This checklist helps assess whether a home is suitable for a heat pump. Not all homes are suitable without upgrades. The ideal is an EPC rating of C or better, because poor insulation makes a heat pump work harder. The checklist covers insulation, radiators, outdoor space, hot water cylinder space and electrical supply.
- Ideal: an EPC rating of C or better.
- Poor insulation makes a heat pump less efficient.
- The checklist covers radiators, outdoor space and hot water cylinder space.
- It also covers electrical supply and structural issues.
Not every home is ready for a heat pump. It works best in a well-insulated house with room outside for the unit and room inside for a hot water tank. This checklist helps you see what your home would need.
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Not all homes are suitable for heat pumps without upgrades. Use this checklist to assess your property.
Insulation Requirements
Ideal: EPC rating C or better (Energy Performance Certificate)
Acceptable: EPC D (with some works)
Problematic: EPC E or below
Poor insulation means heat pumps work harder and less efficiently. Consider loft insulation (£1,000-£2,000), wall insulation (£5,000-£15,000), or window upgrades (£3,000-£8,000) first.
Radiator Assessment
Oversized radiators: Ideal. Most homes have radiators sized for 70°C boilers. Heat pumps work at lower temperatures (35-55°C).
Undersized radiators: May need replacement. Upgrade cost: £3,000-£8,000.
How to check: Measure your largest radiators. If >2 square metres, you're likely OK. If <1 square metre, upgrades likely needed.
Outdoor Space (Air Source)
Required: Minimum 1-1.5 square metres for outdoor unit
Location: North or east-facing ideal (less sun exposure extends life)
Clearance: 60cm on all sides for airflow
Noise considerations: Unit 1-2 metres away from windows/neighbours
Garden Space (Ground Source)
Horizontal Loop: Need 200-400 square metres of garden
Borehole: Only 10 square metres needed but drilling costs £5,000-£10,000 extra
Best for: Homes with large gardens only
Hot Water Cylinder Space
Required: 150-300 litre cylinder (takes 1.5-2 metres height)
Location: Loft, utility room, or airing cupboard
If no space: Combination (combi) style systems available but more expensive
Electrical Supply
Standard homes: 60-80 amp supply adequate
Current upgrade: No upgrade needed (most homes fine)
Old homes (pre-1960): May need rewire from £1,500-£3,000
Structural Issues
Roof condition: If over 15 years old or slate tiles, check before installing outdoor unit
Cavity walls: Check if cavities are blocked (affects some insulation options)
Quick suitability checklist
- â EPC rating C or better (or willing to improve insulation)
- â Radiators 1+ square metre each (or can upgrade)
- â Outdoor space for unit (air source) or large garden (ground source)
- â Utility room or loft for hot water cylinder
- â Roof suitable for outdoor unit weight (50-80kg)
- â Neighbours not within 5 metres (noise consideration)
- â Willing to budget £3,000-£8,000 for radiator upgrades if needed
Score 5+: Suitable for heat pump
Score 3-4: Suitable with some upgrades
Score <3: Consider major efficiency improvements first
Before you book a survey
What an MCS installer should measure on the day, and the figures to get in writing before you commit.
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