A heat pump can be one of the most efficient ways to heat a home, office, garden room or commercial space. Instead of creating heat in the same way as a standard electric heater, a heat pump uses electricity to move heat from one place to another.
That simple difference is what makes heat pumps so important. A direct electric heater turns electricity into heat at the point of use. A heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat, which means it can often provide more heat output than the electricity it consumes.
For UK homes, this makes heat pumps an increasingly popular option for long term heating, especially where customers want a lower carbon alternative to traditional heating, better energy efficiency, and reliable comfort throughout the year.
However, a heat pump is not the right solution for every home or every situation. Some customers need a fitted air source heat pump for whole home heating and hot water. Others may be better suited to an air conditioning heat pump that heats and cools one room. Some may simply need a portable electric heater for occasional top up warmth.
This guide explains how heat pumps work, the different types available, the key benefits, the limitations, what to check before buying, and how to decide whether a heat pump is right for your home.
You can also browse our fitted heating systems, compare heating and cooling systems, or read our guide to whether air conditioning units and heat pumps are the same thing.
What Is A Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a heating system that moves heat from one place to another.
In simple terms, it collects heat energy from outside and transfers it indoors. This may sound surprising in cold weather, but there is still heat energy in the outside air even when temperatures are low.
Depending on the system, that heat can be used in different ways. An air source heat pump can heat water for radiators, underfloor heating or domestic hot water. An air conditioning heat pump can blow warm air directly into a room, and can often provide cooling during warmer months too.
The key point is that a heat pump does not work like a traditional electric heater. It does not simply create heat from electricity. It uses electricity to move heat, which can make it a more efficient long term heating option in the right setting.
How Does A Heat Pump Work?
A heat pump works using a refrigeration cycle. This is similar in principle to the way air conditioning works, but the process can be used for heating as well as cooling.
In heating mode, the system absorbs heat from outside air, raises the temperature using a compressor, and transfers that heat indoors.
The basic process is:
- The outdoor unit collects heat from the outside air
- Refrigerant inside the system absorbs that heat
- A compressor increases the temperature
- The heat is transferred into the home or room
- The cycle repeats to maintain the required temperature
In an air to water heat pump, that heat is transferred into water for central heating or hot water. In an air to air system, the heat is delivered into the room as warm air.
For a deeper explanation, read our guide on how air conditioning works.
Types Of Heat Pump
There are different types of heat pump, and choosing the right one depends on what you need the system to do.
For most CoolEasy customers, the main options are:
- Air source heat pumps for fitted home heating
- Air conditioning heat pumps for room heating and cooling
- Heating and cooling systems for all season comfort
Air Source Heat Pumps
An air source heat pump takes heat from the outside air and transfers it into your home.
These systems are often used as fitted heating systems. They can connect to a home heating setup and may be used with radiators, underfloor heating and hot water cylinders, depending on the system design.
Air source heat pumps are best suited to customers looking for a long term heating solution rather than a quick portable heater.
They can be a strong option if:
- You want a fitted heating system
- You are replacing or upgrading an existing heating system
- You want a lower carbon heating option
- Your home is suitable for heat pump installation
- You have space for an outdoor unit
- You are happy to arrange proper system specification and installation
View our fitted heating systems to compare available heat pump options.
Air Conditioning Heat Pumps
Many modern air conditioning systems can also work as heat pumps.
In summer, they provide cooling. In colder months, they can reverse the process and provide heating. This makes them useful for rooms that need year round comfort, such as bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, garden rooms and commercial spaces.
An air conditioning heat pump does not normally provide domestic hot water. It is mainly used to heat or cool the air in a room.
This can make it a strong choice if:
- You want heating and cooling from one system
- You need comfort in one room or selected rooms
- You are heating a bedroom, office, living room or garden office
- You want fast warm air heating
- You also struggle with summer overheating
- You want a fitted wall mounted, console or ceiling system
Browse our heating and cooling systems to compare air conditioning systems that can both heat and cool.
