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Installing a heat pump is one of the best decisions you can make for your home’s energy efficiency. It’s low carbon, future-proof, and can dramatically reduce your running costs.
But here’s something that often gets missed...Simply installing a heat pump isn’t the same as upgrading your whole heating system.
If you want the best possible results, lower energy bills, a smaller carbon footprint, and a truly comfortable home, you need to go one step further. That means thinking beyond the box on the wall and redesigning your entire heating system around how a heat pump actually works.
Let’s explore why this matters, what kinds of upgrades you might need, and the benefits of doing it properly.
Traditional boilers run at high flow temperatures (around 70–80°C). They’re like kettles, quick bursts of intense heat, with no real need for efficiency.
Heat pumps are more like a slow cooker: they operate steadily and efficiently at much lower temperatures (typically 35–55°C), delivering consistent warmth throughout the day. But for that to work, your home needs to be set up to make the most of that lower-temperature heat.
If it isn’t, you might find your home underheats, the system works harder than it should, and the savings you were promised don’t materialise.
Upgrading your heating system doesn’t mean gutting your home, but it does mean making a few key improvements to ensure everything works together seamlessly.
Radiators that were sized for a high-temperature boiler might not be large enough to deliver the same heat at lower temperatures. A heat pump-compatible system may need:
The result? Quieter, more consistent heating, without running the heat pump flat-out.
Heat pumps need a hot water cylinder, because they heat water gradually and store it for when you need it. If your home has a combi boiler, or an old, uninsulated cylinder, you’ll likely need:
This ensures fast reheat times, lower energy use, and plenty of hot water for baths, showers, and beyond.
Heat pumps thrive on stability. Installing smart controls allows your system to:
This keeps your home warmer when you need it, and uses less energy when you don’t.
Older systems may have narrow bore pipes or legacy layouts that restrict flow at lower temperatures. Your installer may recommend:
These improvements make the system smoother, quieter, and more efficient overall.
So why not just “stick in a heat pump” and call it a day?
Here’s what you gain by doing the job properly:
Lower running costs – Your system doesn’t need to work overtime to keep up.
Maximum energy savings – Lower flow temps = higher heat pump efficiency (COP).
Better comfort – Even warmth, no hot/cold spots, no waiting for radiators to catch up.
Longer lifespan – The system runs more smoothly and experiences less wear.
Future-ready – Once your system is optimised, replacing the heat pump 15–20 years down the line is easy.
Grant eligibility – Funding schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme often require correct sizing and commissioning, all of which are part of a proper redesign.
Installing a heat pump is a great step. But if you want to get the most out of it, in terms of energy savings, comfort, and long-term reliability, it’s worth going that bit further and upgrading your heating system at the same time.
It’s a more considered, whole-home approach that pays off for years to come.
Thinking of making the switch?
We don’t just install heat pumps, we design entire systems built around your home, your comfort, and your energy goals. From radiators to hot water cylinders to smart controls, we’ll take care of every detail.
Get in touch at sales@renewableheat.com or call 0330 022 0480 to book your home survey.
