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What should you look for before buying a heat pump?

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way of providing your home with heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water. With the help of a heat pump, you can create a perfect indoor climate with minimal impact on nature.

However, as a homeowner, knowing where to start when it comes to buying a heat pump can be a minefield. Unfortunately, not all heat pump suppliers are reliable and the product quality can vary greatly. This is why it’s important to properly evaluate a heat pump before you purchase one. In this article, we will look at what you need to think about before you buy a heat pump, covering everything from the type of product to cost considerations. Let’s take a look at some of the key factors to contemplate.

1. The type of heat pump 

There are typically three main types of heat pumps that you need to decide between. They are: 

  • Ground source heat pump – Extracts solar energy stored in the ground to supply your home with heating and hot water. During warm summer days, it also cools it down.
  • Air source heat pump – Uses heat energy from the outside air.
  • Exhaust air heat pump – Reuses the energy from warm indoor air as it passes through a ventilation system. 

 Based on your living arrangements and heat pump needs, it’s important to carefully consider which type of heat pump is best for you. 


2. Energy efficiency 

It’s essential to look for high energy efficiency when buying a heat pump. Using the Coefficient of Performance (CoP) rating, which is the amount of heat produced for every unit of electricity, you want to be looking at a heat pump with as high a rating as possible. This gives you the best chance of being more energy efficient and cost-effective. 

Having a heat pump doesn’t automatically guarantee that you’ll save money on your energy bills, so always make sure you consider how efficient it is. 


3. Features 

Heat pump technology is constantly evolving, with new features being introduced all the time. Try to make sure you opt for a newer model with as many advanced features as possible. Here are just some of the top features to be aware of: 

  • Variable-speed motors 
  • Built-in thermostats 
  • Programmable settings 
  • Scroll compressors 
  • Timers 
  • Back-up burners 

Having the latest features could end up saving you money and will almost certainly improve performance. Make sure you do your research.  


4. Noise 

Heat pumps used to have a reputation for being rather noisy, but better technology has meant that systems are now a lot quieter. However, there are some on the market that still present you with a nasty throwback to the noisier heat pumps of the past.  

Depending on where your heat pump is installed, noise levels should be a serious consideration. The last thing you want is the machine to keep you (or your neighbours!) up all night. If noise is a concern, then the NIBE S2125 ticks all of the right boxes thanks to its innovative design. 


5. Sizing 

From poor temperature control to expensive energy bills, there are several issues that can arise from having the wrong kW output of the heat pump required for heating and hot water. Getting the size wrong could mean you’re unable to achieve a comfortable temperature in your home, as climate, the number of windows and home insulation can all determine how big the heat pump needs to be. 


6. Cost 

The cost can vary massively depending on the heat pump’s output size, features and the company you buy it from. That’s why it’s important to have a budget in mind before you start looking and ensure you buy from a reputable brand. Remember, with some energy-efficient heat pumps you may be paying slightly more initially, but it should save you money in the long run.  

You can also save money by enquiring about funding and grants through schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

In terms of cost, another important consideration is the installation cost. Installation prices will depend on the heat pump model and size, as well as the business providing the service. Make sure you always factor in the installation cost into your total budget.  

Why not check out our full range of heat pumps at NIBE for market-leading products at a competitive price? 


7. Brand reputation 

There are a plethora of different heat pump brands on the market, but not all of them are trustworthy and reliable. You want to ensure you’re buying a quality product that will guarantee high performance and longevity. 

Like NIBE, which has been creating sustainable energy solutions since 1952, using Nordic heritage to combine renewable energy with new intelligent technologies. We are incredibly proud of our heat pump range and think you’ll be delighted with the results! 

Whoever you choose, make sure you do your research, talk to a reputable installer and shop around first. Speak to a NIBE expert who will review your project and put you in touch with one of our NIBE Pro Installers.


8. Maintenance 

All heat pumps will require some form of maintenance in order to run efficiently. However, cheap, poorly manufactured systems will require more maintenance than high-quality heat pumps. This is worth considering when you start shopping around, as the cheapest options are often not the best.  

After all, a heat pump is a long-term investment in your home and choosing the right solution will save you money in the long run. 

Make sure you have a look at warranty offers and service charges, as this could really impact how much money you pay for service and repairs further down the line. It’s also worth looking at how easy it is to source the various parts of a heat pump that might need replacing at some point.  


