You Ask, We Answer: Are Heat Pumps Any Good?
One of The Most Common Questions We Get Asked Is: Are Heat Pumps Actually Any Good?
It’s a fair question—and one that deserves a straight answer.
The truth is: Yes, heat pumps are good—but they’re not for everyone. And that’s okay.
At Alford Plumbing & Heating, we’re big believers in giving honest advice. Even if the answer isn’t always what people want to hear, it’s always what they need to hear.
The Future of Heating Is Electric
We’re convinced that the future of heating is electric.
It may not happen overnight—but step by step, we’re moving in that direction.
That said, for electric heating to truly take over, the cost of electricity needs to come down. Until it’s closer in price to gas, we risk putting many households at risk of fuel poverty. That’s a real concern and something the industry and government need to address.
When Do Heat Pumps Work Best?
In our experience, heat pumps are most effective when installed as part of a property refurbishment. That’s where we see the biggest gains.
This typically involves upgrading the building’s fabric:
- Insulating floors, walls, ceilings, and roofs
- Installing new windows and doors
- Adding underfloor heating and smart heating controls
All these improvements reduce the heat loss in the home—making it easier for a heat pump to do its job efficiently.
The Help You Can Get
The £7,500 government grant for heat pumps is a massive help and has opened the door for many homeowners.
But it’s important to remember that the grant usually covers just the heat pump system itself. The rest of the home upgrades (which are often needed) can still represent a significant investment.
Is Your Home Suitable for a Heat Pump?
Many homes can be suitable—with the right setup and a few upgrades. Here’s what we typically look for:
- Space for an external unit and a dual hot water cylinder
- A heating system that isn’t too old or outdated
- Willingness to upgrade a few radiators or controls where needed
A lot of older systems were oversized—boilers and radiator sizes were often guessed, not calculated. That gives us a good starting point when replacing them with a more efficient heat pump system.
It’s Not Just About Tech—It’s About People Too
Finally, we always say: A bit of homeowner training goes a long way.
Smart controls are brilliant, but understanding how to get the best out of your system is just as important.
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Got a question about heat pumps or renewable heating?
We’re always happy to talk. No pressure, no jargon—just honest advice to help you make the right decision for your home.

