Heat Pumps Made Simple
A modern heat pump can heat your home and hot water efficiently when it is designed, installed and optimised properly.
Learn how they work, what makes a good installation, and whether one could be suitable for your home.
How does an air source heat pump work?
It moves heat from outside air into your home, rather than creating heat by burning fuel like a boiler.
Collects heat outside
The outdoor unit extracts usable heat from the air, even when the weather feels cold.
Upgrades the heat
The system uses electricity to raise the temperature and transfer heat into your heating system.
Heats your home
It supplies radiators, underfloor heating and hot water when designed correctly.
Heat pumps work differently to boilers
Instead of blasting out high heat in short bursts, a heat pump works best when it runs steadily at lower flow temperatures.
Lower flow temperatures
Good design helps the system heat the home using lower water temperatures, which improves efficiency.
Consistent warmth
The aim is steady comfort rather than hot/cold cycling like many traditional boiler systems.
Efficiency matters
The lower the required flow temperature, the easier it is for the heat pump to run efficiently.
What makes a good heat pump installation?
The biggest difference between a good and bad heat pump installation is design. A correctly designed system should be based on the property, the heat loss, the radiators or underfloor heating, and the required flow temperatures.
At Aeriva, the aim is not just to fit a heat pump. The aim is to install a system that feels comfortable, runs efficiently and can be properly maintained and optimised.
Before recommending a system, we consider:
- Property heat loss
- Radiator and emitter suitability
- Hot water cylinder requirements
- Flow temperature targets
- Outdoor unit location
- Controls and optimisation
Common heat pump myths
A lot of the negativity around heat pumps comes from poor design, poor setup or misunderstanding how they are meant to run.
“Heat pumps don’t work in winter.”
They can work very well in winter when sized and designed correctly. The key is matching the system to the home’s heat loss.
“You always need underfloor heating.”
Not always. Many homes can use radiators, although some radiators may need upgrading to work well at lower flow temperatures.
“They cost too much to run.”
Running costs depend heavily on design, flow temperature, electricity tariff, controls and how the system is used.
“They have to be noisy.”
Outdoor unit choice and location matter. A proper survey should consider positioning, neighbours and practical noise levels.
Will a heat pump save money?
A heat pump can be efficient, but running costs depend on the system design, your electricity tariff, the home’s heat loss and the flow temperature needed to keep the property warm.
That is why we focus heavily on low flow design, radiator suitability and optimisation rather than simply replacing a boiler like-for-like.
Is a heat pump right for your home?
The easiest first step is to use our free estimate tool. It gives you an initial guide before booking a proper home survey.
Tell us about your property
Property type, bedrooms, current heating system and basic insulation details.
Get an initial estimate
See likely size, grant guidance, running cost notes and suitability.
Book a proper survey
We confirm the details properly before any recommendation or installation.
Ready to see if a heat pump could work for your home?
Start with a simple online estimate, then book a survey when you’re ready.
Start Free Estimate