WHAT ARE HEAT PUMPS?
Think of it like a fridge – but in reverse. A heat pump takes warmth from the air, ground or water and brings it inside your home or office to keep you cosy. It can even cool you down in the summer.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
No flames, no fossil fuels – just clever tech doing what it does best.
It absorbs heat
From the air, the ground or even a nearby water source.
It boosts the temperature
Using a clever refrigerant system and compressor
It spreads the warmth
Through radiators, underfloor heating or warm air vents.
It cools too!
Some types can reverse in summer to keep your home or workplace comfortable.
WHAT TYPES ARE THERE?
There are a few different kinds, but they all do the same job: keeping you warm more efficiently.
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
The most common type. They draw heat from the air outside into your building.
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs)
Ground source heat pumps draw heat from underground to heat your building.
Water Source Heat Pumps
Taking heat from a water source. Ideal if you’ve got a pond, river or lake nearby.
IS YOUR HOME HEAT PUMP READY?
Heat pumps work best in well-insulated buildings – so your first step might be to top up your loft or wall insulation. Here’s what else to consider:
Outdoor space?
You’ll need room for a unit (similar in size to an air conditioning unit).
Indoor space?
You’ll need a spot for a hot water tank.
Radiators or underfloor heating?
Heat pumps are compatible with both radiators and underfloor heating. An installer can recommend if your existing radiators are large enough or if deeper or wider radiators would work better.
Planning permission?
Not usually needed – but double check if you’re in a listed building or conservation area. More information below.
WHY UPGRADE?
Incentives available
Government grants can cover part of the installation cost for your home or workplace.
Can cut your energy bills
Use less energy to heat your home or business.
Shrink your carbon footprint
Heat pumps use electricity, not gas, and pair brilliantly with solar panels.
Long lifespan, low maintenance
Can last over 20 years with a simple annual service.
Cleaner air
No fumes, no emissions – better for you and for Peterborough.
Support the energy transition
Every building that switches helps move us closer to a greener future.
WHAT COULD YOU SAVE?
You could reduce your heating costs, especially if you’re switching from older systems. Grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can also take a big chunk off the installation cost – currently £7,500!
MYTHS? BUSTED
“They don’t work in winter”
Modern heat pumps are built to perform – even in below-zero temperatures.
“They’re noisy”
Most heat pumps are no louder than a fridge. You can even test the sound with our audio tool – test drive an air source heat pump below.
“They’re tricky to install”
A certified installer can get you up and running with minimal disruption.
PLANNING PERMISSION
Many energy upgrades are considered Permitted Developments and so don’t require planning permission, particularly if they don’t affect the external appearance of your property. Planning permission is usually needed for properties in conservation areas or national landscapes, flats, and listed buildings. Always check whether planning permission is required before you start an upgrade project.
You can find a summary of the planning rules on the Planning Portal:
Further details are available on Peterborough City Council’s website
GET STARTED
Take one of our suggested next steps to find out if a heat pump is right for you.