Air To Water Heat Pump Vs Air To Air Heat Pump
The biggest difference is how the heat is delivered.
| Heat Pump Type | How It Delivers Heat | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Air to water heat pump | Transfers heat into water for heating and hot water systems | Whole home heating, radiators, underfloor heating and hot water |
| Air to air heat pump | Transfers heat directly into the room as warm air | Room heating, cooling, bedrooms, offices, garden rooms and commercial spaces |
If you want a system that supports whole home heating and hot water, an air to water heat pump is usually the route to explore.
If you want to heat and cool one room or several rooms, an air conditioning heat pump may be more suitable.
Heat Pump Vs Electric Heater
A standard electric heater and a heat pump both use electricity, but they work in very different ways.
A portable electric heater is simple, flexible and useful for quick top up warmth. A heat pump is usually a better option when you want a more efficient long term heating solution.
| Option | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable electric heater | Temporary warmth, one room heating and occasional use | Simple plug in use with lower upfront cost | Less efficient for long term regular heating |
| Air conditioning heat pump | Heating and cooling individual rooms | All season room comfort from one system | Does not normally provide domestic hot water |
| Air source heat pump | Whole home fitted heating | Efficient long term heating solution | Needs proper specification and installation |
If you only need occasional warmth in a bedroom or home office, browse our portable heating units.
If you want a fitted system for long term heating, browse our fitted heating systems.
Heat Pump Vs Air Conditioning
Air conditioning and heat pumps are closely linked because both use similar refrigeration technology.
The difference is usually in how the system is used. Traditional air conditioning is often thought of as cooling only, but many modern air conditioning systems can also heat. When an air conditioning system can reverse its operation to provide heating, it is working as a heat pump.
This means some air conditioning systems are also heat pumps.
The key difference is that an air conditioning heat pump usually heats and cools air in a room, while a fitted air source heat pump may be designed to heat water for central heating and hot water.
For more detail, read our guide: Are Air Conditioning Units and Heat Pumps the Same Thing?
Is A Heat Pump Right For Your Home?
A heat pump can be a good choice for many homes, but it depends on your property, your heating needs and the type of system you are considering.
A heat pump may be right for your home if:
- You want a long term heating solution
- You are looking for better energy efficiency
- You want to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuel heating
- Your home is reasonably well insulated
- You have space for an outdoor unit
- You are willing to have the system properly specified
- You want heating only, or heating and cooling depending on the system type
- You are planning a renovation, extension or heating upgrade
A heat pump may not be the best first choice if:
- You only need quick occasional top up heat
- You cannot install an outdoor unit
- Your property has major insulation problems
- You are in a rental property and cannot make alterations
- You need a very low upfront cost solution
- You are not ready for installation work
- You only need to heat a small room for short periods
In those cases, a portable electric heater may be more practical.
Best Places To Use A Heat Pump
Heat pumps can be used in many different settings, but the best option depends on whether you choose a whole home heat pump or a room based heating and cooling system.
| Space | Suitable Heat Pump Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Whole home | Air source heat pump | Can support a fitted heating system |
| Living room | Heating and cooling air conditioning system | Comfortable heating in winter and cooling in summer |
| Bedroom | Wall mounted air conditioning heat pump | Quiet, efficient room comfort |
| Home office | Air conditioning heat pump or portable heater | Depends on daily use and installation needs |
| Garden office | Heating and cooling system | Solves winter cold and summer overheating |
| Conservatory | Heating and cooling system | Useful where the room is cold in winter and hot in summer |
| Commercial space | Air conditioning heat pump or fitted system | Useful for all season climate control |
Benefits Of A Heat Pump
The main benefit of a heat pump is efficiency. Because the system moves heat rather than simply creating it, it can often provide more heat output per unit of electricity used.
Other benefits include:
- Lower carbon heating compared with fossil fuel systems
- Efficient long term operation when correctly specified
- Heating and cooling from one system with air conditioning heat pumps
- Comfortable, controlled indoor temperatures
- Good option for modern homes, renovations and upgrades
- Can work with smart controls depending on the model
- Can reduce the need for separate heating and cooling products
For rooms used throughout the year, an air conditioning heat pump can be especially useful because it provides both summer cooling and winter heating.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Heat Pump
A heat pump is a more considered purchase than a portable heater, so it is important to check the practical details before buying.
