Can heat pumps improve a property?

A heat pump is more energy efficient than a traditional gas boiler, and as well as appealing to eco-conscious buyers, it could reduce energy bills. The government currently offers grants worth up to £7,500 which could help towards the cost of installing a heat pump, and E.ON Next customers can get a further £200 discount.

A heat pump is a low carbon heating system that takes heat from outside air, or the ground, and converts it into heating and hot water for your home. They’ve grown in popularity in recent years – more than 80,000 heat pumps were sold in 2024, up 51% on the year before, according to the government's Clean Energy campaign.

The most common type in the UK is an air source heat pump. The kind of heat pump you choose will come down to different factors, such as available space. For an air source heat pump, you'll need to fit an outside unit, which can range from one to 1.5 metres in height. For a ground source heat pump, which typically involves more disruption and may be more expensive to install, you'll need a larger space to allow for buried pipework. Depending on the model, these types of units range in height from 0.5 metres to 1.7 metres.

How much could installing a heat pump improve the value of a property by?

Heat pumps are three times more energy efficient than traditional boilers, the Clean Energy campaign says, meaning you could reduce the carbon footprint of your property. It estimates that a heat pump would emit up to 70% less carbon dioxide over 15 years than a gas boiler, making them an appealing feature for eco-conscious buyers. As well as being a sustainable upgrade and future-proof investment, heat pumps can enhance a property, making them more comfortable and efficient.

The cost of installing a heat pump will depend on the type you choose – ground source heat pumps tend to be more expensive than air source systems. While heat pumps typically cost more upfront than a gas boiler, the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) in England and Wales currently offers grants worth up to £7,500 which could help with this. Plus, E.ON Next is offering a further £200 off to existing E.ON Next customers.

The price of an air source heat pump installation is between £9,000 and £16,000 before grants, according to The Renewable Energy Hub. The cost depends on different factors, such as whether you're upgrading pipework and radiators, which could improve the cosiness of your home. So, while installing a gas boiler may be less upfront (E.ON Next says the average cost of a new boiler ranges between £1,500 to £3,000), remember this does not include radiator and pipework upgrades to ensure the home is sufficiently heated. Air source heat pumps for a typical three-bedroom property start from £4,342.32 with E.ON Next, including a £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant and a £200 existing customer discount.

Can heat pumps reduce energy bills?

Heat pumps are much more energy efficient than traditional heating systems and you may be able to save money on your energy bills by switching to one. The government's Clean Energy campaign estimates a typical home could save around £100 by running a heat pump compared to a traditional gas boiler. Meanwhile, the Energy Saving Trust, an independent organisation, estimates savings of £260 per year with an air source heat pump compared to an old G-rated gas boiler.

Will a heat pump be noisy or unsightly in my home?

Heat pumps are becoming more popular – tens of thousands of people in the UK have installed heat pumps in recent years. While households may worry they are noisy, Vaillant, which produces a range of heat pumps, says an air source heat pump is “similar in sound to a dishwasher or a microwave, meaning they are classed as low in sound and not disruptive”. Some heat pumps, including the Vaillant aroTHERM Plus* systems which are available via E.ON Next, are Quiet Mark certified. This status recognises manufacturers of the quietest products.

Likewise, homeowners may be concerned about how a heat pump would look in their garden. E.ON Next believes heat pumps will soon become part of the landscape, seen every day in properties – similar to how solar panels have become commonplace.

*Excludes the 10kW model. The 3.5kw, 5kW, 7kW, and 12kW Vaillant aroTHERM Plus heat pumps are Quiet Mark certified.

Reasons to buy a heat pump from E.ON Next.

E.ON Next’s fully managed heat pump installation process makes it easy to upgrade to a heat pump. You can get a bespoke quote at your convenience online – simply share some details about your property and E.ON Next will recommend the best heat pump to suit your needs, as well as a tariff. You’ll be able to see which heat pumps are suitable for your home and the equipment which is included as a standard part of a fixed price installation. E.ON Next will also help you to check your eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and support you through the application process. Plus, you could get an extra £200 if you’re an existing E.ON Next customer.

The expert team will carry out a heat loss assessment on your property, to make sure you have everything you need for the installation – so you can rest assured there won’t be any hidden surprises. All of E.ON Next’s heat pump installations are designed and installed to MCS standards.

E.ON Next’s fully trained heat pump installation and support teams are there to help you throughout the installation process, as well as once you’re up and running. Once it’s installed and certified, the team can also switch you over to an E.ON Next tariff, if you’ve chosen one, so you can make the most of your new heat pump and tariff. As well as ongoing aftercare, you will get a seven-year product warranty, a two-year workmanship warranty and HIES-backed warranty, so you can feel confident with your new heat pump.