How does a heat pump work?
What a heat pump does, the difference between hybrid and all-electric, and why insulation and your heating system matter.
A heat pump draws heat from the outside air or the ground and uses it to warm your home. It runs on electricity and is far more efficient than heating directly with gas or electricity.
The principle: moving heat
A heat pump does not make heat, it moves it. Like a fridge, but in reverse: it extracts heat from the outside air, even when it is cold, and brings it indoors. That is why it delivers more heat than the electricity it uses.
Hybrid or all-electric
A hybrid model works alongside your boiler: the pump does most of the work, the boiler steps in on cold days. An all-electric version heats all year without gas. Which fits depends on your insulation and your heat delivery system. We put both side by side on the comparison page.
Why insulation matters
The unit works most efficiently at a lower supply temperature. A well-insulated home with, say, underfloor heating or generous radiators is therefore ideal. With modest insulation, a hybrid setup can be a sensible step.
Comfort and noise
The system warms evenly and can sometimes cool in summer. The outdoor unit makes some noise. Through placement and the right model we keep that within the standard, and we look for a good spot in advance.
Frequently asked questions
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Heat pump
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