Heat pumps are often associated with new, well-insulated homes—but can they work effectively in older properties, even historic ones? The short answer is yes. Better Planet has successfully installed heat pumps in numerous older buildings, including a 14th-century castle. In this article, we explore the challenges posed by older buildings and outline practical solutions to ensure efficient, cost-effective heating.
Why consider heat pumps in older buildings?
Heat pumps are an eco-friendly, forward-thinking heating solution that reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Even if an older building isn’t perfectly insulated, a well-planned heat pump installation can help lower carbon footprints, increase comfort, and future-proof the property as traditional boilers are phased out in the coming decades.
Key challenges for heat pumps in older buildings
- Higher heat loss: Older buildings often have poor insulation, single-glazed windows, and solid walls, leading to greater heat loss compared to modern properties.
- Lower flow temperatures: Traditional boilers usually supply water at around 70°C, while most heat pumps reach about 60°C. Radiators emit less heat at lower temperatures, which may necessitate larger or additional radiators.
- Additional radiator capacity: With a lower flow temperature, you may need extra heating distribution capacity. Larger radiators, additional units, or fan-assisted radiators can help meet the required heating demand. If practically possible, underfloor heating is perfect for heat pumps.
Steps to ensure a successful heat pump installation in older buildings
- Conduct a room-by-room heat loss calculation: Determine the heat loss for each room by examining the building’s fabric and U-values. This calculation helps identify exactly how much heating power is needed.
- Improve the building’s fabric where possible: Enhancements like better insulation, double-glazed windows, or adding internal or external wall insulation can greatly reduce heat loss. While some improvements may be limited in listed or historic structures, even small changes make a difference.
- Optimise radiators and distribution systems: Once heat loss requirements are established, choose the right combination of radiators. Larger or fan-assisted radiators can offset lower flow temperatures, ensuring comfortable indoor conditions.
Understanding running costs in older buildings
Since older buildings often require higher flow temperatures from the heat pump, electricity use can increase. If you’re replacing oil or LPG boilers, you’ll typically see savings in running costs. However, when replacing a gas boiler connected to mains gas, you may find your new running costs similar to those under your old system, given current energy prices.
Future-proofing your older property with a heat pump
Even if running costs can be similar to a gas boiler, there are strong reasons to choose a heat pump. Environmental benefits, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and compliance with future regulations all make heat pumps a smart long-term investment. As traditional boilers are phased out, heat pumps stand as the most practical, sustainable replacement—ensuring older buildings remain both comfortable and energy-responsible in the years ahead.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re considering heat pumps in older buildings, contact Better Planet. Our experienced team can help you assess your property, recommend improvements, and design a tailor-made heat pump solution that ensures efficient, sustainable, and future-proof heating.
