Tag: Air source heat pump installation

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Renovating Your Home? Before You Fit Another Combi Boiler, Consider This

Renovating Your Home? Before You Fit Another Combi Boiler, Consider This

Buying a new home or starting a renovation comes with a long list of decisions. How big are the rooms? Is there enough storage? Can we knock a wall through? Where will the washing machine go — and is there somewhere to hide the hoover?

We spend a lot of time thinking about how our home will look and how we'll use the space, but one important question is often left until much later: how are we actually going to heat it?

For many homeowners, the automatic answer is simply, “The boiler is old, so we'll replace it with another one.” Sometimes that is absolutely the right choice, but if you're renovating a property in Derby, Tamworth or the surrounding Midlands, it could also be the perfect opportunity to consider an air source heat pump installation — particularly when eligible properties may qualify for up to £9,000 towards the installation through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Why is renovating such a good time to consider a heat pump?

Retrofitting a new heating system into a finished and beautifully decorated home is perfectly possible, but a renovation gives you the opportunity to plan your heating alongside everything else you're changing.

You may already be replacing floors, replastering walls, rewiring the property, installing new windows, improving insulation, extending the house or changing room layouts. If floors are already being lifted and walls opened up, it can be much easier to consider new heating pipework, underfloor heating, radiator upgrades and the best location for a hot water cylinder at the same time.

Rather than trying to make a new heating system work around a finished home later, you can design it as part of the renovation from the beginning.

Could you receive funding towards your heat pump installation?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides funding towards eligible heat pump installations in England and Wales. Most eligible air to water and ground source heat pump installations currently qualify for £7,500, while qualifying off-gas-grid properties can receive an increased grant of £9,000 until 31 March 2027. Eligibility depends on the property and heating system being replaced, so this should always be checked individually.

If you've purchased an older property in Derbyshire, Tamworth or the surrounding area and you're already budgeting for a new boiler, it's worth finding out what an air source heat pump could actually cost once the available grant has been taken into account.

Plan your radiators and underfloor heating early

Heat pumps generally work most efficiently at lower water temperatures than traditional boilers, which means the radiators and heating emitters need to be properly designed around the property.

That doesn't mean every radiator needs to be enormous. It means understanding how much heat each room needs and making sure the chosen radiators or underfloor heating can comfortably provide it.

If you're already lifting floors, extending the property or installing a new kitchen, it can also be the ideal time to consider underfloor heating. Its large surface area works particularly well with lower water temperatures, and planning it while the property is already being renovated can avoid unnecessary disruption later.

Your renovation could change the heating system you need

Improvements such as additional loft insulation, replacement windows, floor insulation or upgrading solid walls can significantly reduce the amount of heat a property needs.

That's why a good heat pump installation should begin with a detailed room by room heat loss calculation, rather than simply choosing a heat pump based on the size of the existing boiler.

At The Thermal Heat Company, we can assess the proposed finished property, calculate how much heat each room requires and then design the radiators, underfloor heating, pipework and heat pump around those requirements.

The design should determine the equipment — not the other way around.

What about the hot water cylinder?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners moving away from a combi boiler.

Most air to water heat pump systems use a hot water cylinder, which does require some space within the property. However, this is another reason why the renovation stage can be such a good time to consider a heat pump.

If you're already changing cupboards, room layouts or storage areas, the cylinder can potentially be incorporated into the plans from the outset rather than trying to find somewhere for it once the property is finished.

We often spend plenty of time deciding where we'll store the hoover, coats, shoes and ironing board, so it's worth giving the equipment responsible for providing your heating and hot water the same consideration.

Does every renovation need a heat pump?

No. Every home is different, and in some situations a boiler may still be the most appropriate option.

The point isn't that everyone renovating should install a heat pump. It's that if you're investing significantly in a property you intend to live in for many years, it's worth understanding all of your heating options before automatically replacing the existing system like-for-like.

Once the new kitchen is fitted, the flooring is down and the decorating is finished, changing the heating system can become considerably more disruptive. Looking at it early gives you much more flexibility to make the right decision for your home.

