Why heat pumps, and why now?

Written By Stephanie Butler

More people than ever are switching to heat pumps. Government grants are readily available, planning rules are evolving, and the technology is becoming even more accessible.

To help homeowners navigate this opportunity, we’ve officially launched our Heat Pump Assessment service – offering expert, independent advice on whether a heat pump is right for your home.

Why heat pumps work

Of all the energy efficiency upgrades available to households, heat pumps offer some of the largest carbon savings.

They’re incredibly efficient, moving heat rather than generating it. They work in all seasons, helping you to stay cool in summer as well as warm in winter. A well-installed heat pump can reduce your home’s yearly carbon footprint by up to 80% compared to a gas boiler.

A heat pump can also help you to save money on your energy bills. With careful design, good insulation and effective radiator systems, heat pumps cost less to run. For more about running costs, see the Energy Saving Trust.

What’s changed?

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives homeowners in England and Wales up to £7,500 towards the cost of a heat pump. Getting the grant is a simple process that’s led by the heat pump installer. As the grant has recently been extended, more households have time to take advantage.

Planning permission simplified

As well as the BUS, recent changes to permitted development rules make it easier to install a heat pump without planning permission (known as ‘permitted development’).

The Planning Portal has a full description, but here’s a summary of what’s new:

  • One metre boundary rule: Heat pumps can now be placed closer to the edge of a property

  • Updated sound calculation: A new method reduced the likelihood of needing planning permission due to the noise of a heat pump.

  • Volume restrictions clarified: There’s now clearer guidance on the size of units allowed under permitted development.

There are also exemptions to permitted development for historic areas:

  • Permitted development rights do not apply for installations within the curtilage of a Listed Building or within a site designated as a Scheduled Monument

  • On land within a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site a planning application is needed if the heat pump needs is installed on a wall or roof which fronts a highway, or is nearer to any highway which bounds the property than any part of the building.

Through our assessment service, we can advise whether you need to apply for planning or listed building consent.

See our short video guide about installing heat pumps in listed buildings that covers what’s possible and what to consider.

Thinking of getting a heat pump?

When a heat pump installer visits a home, their focus is understandably on the system they sell and how to fit it in your space. But that may not always lead to the most efficient or cost-effective outcome for you. This is where our new assessment service comes in.

Independent, expert advice

At BWCE, we’re financially independent from installers. Our assessments are focused entirely on what’s best for your home, not on selling a particular brand or system.

We draw on our Heat Geek training, understanding of non-standard house types, and knowledge of the wide range of heat pump options on the market.

If you’re planning a renovation, extension or other energy efficiency upgrades, we also help you understand how those might affect heat pump suitability and design.


What is the BWCE Heat Pump Assessment service?

A cost-effective way to:

  • Understand whether a heat pump is right for your home

  • Get tailored, impartial advice on sizing, planning rules and carbon impact

  • Access grant funding and prepare for a high-quality installation

Who is it for:

  • Homeowners considering a heat pump but are unsure where to start

  • People with heritage or listed buildings

  • Anyone wanting an independent, trusted view before speaking to installers

“Shifting to a heat pump was daunting for us. BWCE's service provided exactly the level of independent knowledge we were looking for – to check on viability, what the change may entail for us and options ahead, as well as being able to answer both the silly questions and those specific to us. All in the comfort of knowing we weren't being 'sold to' by an installer.”
– Max

Working with installers

Please note: a heat pump installer may charge for a separate home assessment before they provide a quote. We’re working to build relationships with local installers, so they can use our surveys to provide accurate initial estimates – saving you time and cost.

Our goal is to help you get a high-quality, efficient system with minimal hassle – and without needing multiple home visits.

How to get started


Stephanie Butler
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Home retrofit: Where to start