1. What Do You Need The Heat Pump To Do?
The first question is whether you need whole home heating, room heating, hot water, cooling, or all season comfort in a specific space.
If you need whole home heating and hot water, look at fitted air source heat pumps. If you want to heat and cool one room, look at heating and cooling air conditioning systems.
2. Is Your Home Well Insulated?
Insulation is very important. A heat pump works best when the home holds heat well.
If a property loses heat quickly through walls, windows, roof or floor, the system may have to work harder to keep the home comfortable. Improving insulation can often make any heating system perform better.
3. Do You Have Space For An Outdoor Unit?
Most heat pump systems use an outdoor unit. This needs to be positioned correctly with enough airflow and access for servicing.
The exact location will depend on the type of system, the property layout, noise considerations and installation requirements.
4. What Type Of Indoor Heating Do You Need?
An air source heat pump may connect to radiators, underfloor heating or hot water systems. An air conditioning heat pump will usually use indoor fan units to deliver warm air into the room.
Choose the system type based on whether you want central heating support or direct room comfort.
5. Do You Need Cooling As Well As Heating?
If summer overheating is also a problem, a heating only system may not solve the full issue.
Bedrooms, home offices, garden rooms, loft rooms and conservatories can often benefit from a heating and cooling system because the same system can provide warmth in winter and cooling in summer.
6. What Is The Correct Size?
Heat pump sizing should be based on the property or room requirement. For whole home systems, this usually means a proper heat loss assessment.
An undersized system may struggle in colder weather. An oversized system may cost more than necessary and may not run as smoothly.
If you are buying a room based heating and cooling system, sizing should consider the room size, insulation, windows, ceiling height and usage.
7. What Installation Is Required?
Heat pumps are fitted systems and must be installed correctly.
Air conditioning split systems usually require appropriate installation and commissioning. Whole home air source heat pumps also require correct plumbing, electrical and heating system design.
For installation guidance, view our installation service.
Heat Pump Sizing Guide
Heat pump sizing is not something to guess. The correct size depends on the building, how much heat it loses and how much heating demand the system needs to cover.
For a fitted air source heat pump, key sizing factors include:
- Property size
- Insulation level
- Window type and glazing
- Number of external walls
- Ceiling height
- Existing radiators or underfloor heating
- Hot water demand
- Desired indoor temperature
- Outdoor unit location
For air conditioning heat pumps, sizing is more room focused. You need to consider the size of the room, how much sun it gets, how well insulated it is and whether the system will be used for heating, cooling or both.
For room based air conditioning sizing, read our guide to choosing the best air conditioner for your home or office.
What Does COP Mean On A Heat Pump?
COP stands for Coefficient of Performance. It is a measure of how efficiently a heat pump converts electricity into useful heat output.
For example, a heat pump with a COP of 4 can produce up to 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used under the relevant test conditions.
In real homes, performance will depend on outdoor temperature, system design, insulation, flow temperature and how the system is used.
When comparing heat pumps, look at the efficiency figures, but also make sure the system is suitable for the property and heating requirement.
What Does SCOP Mean?
SCOP stands for Seasonal Coefficient of Performance. It gives a broader indication of efficiency over a heating season rather than at a single test point.
SCOP can be useful because heat pump performance changes depending on outdoor conditions. A seasonal figure helps give a better idea of expected efficiency across changing weather.
When comparing heating and cooling systems, you may also see SEER for cooling performance. For more detail on efficiency ratings, read our guide to EPC ratings, SEER and COP.
Heat Pump Running Costs
Heat pump running costs depend on the system, the electricity tariff, the property, insulation, usage and the efficiency of the installation.
The important difference between a heat pump and a standard electric heater is that a heat pump can produce more heat output than the electricity it uses. That is why COP and SCOP are so important.
A portable electric heater rated at 2kW uses up to 2kWh of electricity per hour at full output. A heat pump with a strong efficiency rating may deliver more heat output from each unit of electricity.
However, running costs should always be considered in context. A poorly insulated home, incorrect system sizing or unsuitable installation can affect performance.