Heat Pump Installation in Derby, Tamworth and the Midlands

The Thermal Heat Company provides air source heat pump installation across Derby, Derbyshire, Tamworth and surrounding areas of the Midlands.

Whether you're renovating an older property, purchasing a new home or simply looking to replace an ageing heating system, we can assess your property, proposed insulation improvements and heating requirements to help you understand whether a heat pump would be suitable.

As an MCS accredited heat pump installer, we can also help you understand the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and establish whether your property may qualify for funding towards the installation.

Looking for a heat pump installer in Derby or Tamworth?

If you're planning a renovation, it's worth speaking to us before the heating decisions have already been made.

Get in touch with The Thermal Heat Company Ltd to discuss your project, or use our online heat pump estimate to get an initial idea of what a heat pump installation could look like for your property.

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Heat Pumps

Why Is My Heat Pump So Expensive to Run?

Vaillant AroTHERM plus heat pump

If your heat pump is costing more to run than expected, the heat pump itself may not be the problem.

As heat pump installers covering Derbyshire and the Midlands, we often hear from homeowners who are disappointed with their system. Some say their electricity bills are too high, their home does not feel warm enough, or they wish they had kept their old combi boiler.

Unfortunately, many of these homeowners are experiencing the consequences of a poor design or installation.

A heat pump is only as efficient as the heating system around it. It must be correctly sized, properly controlled and designed to work with the radiators or underfloor heating and pipework within the property.

Here are some of the most common reasons a heat pump may be expensive to run.

The system was not designed correctly

A heat pump should be selected using a detailed heat loss calculation for the property.
If the unit is too small, it may struggle during cold weather and rely more heavily on its electrical backup heater. If it is oversized, it may regularly switch on and off, reducing efficiency and increasing wear.

The existing boiler size should never be used as the basis for selecting a heat pump.

The flow temperature is too high

Heat pumps generally work most efficiently when producing lower-temperature water over longer periods.
If the radiators are too small, the system may need to run at a higher flow temperature to keep the property warm. The hotter the water needs to be, the harder the heat pump has to work.
Correct radiator sizing is therefore an important part of any heat pump design.

The controls are not working properly

Heat pumps require a different control strategy from traditional boilers.
Incorrectly installed thermostats, motorised valves or timers can cause the system to repeatedly stop and start or work harder than necessary.
Weather compensation should also be set correctly. This allows the heat pump to adjust the water temperature according to the outdoor temperature, rather than producing hotter water than the property needs.

Pipework is missing insulation

Uninsulated pipework allows heat to escape before it reaches the home.
This is particularly important on external pipework or pipes running through garages, lofts and plant rooms. Any heat lost through the pipework has to be replaced, increasing electricity consumption.

The backup heater is running unnecessarily

Most heat pumps include an electrical backup heater.
This can be useful in certain situations, but it is much less efficient than the heat pump compressor. Incorrect settings, poor water flow or an undersized system may cause the backup heater to operate more often than necessary.
This can have a significant effect on electricity bills.

A real example from Chesterfield

We previously inspected a heat pump installation at a property in Chesterfield after the new owners became concerned about the running costs.
The family believed the heat pump was inefficient and questioned whether they would have been better staying with a boiler.
After investigating the system, we found that sections of pipework had not been insulated correctly. The electronic controls had also been installed incorrectly and were not communicating properly with the equipment.
The heat pump was operating, but the installation around it was preventing it from working efficiently.
The problem was not simply the heat pump. It was the way the system had been installed and set up.

Has the system been properly commissioned?

Commissioning is more than switching the heat pump on and checking that the radiators become warm.
The installer should check the water flow, balance the system, configure the heating curve, test the controls and confirm when the electrical backup heater is operating.

The homeowner should also receive a proper handover explaining how to use the system.
Heat pumps usually work best when maintaining a steady temperature, rather than being switched on for short bursts like a traditional boiler.

Do not blame the heat pump too quickly

When a boiler performs poorly, people often question the installer or the heating system.
When a heat pump performs poorly, the technology itself is often blamed.
In reality, heat pumps can work successfully in many different types of properties, including older homes. However, the design, installation and commissioning must be completed correctly.
Before considering replacing your heat pump or returning to a fossil fuel boiler, arrange for the full system to be assessed.