9. Quality of the installer 

Put simply, the better it is sized (for output) and installed, the more efficiently it will run. That’s why our NIBE Pros are the best professionals for the job, as we give them extended warranties because they're trained by us and are best equipped to install our products. 


Why should you choose NIBE? 

Hopefully, you’re now a little wiser and more knowledgeable about the various factors you should consider when buying a heat pump. By working through the list in this article when you start browsing, you’ll ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.  

If you do choose us, then you’ll be pleased to know that NIBE is a world-leading innovation company with intelligent, energy-efficient products that enable the sustainable future of society. We believe our heat pumps are the perfect solution for heating your home in a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way. 

You can explore our heat pump products range today and speak to a NIBE expert who will review your project and put you in touch with one of our NIBE Pro Installers.

For more guidance, get in touch with our experienced team.

Heat pump FAQs

What is a heat pump and how does it work?

A heat pump is a device that harnesses thermal energy stored in the ground, rocks, lakes, air, or water and heats it up within the heat pump system. This energy is then used to provide renewable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective heating and hot water.


How much does a heat pump cost?

The cost of an installation is different for every property. It is dependent on factors such as size of the property, age of the property and the type of installation. An air source heat pump could cost in the range of £9,000 - £15,000. A ground source heat pump might be in the range of £15,000 - £30,000, depending on whether a borehole or looping system is used.

Is funding available?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a £450 million scheme that offers upfront capital grants to households and small businesses looking to install heat pumps. BUS offers £7,500 towards the installation of an air source or a ground source heat pump. The BUS scheme officially launched on the 23rd May 2022 and heat pump installations commissioned from 1st in April 2022 are eligible for their respective grant.

What are the different types of NIBE heat pump?

NIBE provides three different types of heat pump.

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) harness energy from the air outside to provide heating and hot water.

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) harness energy that is stored in the ground to provide heating and hot water.

Exhaust Air Heat Pumps (EAHP) harness energy by extracting air from rooms within the home and replacing it with air from the outside that has been heated up by the heat pump. This process allows the heat pump to supply the entire house with hot water and heat while also fully ventilating the property.


What other products does NIBE offer?

NIBE’s primary product range is Air Source, Ground Source and Exhaust Air heat pumps, including the NIBE S-Series range. The innovative S-Series smart accessories allow you to control your S-Series product directly from your smartphone, as well as run diagnostics remotely. NIBE also offer full product solutions which can provide your home with heating, ventilation, cooling, and heat recovery.

Which NIBE product is right for me?

Every property is different so it is difficult to know immediately. Your local NIBE Pro Installer will be able to look at your plans, talk to you about what sort of heating setup you’re looking for and help you find the right solution. All NIBE Pros are fully accredited and can offer you an extended warranty.

Who can install NIBE products?

When investing in a renewable heating technology, finding a trusted expert to fit your system is just as important as choosing the right product. NIBE’s UK-wide network of Pro installers are fully trained and accredited to specify, design and install NIBE products.

Why use a NIBE Pro installer?

Once you’ve chosen the right NIBE system to meet your heating/ventilating needs, the next step is to ensure it is installed correctly so it can perform to its full potential. As a leading renewables manufacturer, NIBE understands the vital importance of quality installations, which is why we have built an extensive network of highly skilled, trusted installers across the country. Our NIBE Pro installers are fully trained and accredited to fit our products to the highest possible standards, so you can benefit from optimum results and full peace of mind.

How noisy is a NIBE heat pump?

NIBE heat pumps have a similar noise level to gas boilers, but ground source heat pumps are quieter. NIBE heat pumps are also equipped with a silent mode, which allows the system to operate at a lower volume when needed. 

How much space do I need for a NIBE heat pump?

This varies depending on the type of product you buy. NIBE has a range of products to match all property types. For example, for compact flats and dense urban areas, an exhaust air source heat pump may be more suited, whereas for those with more space an air source or ground source can be installed. 

Will I need to replace my pipework?

This is unlikely, but dependant on the characteristics of your property. A full room by room heat loss calculation conducted by a NIBE Pro Installer will determine the suitability of the existing pipework and confirm the steps that need to be undertaken.

Will I need to replace my radiators?

Not necessarily. Government figures state around 55% of radiators may need upgrading when replacing a heat pump. However, a full room by room heat loss calculation, which can be done by a NIBE Pro installer, is required to decide whether it’s suitable. 

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