For direct electric heater costs, read our electric heater running cost guide.
Can A Heat Pump Replace A Boiler?
An air source heat pump can be used as an alternative to a traditional boiler in some homes, but the property must be suitable and the system must be designed correctly.
The main considerations are:
- How much heat the property needs
- Whether the home is well insulated
- Whether existing radiators are suitable
- Whether underfloor heating is present or planned
- Hot water requirements
- Space for a cylinder if needed
- Outdoor unit placement
- Installation cost and practical disruption
In some cases, an air source heat pump can be a strong long term option. In other cases, the home may need insulation improvements or heating system upgrades first.
Can Air Conditioning Heat A Home In Winter?
Yes, many air conditioning systems can provide heating in winter because they work as air to air heat pumps.
This can be useful for individual rooms or selected areas, especially where you want fast warm air heating and cooling in summer from the same system.
However, air conditioning heat pumps are different from whole home air source heat pumps. They normally heat the air in the room, rather than providing domestic hot water or connecting to radiators.
Read more in our guide: Can Air Conditioning Heat My Home in Winter?
Heat Pumps For Bedrooms
A wall mounted air conditioning heat pump can be a good option for bedrooms where you want both quiet cooling and winter heating.
This is especially useful in bedrooms that overheat in summer but feel cold during colder months. A heating and cooling system gives better year round control than a portable heater or fan alone.
For bedroom advice, read our best air conditioning for bedrooms guide.
Heat Pumps For Living Rooms
Living rooms are often used for long periods, so comfort matters. A heating and cooling system can provide efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer.
This can be especially useful for open plan living areas, south facing rooms, conservatory linked spaces and rooms where the main heating system is not always comfortable.
View our guide to best air conditioning for living rooms.
Heat Pumps For Garden Offices
Garden offices are one of the strongest use cases for a heating and cooling system.
A garden office can be cold in winter and hot in summer. A portable heater may work for occasional use, but if the office is used every day, a fitted air conditioning heat pump can provide better year round comfort.
It gives you heating during colder months and cooling during warm weather, all from one system.
Heat Pumps For Businesses
Heat pumps can also be useful for commercial spaces, offices, cafés, shops, gyms and hospitality environments.
For businesses, heating and cooling demand can change throughout the year. A system that provides both can help keep customers, staff and working areas more comfortable.
For more information, read our guide to air conditioning for businesses.
Planning And Installation Considerations
Before buying a heat pump, it is important to think about where the system will be installed.
Outdoor units need suitable space, airflow and access. Noise, neighbouring properties, building type and location may also need to be considered.
Installation requirements vary depending on the system. A whole home air source heat pump is different from a wall mounted air conditioning heat pump, so it is important to choose the correct route before ordering.
Useful installation related guides include:
- CoolEasy installation service
- Understanding air conditioning installation costs
- F Gas regulations and safety standards for UK AC installation
- Planning rule changes and heat pump installation
Heat Pump Buying Checklist
Before choosing a heat pump, ask these questions:
- Do I need whole home heating or single room heating?
- Do I need domestic hot water?
- Do I also need cooling in summer?
- Is my home well insulated?
- Do I have space for an outdoor unit?
- Is the system suitable for my radiators, underfloor heating or room layout?
- What size system do I need?
- Does the system need professional installation?
- Have I checked the efficiency rating?
- Do I need a fitted system or would a portable heater be enough?
- Do I need help choosing the correct option?
Recommended Heat Pump Options From CoolEasy
The right heat pump depends on the property, room, installation requirements and heating demand. These are useful starting points from the CoolEasy range.
LG Therma V Heat Pumps
The LG Therma V 5.5kW Heat Pump, LG Therma V 9.0kW Monobloc Heat Pump and LG Therma V 12.0kW Monobloc Heat Pump are options to consider for fitted heating applications.
These are suited to customers looking at air source heat pump technology as part of a wider home heating system.
Samsung Monobloc Heat Pumps
The Samsung 5.0kW Monobloc Heat Pump, Samsung 8.0kW Monobloc Heat Pump, Samsung 12.0kW Monobloc Heat Pump and Samsung 16.0kW Monobloc Heat Pump are worth comparing if you are looking at fitted air source heat pump options.
