with some single glazing, or no wall insulation. It just make the running costs a little higher.
Existing Heating Emitters
Heating emitters are generally radiators or underfloor heating. If you have no existing emitters and are having a new system installed, then this is a mute point, as we can install the appropriately sized emitters.
If you are having a heat pump installed to an existing system that was previously used for a fossil fuel boiler system, then you may need to allow for partial or full upgrades throughout.
Heat pumps operate at much cooler water temperatures, around 30-50c, compared to a traditional boiler which operates at around 60-80c. Underfloor heating is designed to work at 50c or less, which means it is perfect for a heat pump, but radiators are traditionally sized to operate at hotter temperatures, which means they could need upgrading to larger radiators.
One caveat to this, is if you upgraded the insulation after the radiators were installed, then you may get a handy side effect of making the radiator oversized, and now suitable to run at lower temperatures.
Just be aware that a heat pump isn’t just plug and play. There are important design considerations to ensure it heats your property well, and property size has a big impact. This means that costs vary significantly from project to project, broadly ranging from £10,000 to £25,000, less the BUS grant of £5000 if eligible.
The best way to get an approximation, is to talk to us by registering your interest on the contact form above. We’ll call you back for a short conversation, give you a ball park figure, and the ball is then entirely in your court.
If an air source heat pump installation is feasible for you, we would love to come on board and deliver your project.
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Contact us today and get the ball rolling on your heat pump installation
Join the green revolution in style and comfort, with an air source heat pump installed by Option Energy Solutions
It all starts with a conversation. To enquire about a heat pump installation please fill in our enquiry form via the button below and we’ll get in touch
