As the UK moves towards net-zero emissions, heat pumps are emerging as a key technology for decarbonising home heating. Heat pumps reduce a home’s carbon emissions by over 90% compared with a gas boiler. All buildings and homes are suitable for heat pumps for example Bath Abbey is already heated by a heat pump, and the National Trust owned Assembly Rooms have just received Listed Building Consent to install heat pumps. The iconic Beckford’s Tower, owned by Bath Preservation Trust, has recently installed a heat pump. The even, steady heat it provides will, they anticipate, ‘be better for the building fabric and enable the museum to be open for much more of the year‘.
These highly efficient systems extract heat from the air, ground or water, providing sustainable warmth while reducing energy bills. However, installing them in different building types – especially listed or historic properties – requires careful planning.
Heat Pumps in Traditional and Listed Buildings
Older homes, including those with solid walls, timber frames, or heritage features, can successfully accommodate heat pumps, but adaptations may be needed:
- Insulation Improvements – Since heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes, listed buildings may need improvements in insulation and draught proofing
- Radiator or Underfloor Heating Upgrades – Heat pumps operate at lower temperatures than boilers, so larger radiators or underfloor heating may be required for optimal performance.
- Planning Permissions – Listed buildings require consent for external alterations, such as placing an air-source heat pump unit in a discreet location.
Advantages of Heat Pumps
- Energy Efficiency – Heat pumps can deliver 3-4 times more heat energy than the electricity they consume, cutting carbon emissions significantly.
- Carbon emissions: over 90% lower than a gas boiler
- Lower Running Costs – While installation costs are higher than gas boilers, heat pumps reduce long-term energy bills, especially when paired with solar panels.
- Versatility – Suitable for various property types, from modern homes to period buildings.
What Households Should Consider
- Home Suitability – A heat loss assessment will determine if your property needs insulation upgrades.
- System Sizing – Correct sizing is crucial; an oversized or undersized heat pump will reduce efficiency.
- Hot water cylinder – Heat pumps require a new cylinder to provide hot water – you need to find space for one if you currently have a combi gas boiler
- Outdoor unit location – A space need to be found outside your home for the ‘outdoor unit’ – a typically 1m x 0.5m x 1m box
- Budget – Heat pumps can cost between £4,500 and £12,000 to install net of the Government £7,500 BUS grant
Heat pumps offer a viable, future-proof heating solution for most homes, including listed buildings—with the right design and adjustments. By embracing this technology, households can enjoy efficient, low-carbon heating while preserving the character of historic properties.
Interested in a heat pump for your home? BWCE and Transition Bath offer a subsidised independent heat pump assessment service which includes a heat loss assessment service, advice on insulation, radiator upgrades, cylinder and outdoor unit locations, recommended installers, solar PV & batteries and support with decarbonising your home. And, they also offer free “What do you need to know before purchasing a heat pump webinars?” For an overview of considerations for heat pumps in listed buildings, please see the short video here.