Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve drawn together the most frequently asked questions we receive about our renewable energy solutions into one handy list.
How is a heat pump different from a boiler?
Instead of burning fuel like a boiler, a heat pump uses electricity to pull warmth from the air outside, heating your home through your standard radiators. This makes it far more efficient and cost effective.
A HEAT PUMP: 1 unit of electricity → 3–4 units of heat
A BOILER: 1 unit of fuel → at best ~1 unit of heat
Aren’t heat pumps expensive?
With the current Government grant scheme (Boiler Upgrade Scheme), heat pumps are a similar price to traditional gas boilers and also offer significant savings on future energy bills. Therefore, on average the cost of a heat pump is paid for over a 2-to-5-year period based on energy savings. https://www.heathorizons.co.uk/casestudies
Is applying for the grant complicated?
Heat Horizons will manage all the paperwork for this, so you don’t need to worry. You will only pay for the amount once the grant value of £7,500 has been deducted. * Note grant funding rules apply
Do I need a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?
Your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) needs to be valid in order to claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. We can help organise a new certificate if yours has expired or you don’t have one. They aren’t expensive and are relatively quick to obtain.
I’ve heard that heat pumps don’t get very warm, is that right?
Heat pumps don’t struggle to get warm when they’re properly designed. A heat pump will heat your home up to its designed temperature, which is why correct system sizing and design are essential. One of our experienced consultants will carry out a detailed assessment of your property—looking at insulation levels, room sizes, heat loss, and your comfort preferences—before designing the system. This ensures your new heat pump will comfortably and consistently heat your home to the temperature you want.
Heat pumps are designed to maintain a steady, even warmth, rather than short bursts of high heat like traditional boilers. They work most efficiently when left running, keeping your home at a consistent temperature without increasing running costs. So whether you prefer a cosy 21°C or a warmer 26°C, just let us know—we’ll design the system around you.
Is a heat pump noisy?
No, not at all and whereas a boiler fires on and off, often waking you up in the mornings for example, a heat pump does not do this. It is similar to the sound of a microwave. If you’d like to hear one running get in touch and we can arrange a visit.
Is it true that I need to replace all my radiators?
A heat pump solution works with existing radiators, underfloor heating or forced air, depending on your home’s setup. However, to maintain a warm temperature, it is important that the radiators are adequate and so sometimes, we do identify that some radiators will need upgrading. This is conducted during the heat loss survey as part of the final design and quotation process.
Does my home need to be well insulated?
No, but if this is the case, then expect to upgrade more radiators to ensure the heat pump performs efficiently.
Do you install solar panels too?
We do and these can help you save even more money on your energy bills.
Can I sell my electricity back to the grid?
Yes. Our customers have saved even more money by doing this and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) makes it straightforward. This government initiative is a crucial scheme that enables homeowners to select energy tariffs from their supplier which ensures they can also receive payments for the renewable electricity they generate and export to the grid.
With the current Government grant scheme (Boiler Upgrade Scheme), heat pumps are only slightly more expensive than traditional gas boilers but offer significant savings on future energy bills. Therefore, on average the cost of a heat pump is paid for over a 2-to-5-year period based on energy savings. https://www.heathorizons.co.uk/casestudies
If you have a question that isn’t covered by this list, or you’d like to discuss your energy needs with us please give us a call on 01844 355 466 or email info@heathorizons.co.uk.