System choice should be based on heat demand, property suitability and installation requirements.
Samsung High Temp Monobloc Heat Pumps
Samsung high temperature monobloc heat pumps may be suitable where higher water temperatures are required, depending on the property and system design.
Options include the Samsung 5.0kW High Temp Monobloc Heat Pump, Samsung 8.0kW High Temp Monobloc Heat Pump, Samsung 12.0kW High Temp Monobloc Heat Pump and Samsung 16.0kW High Temp Monobloc Heat Pump.
Heating And Cooling Air Conditioning Systems
If you want heat pump technology for a bedroom, living room, home office, garden room or commercial space, a heating and cooling air conditioning system may be more suitable than a whole home air source heat pump.
Popular starting points include LG Standard High Wall System with WiFi, LG Primary High Wall System, Mitsubishi Electric Classic Wall Mounted Air Conditioning System and LUX AIR Air Con Heat Pump Inverter System.
Browse all options in our heating and cooling systems collection.
Heat Pump FAQs
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a system that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. It can collect heat from outside and transfer it indoors for heating.
Are heat pumps efficient?
Heat pumps can be very efficient because they move heat rather than creating it directly from electricity. Performance depends on the system, installation, property and outdoor conditions.
What is the difference between an air source heat pump and an air conditioning heat pump?
An air source heat pump is usually used for fitted heating and may connect to radiators, underfloor heating or hot water. An air conditioning heat pump usually heats and cools the air in a room.
Can a heat pump heat my whole home?
An air source heat pump can heat a whole home if the property is suitable and the system is designed correctly. A proper assessment is important before choosing a system.
Can air conditioning act as a heat pump?
Yes, many modern air conditioning systems can work as heat pumps. They can cool in summer and provide warm air heating in colder months.
Does a heat pump provide hot water?
An air to water heat pump may be used as part of a system that provides heating and hot water. An air conditioning heat pump normally heats or cools room air and does not provide domestic hot water.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Many heat pumps are designed to operate in cold weather, but performance depends on the system, outdoor temperature, installation and heating requirement.
Do I need good insulation for a heat pump?
Good insulation helps any heating system perform better. Heat pumps work best when the property can retain heat effectively.
Is a heat pump cheaper to run than an electric heater?
A heat pump can often provide more heat output per unit of electricity than a direct electric heater, but actual running costs depend on the system, property, electricity price and usage.
Do heat pumps need professional installation?
Yes, fitted heat pump systems require correct installation. Air conditioning heat pumps and air source heat pumps should be specified and installed appropriately for the property.
Can I install a heat pump in a rental property?
A fitted heat pump usually requires permission and installation work, so it may not be suitable for many rental properties. A portable heater may be more practical where permanent changes are not allowed.
Is a heat pump right for a garden office?
A heating and cooling air conditioning system can be a very good option for garden offices because it provides heating in winter and cooling in summer.
What size heat pump do I need?
The correct size depends on the property or room. Whole home systems usually need a heat loss assessment, while room systems need to be matched to room size, insulation, windows and usage.
What is COP on a heat pump?
COP means Coefficient of Performance. It shows how efficiently a heat pump provides heat compared with the electricity it uses under test conditions.
Should I choose a heat pump or portable heater?
Choose a portable heater for quick, flexible top up warmth. Choose a heat pump if you want a fitted, longer term heating solution or heating and cooling from one system.
Final Advice: Is A Heat Pump Right For You?
A heat pump can be an excellent choice if you want efficient long term heating and your property is suitable.
For whole home heating, an air source heat pump may be the right route. For bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, garden rooms and commercial spaces, an air conditioning heat pump may be a better fit because it can provide both heating and cooling from one system.
If you only need occasional warmth in one room, a portable heater may still be the simplest choice. But if you want a more permanent solution, lower carbon heating and better all season comfort, a heat pump is well worth considering.
Explore our fitted heating systems, compare heating and cooling systems, or speak to the CoolEasy team for help choosing the best heat pump option for your home.