Heat pumps can be a smart investment for many UK homes—especially those off the gas grid or aiming to cut carbon emissions. Installation costs can be offset by the government’s £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. Modern units work even in cold weather and are around three times more efficient than traditional boilers. Some homeowners may pay slightly more per year in electricity, but with solar panels or flexible tariffs, running costs can even out. A professional assessment is the best way to know if a heat pump suits your home.
List Snippet: Benefits of Heat Pumps
- Lower carbon emissions (no on-site combustion)
- Consistent, steady indoor heating
- Eligible for £7,500 government grant (Boiler Upgrade Scheme)
- Great for off-gas-grid homes (oil, LPG replacements)
- Low maintenance and long lifespan (15–20 years)
- Can be combined with solar for better savings
- Improved safety—no gas combustion or flue needed
At Hewer FM, we’re hearing the question more and more: is heat pump installation in Gloucestershire worth it? With energy prices still unpredictable and pressure mounting to reduce household carbon emissions, many local homeowners are considering the switch from gas or oil to low-carbon systems like heat pumps.
It’s a smart question—and the answer depends on your home, your current setup, and your long-term goals. From insulation to upfront cost to running efficiency, there are a few key factors to weigh up. That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ll explain how heat pumps work, outline the pros and cons, look at local suitability, and walk you through available grants. If you’re curious about whether a heat pump is right for your Gloucestershire home, this is the place to start.
What Are Heat Pumps?
A heat pump is a clever bit of technology that moves heat rather than generating it. Instead of burning fuel, it collects warmth from the air (or the ground), compresses it to a higher temperature, and uses it to heat your home and hot water.
The most common type in the UK is the air source heat pump, which sits outside the house and draws in air—even on chilly days. Modern units are highly efficient and work in temperatures as low as -15°C, making them a reliable choice for South-West winters.
There’s also the ground source heat pump, which uses underground pipes to extract heat from the soil. It’s efficient, but needs more space and a larger upfront investment.
So, is my home suitable for a heat pump? The next section will cover just that—because while heat pumps are great, they’re not ideal for every property.
Pros and Cons
Before deciding between a heat pump vs boiler, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons. Here’s what to expect if you’re considering this switch:
Pros
- Lower carbon emissions – No combustion on-site, just electricity and clever engineering.
- Stable, consistent warmth – Heat pumps run steadily, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.
- £7,500 grant available – The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers a big chunk of the cost.
- Safer to run – No gas, oil, or open flames involved.
- Eligible for flexible electricity tariffs – You can reduce running costs with the right plan.
- Future-proof heating – Aligns with the UK’s net-zero goals and avoids future fossil fuel phase-outs.
Cons
- High upfront cost – The average air source heat pump cost is between £10,000 and £14,000 (before grants).
- May need home upgrades – Heat pumps work best with solid insulation and larger radiators or underfloor heating.
- Electricity bills – While they’re about 3x efficient, electricity is more expensive than gas. Some users may see small increases in annual bills.
- Slower heat-up time – Heat pumps work differently than boilers and may take longer to reach target temperatures.
That said, once installed correctly and tailored to your property, many homeowners find heat pumps a more comfortable and environmentally friendly option for the long term.
Is Your Home Suitable?
Not every home is ready for a heat pump right out of the box—but many can be with a few upgrades. When we carry out a home survey, there are a few core things we always look for.
First is insulation. Heat pumps work best in homes that hold onto heat. Good loft insulation, cavity wall fill, and quality windows make a big difference. If too much warmth escapes, your system may struggle to keep up—or cost more to run.
Next is your heating setup. Some properties will need larger radiators or even underfloor heating, since heat pumps operate at lower temperatures than gas boilers. It’s not always essential, but it’s something we assess early on.
Outdoor space matters too. An air source unit needs around a square metre of clear space with decent airflow, ideally somewhere close to the property.
And if you’re currently using oil or LPG, a heat pump can be a big step up in convenience and reliability. Many homes off the gas grid in areas like Dursley, Stroud, and Forest of Dean are already making the switch—and seeing the benefits.
Costs, Savings & Grants
Let’s talk numbers. The average air source heat pump cost sits between £10,000 and £14,000. That might sound steep, but the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme takes a serious bite out of it. With a £7,500 grant available, many Gloucestershire homeowners end up paying around £4,500–£6,500 out of pocket.
At Hewer FM, we not only handle the installation—we’ll also guide you through the grant application process and make sure all the paperwork’s squared away.
Running costs? That depends on a few variables. Heat pumps are around three times more efficient than gas boilers, but because electricity costs more than gas, the savings can vary. According to reports, at current rates, households might spend about £32 more per year compared to gas. But if you’ve got solar panels, access to an off-peak electricity tariff, or prices shift in future (as expected), heat pumps may actually become cheaper to run.
And just like a boiler, we recommend an annual service check to keep everything running efficiently—something we’re happy to include as part of our aftercare plan.
Grants make this technology more accessible than ever—and we’re here to help you make the most of them.
Local Climate & Performance
One of the big advantages of living in the South-West is our relatively mild winters. In Gloucestershire, temperatures rarely fall below -5°C, which means air source heat pumps can operate efficiently year-round. Most modern systems are designed to work down to -15°C, so local conditions are well within their range.
That said, we always factor in location-specific details. For homes near the coast or in exposed areas, damp air and wind chill can affect performance slightly—but high-quality units are built to withstand this, and we choose systems with anti-corrosion coatings when needed.
Our engineers have fitted heat pumps in towns across the region—from Gloucester and Stroud to more rural spots like Newent and Mitcheldean. With the right setup, they perform brilliantly—even in the depths of winter.
Hewer FM Heat Pump Service
At Hewer FM, we don’t just install heat pumps—we design systems around your home’s exact needs. Our process starts with a free home survey, where we assess insulation, layout, and your current heating setup. From there, our in-house engineers create a bespoke system design, and our trained team handles the full installation.
As MCS-certified Gloucester heat pump installers, we ensure every job meets the high standards required for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and long-term system performance. We’ve already installed dozens of systems across Gloucestershire in the past two years, helping local households cut emissions and control their bills.
After installation, we offer full aftercare, including annual servicing and maintenance plans. You’ll always know who to call if you have a question—we’re a local team with 50+ years in heating and plumbing, now helping homes move confidently into the low-carbon future.
Conclusion
Heat pumps aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution—but for many Gloucestershire homes, they’re a smart, future-ready upgrade. With the right setup, they offer lower emissions, steady warmth, and long-term peace of mind.
The best way to know if one will work for you? Book a free home survey with Hewer FM. We’ll assess your property, explain the options, and walk you through the grant process—no pressure, just honest advice from your local experts.