At The Thermal Heat Company, we provide heat pump servicing, fault finding and system assessments throughout Derbyshire, Tamworth and the Midlands.
Because a heat pump should not just be installed. It should be designed to last.

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Blog Gas Boilers

Why summer is the best time to start thinking about how you heat your home.

General Plumbing Services across Derby, Nottingham, Ashbourne

The worst time to think about your heating is when it stops working in winter.

Most homeowners do not think about their heating system until winter arrives.

During the summer, the heating is used less, problems can go unnoticed and replacing or upgrading the system rarely feels urgent. But once temperatures drop, heating appliances work much harder and existing issues are far more likely to appear.

Boilers and heat pumps run for longer, homes need higher temperatures and faults that were not obvious in summer can quickly become a breakdown.

Why winter becomes so busy

Winter is naturally the busiest time for heating companies.

People are spending more time at home, appliances are under greater demand and more customers need urgent repairs, replacements and heating upgrades.

This can mean longer waits and less time to properly consider your options.

When a heating system breaks down in cold weather, the priority is usually to get the heating back on as quickly as possible. That can lead to rushed decisions rather than choosing the best long-term solution for the property.

Why summer is the better time to plan

Planning during summer gives you time to assess the full heating system properly.

That includes looking at:

  • Heat loss
  • Radiator sizes
  • Pipework
  • Controls
  • Hot-water demand
  • Insulation
  • Boiler or heat pump suitability

This is especially important with heat pumps, where the whole system must be designed to work efficiently at lower temperatures.

Summer installations can also be less disruptive because the heating is not being relied on every day.

Be ready before the cold weather arrives

You do not need to wait for a breakdown before reviewing your heating.

If your energy bills are rising, some rooms struggle to warm up or your current system is getting older, summer is the ideal time to explore your options.

At The Thermal Heat Company, we look at the complete heating system, not just the appliance. Our aim is to design a system that keeps your home comfortable, works efficiently and is ready before winter arrives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Heat Pumps

Why People Think Heat Pumps Don’t Work (And Why They’re Wrong)

Thermal Heat Pumps Derby Nottingham Ashbourne

Heat Pumps Don’t Work? Here's What Most Homeowners Get Wrong

If you’ve spent any time researching renewable heating, you’ve probably come across claims that “heat pumps don’t work.”

It’s one of the most common questions we hear as a heat pump installer in Derby, serving homeowners across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, and the wider East Midlands.

The truth is simple: heat pumps do work.

Modern air source heat pumps are successfully heating millions of homes across Europe and the UK and are becoming one of the most popular alternatives to gas boilers. When correctly designed and installed by an experienced heat pump installer in Derby, they provide reliable heating, hot water, and excellent energy efficiency throughout the year.

At The Thermal Heat Company, we install heat pumps across Derby, Burton upon Trent, Ashbourne, Belper, Matlock, Chesterfield, Nottingham, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Ripley, and surrounding areas throughout the East Midlands.

Let’s separate fact from fiction…

Why do some people think heat pumps don’t work?

Many negative experiences and stories can traced back to one or all the following issues:

Poor system design

Incorrect installation

Unrealistic expectations

A heat pump is not simply a boiler replacement. The system should be designed to suit the property’s heating requirements, insulation levels and radiator sizes. When shortcuts are taken, performance can suffer.

Do Heat Pumps Work throughout Winter?

Modern air source heat pumps are designed to run in low outdoor temperatures and continue extracting heat from the air even during winter conditions.

In fact, many systems continue to operate efficiently when temperatures drop below freezing.

While a heat pump works differently from a traditional gas boiler, it can keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.

Are Heat Pumps Expensive to Run?

Not necessarily...

The running cost of a heat pump depends on:

  • Property insulation
  • Heating demand
  • Electricity tariffs
  • System design
  • User controls

Because heat pumps are highly efficient, they can produce several units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.

This efficiency is one of the reasons heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular as energy prices continue to fluctuate.

The best way to describe it is that a heat pump is a long term investment.

