Thinking of installing a heat pump in 2024? Check your radiators and insulation first

With winter in full swing, your eye-watering energy bills might have you looking at alternative forms of heating.

Heat pumps promise lower emissions, and potentially lower costs. With many European countries offering subsidies to install the green tech, is it time to make the switch?

In a recent study, scientists at Cambridge University, UK, recommend a careful cost assessment before saying goodbye to your gas boiler.

They found that heating demand may increase by up to 20 per cent following the switch to an air source heat pump.

Euronews Green spoke to report co-author Dr Ray Galvin to find out how this could impact your energy bills.

Since heat pumps work at a much lower temperature than gas boilers - around 55C compared to 65-75C - they take longer to warm up a room.

This usually means that households need to change their heating schedule when switching to a heat pump to achieve the same comfort as before, either by allowing more time for heating up or maintaining a constant ‘setback’ temperature.

This can increase your overall heating demand by between 5 and 20 per cent, according to the study published in the peer-reviewed Energy and Buildings journal.

Demand will be higher in homes that are only heated for short periods during the day. Homes with poor insulation and a low thermal mass - meaning they cool more quickly - will also require more heating, as will those in places with cold winters.

There are other costs to factor in, too. The lower operating temperature of heat pumps means that larger radiators are needed to feel their benefit. Therefore it’s sometimes necessary to change your radiators when installing a heat pump.

It’s also important to consider your hot water supply when installing a heat pump. Since they cannot