Heat Pumps Work Even Better with Solar Panels, Battery Storage and EV Charging

One of the biggest advantages of a heat pump is how well it integrates with other renewable technologies.

Unlike a gas boiler, a heat pump runs on electricity, which means it can take advantage of electricity generated by solar panels and stored in home battery systems.

For homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint, combining a heat pump with solar PV and battery storage can create a highly efficient home energy system.

Benefits include:

Using free electricity generated by your solar panels to help run your heat pump.

Storing excess solar energy in batteries for use during the evening.

Reducing reliance on energy imported from the grid.

Lowering overall household energy costs.

Future-proofing your home against rising energy prices.

Many homeowners are now creating fully integrated renewable energy systems that combine:

  • Air source heat pumps
  • Solar PV panels
  • Battery storage
  • Electric vehicle (EV) chargers

This allows a single system to provide heating, hot water, electricity generation, energy storage, and vehicle charging from renewable sources.

As the UK continues its transition towards cleaner energy, these technologies work together to help households become more energy independent while reducing running costs and emissions.

Why Some Heat Pump Installations Underperform

When people say their heat pump “doesn’t work,” there is usually an underlying reason.

  • Incorrect Sizing
  • A heat pump that is too small may struggle to meet demand during colder periods.
  • Poor System Design
  • Existing radiators and pipework may need upgrades to maximise performance.
  • Lack of Commissioning
  • Proper setup and optimisation are essential to ensure the system runs efficiently.
  • User Education

Heat pumps work differently from boilers. Understanding how to use controls effectively can make a significant difference to comfort and efficiency.

Heat Pumps vs Gas Boilers

Both systems have their advantages, but heat pumps offer several benefits:

  • Lower carbon emissions
  • High energy efficiency
  • Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
  • Eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
  • Potential long-term savings

For many homeowners, a heat pump can provide a future-proof heating solution that aligns with the UK’s move towards cleaner energy.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Installer

A heat pump is only as good as the design and installation behind it.

Every property is different, which is why a detailed heat loss calculation and system design are essential before installation begins.

Working with an experienced installer helps ensure the system is correctly specified, installed, and commissioned for your home.

The Verdict: Do Heat Pumps Really Work?

Yes, heat pumps absolutely work.

The idea that “heat pumps don’t work” is usually based on poor installations, outdated information, or misunderstandings about how the technology operates.

When correctly designed and installed, a heat pump can provide reliable heating, hot water, and excellent energy efficiency throughout the year.

Thinking About a Heat Pump?

At The Thermal Heat Company, we help homeowners across Derby and the Midlands understand whether a heat pump is right for their property. We carry out detailed assessments, explain the available options, and can advise on eligibility for the £7,500 or £9000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.

Categories
Heat Pumps

Still on Oil Heating? Why More Homeowners in the Midlands Are Looking at Heat Pumps

Thermal Heat Pumps Derby Nottingham Ashbourne

If your home still runs on oil and you don’t have access to mains gas, you’re not alone. Thousands of rural and off-grid properties across the Midlands continue to rely on oil boilers for heating and hot water.

But in recent years, more homeowners have started asking the same question:

Is there a better long-term alternative to oil heating?

With fluctuating fuel prices, delivery uncertainty, ageing boilers, and growing awareness around energy efficiency, many households are now exploring whether a heat pump installation in the Midlands could be the right next step.

Why Some Homeowners Are Moving Away from Oil Heating

Oil boilers have served homes well for many years, but they can come with challenges that are becoming harder to ignore.

Common concerns include:

Large refill costs, especially during winter

Oil prices changing quickly without warning

Dependence on delivery schedules

External tanks taking up space

Older boilers becoming less efficient over time

Unexpected repair bills on ageing systems

For many families, it’s not about panic replacing a boiler overnight. It’s about wanting a heating system that feels more stable, modern, and energy efficient.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a low-carbon heating system that uses energy from the outside air to heat your home and hot water.

Instead of burning fuel like oil or gas, it transfers renewable heat energy into your property efficiently.

This makes it an increasingly popular option for off-grid homes across the Midlands.

To learn more about how heat pumps work, the Energy Saving Trust offers a useful guide.

Heat Pumps Cost More Upfront — But Many See Them as a Long-Term Investment

It’s important to be honest: installing a heat pump usually costs more initially than replacing an oil boiler.

However, many homeowners now look beyond the upfront cost and focus on long-term value.

A correctly designed and installed heat pump can offer:

Lower reliance on fossil fuels

Highly efficient heating

Lower carbon emissions

Modern technology

Potential savings over time depending on home efficiency and usage

Improved comfort with steady heating temperatures

Much like upgrading insulation or installing solar panels, many see it as an investment in the property.

Why Heat Pumps Can Work Well for Rural Homes

For homes without mains gas, heat pumps can be especially attractive because they don’t require fuel deliveries or oil storage tanks.

That means:

No tank to refill

No worry about running low

No oil deliveries to arrange

Cleaner, quieter heating

Reliable comfort when properly designed

For rural homeowners, this can remove a lot of hassle from day-to-day heating.

Bigger Grants for Homes on Oil and LPG

As of 21st April 2026, the UK Government announced major updates to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to help more households move away from fossil fuels.

These updates include increased support for homes currently heated by oil and LPG.

According to the official GOV.UK announcement:

Grants for switching from oil or LPG to a heat pump increased to £9,000

Standard grant remains £7,500 for other fossil fuel systems

Scheme extended until April 2028

Additional focus on helping rural homes most affected by fuel costs

Read the official announcement here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/decisive-action-to-break-influence-of-gas-on-electricity-prices

This is significant news for many Midlands homeowners who previously felt the upgrade cost was too high.

Is a Heat Pump Right for Every Oil-Heated Home?

Not always.

Every property is different. Factors such as insulation levels, radiator sizing, hot water demand, and available outdoor space all matter.

That’s why a professional home survey is the best place to start.

Some homes may benefit from improvements first, while others may be excellent candidates straight away.

Looking at Your Options in the Midlands?

If your oil boiler is ageing, your fuel bills are rising, or you simply want to understand what alternatives are available, now is a smart time to explore your options.

For many homeowners across the Midlands, heat pumps are no longer just a future idea — they’re becoming a practical next step.

At The Thermal Heat Company, we help homeowners across the Midlands understand whether a heat pump is suitable for their property, with honest advice and no pressure.

If you have more questions about heat pump installation, or would like a free, no obligation quote, please contact us.

Categories
Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps Explained: How They Work, What They Cost, and What Grants Are Available

Thermal Heat Pumps Derby Nottingham Ashbourne

With energy prices rising and more homeowners looking for greener, future‑proof heating, heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular choice. But if you’re new to the idea, it’s completely normal to have questions.

In this guide, we’ll explain how heat pumps work, what they typically cost, and what grants are available to help reduce the upfront price, all in plain English.

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump works by taking heat from a natural source usually the outside air and using it to heat your home and hot water. Even when it feels cold outside, there is still heat energy in the air. A heat pump captures this heat, boosts it using electricity, and then distributes it through your radiators, underfloor heating, and hot‑water cylinder.

Because heat pumps move heat rather than burn fuel, they are extremely efficient and provide consistent, low‑carbon heating.

Are heat pumps suitable for all homes?

Heat pumps work best in well‑insulated properties and provide steady, comfortable heat rather than short bursts. Insulation levels, radiator size, and pipework all play a role, which is why a proper heat‑loss survey is essential.

What grants are available for heat pumps?

The UK Government currently offers the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), providing a £7,500 grant towards the cost of installing a heat pump. The grant is applied directly to the installation cost, reducing what you pay upfront. We handle the application process on your behalf.

What is the typical cost of a heat pump?

A full heat pump installation typically costs around £20,000 for an average home. With the £7,500 BUS grant applied, this can reduce the final cost to around £12,500, depending on your property and any additional work required.

We always carry out a full survey so you know exactly what’s included and what your final cost will be.

Is a heat pump worth it?

When correctly designed and installed, heat pumps offer lower carbon emissions, efficient heating, and long‑term reliability, making them a future‑proof solution for many homes.

If you have more questions about heat pump installation, or would like a free, no obligation quote, please contact us.