Heat pumps in Wiltshire: costs and grants

Wiltshire, with its rolling chalk downs, historic market towns, and diverse housing stock, presents unique considerations for homeowners exploring heat pumps. Many properties, particularly in rural areas, are not connected to the mains gas network, relying instead on more expensive and carbon-intensive fuels like heating oil. This makes heat pumps an especially appealing, low-carbon alternative for a significant portion of the county's homes.

Heat pumps in Wiltshire: an introduction

Heat pumps are efficient, low-carbon heating systems that offer a sustainable alternative to traditional boilers, suitable for many UK homes. They extract heat from the air or ground and transfer it into your home, even when outside temperatures are low.

Why consider a heat pump for your Wiltshire home?

Heat pumps offer several advantages for Wiltshire homeowners. They significantly reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment. With many homes in Wiltshire, particularly in rural locations, being off the gas grid and relying on oil or LPG, switching to a heat pump can offer substantial long-term running cost savings and price stability compared to volatile fossil fuel markets. Heat pumps also provide consistent, comfortable heating, and when properly installed, can be highly efficient.

Air source vs ground source: which is right for Wiltshire?

The choice between an air source vs ground source heat pump depends on your property and available space.

• Air source heat pumps (ASHPs): These are generally easier and quicker to install, as they extract heat from the outside air. They are suitable for most properties, including those with smaller gardens or limited outdoor space. You can learn more about how an air source heat pump works. ASHPs can operate effectively even in cold Wiltshire winters.
• Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs): These systems draw heat from the ground via buried pipes. While they typically offer higher efficiency and a more stable heat source, they require a significant amount of land for installation, making them more suited to properties with larger gardens or fields, common in Wiltshire's more rural areas. Find out more about ground source heat pumps.

Both types are highly efficient, with modern units maintaining high efficiency (SCOP) across a typical UK winter.

Wiltshire's local energy landscape

Understanding your local energy infrastructure is crucial for heat pump ownership, impacting everything from running costs to power cut procedures.

Understanding Wiltshire's electricity price cap region

Electricity unit rates and daily standing charges can vary across different regions of Great Britain1. Ofgem reviews and updates the energy price cap quarterly, on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, and 1 October, so your specific costs will reflect the prevailing cap for your region1.

Your local distribution network operator

Wiltshire sits in the Southern England electricity distribution region, where the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). Your DNO is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the local electricity network, ensuring a safe and reliable supply to your home. They manage the power lines and cables that distribute electricity, but they are not your energy supplier who sends your bills.

Power cuts and emergency contacts

If you experience a power cut, you should dial the free national number 105. This number routes directly to your local DNO, who are responsible for restoring power. You can also find your network operator using the Energy Networks Association (ENA) 'Find my network operator' tool online.

Costs, grants, and funding for heat pumps

The upfront cost of a heat pump can be a significant consideration, but government grants and long-term savings make them a more accessible option.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme explained

Homeowners in England and Wales can benefit from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), a government initiative designed to reduce the cost of installing low-carbon heating systems2. The BUS offers a £7,500 grant towards the cost and installation of an air source or ground source heat pump3. This scheme is administered by Ofgem and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and is open until 31 December 2027.

From 21 July 2026, the grant for households in England and Wales currently using heating oil will increase to £9,000, providing additional support for many homes4. To receive the grant, you must apply for it yourself via the government website, and your MCS-certified installer will then redeem a voucher.

MCS certification: your key to grants and quality

To be eligible for the BUS grant, your heat pump must be installed by an MCS-certified installer. MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification ensures that installers meet high standards of quality and competence, and that the installed system adheres to industry best practices. This certification is crucial not only for accessing grants but also for guaranteeing a reliable and efficient installation.

Estimating heat pump running costs

While the upfront cost is a factor, it's important to consider the long-term running costs. Heat pumps are highly efficient, meaning they convert a small amount of electricity into a larger amount of heat. Your running costs will depend on several factors, including:

• Property insulation: A well-insulated home retains heat more effectively, reducing the energy demand on your heat pump. Many older properties may benefit from insulation upgrades to maximise heat pump efficiency.
• Heat pump sizing: A properly sized heat pump, matched to your home's specific heating requirements, will operate most efficiently.
• Electricity prices: As heat pumps run on electricity, local electricity prices will affect your running costs. You can explore typical air source heat pump costs to get a better understanding.

With good insulation and correct sizing, heat pumps can offer running cost savings compared to traditional fossil fuel systems, especially for homes currently using oil or LPG.

Choosing and installing your heat pump

Making the switch to a heat pump involves a few key steps to ensure a successful and efficient installation.

Finding MCS-certified installers

The first step is to find MCS-certified heat pump installers operating within your area. This ensures eligibility for the BUS and guarantees a professional installation. It's advisable to obtain multiple detailed quotes from different installers to compare costs and proposed systems.

The importance of home insulation and sizing

Proper sizing of a heat pump to your property and ensuring adequate insulation are crucial for optimal performance and energy efficiency. A heat pump works best in a well-insulated home where it can maintain a consistent temperature without excessive energy use. Installers will typically conduct a heat loss survey to determine the appropriate size of the heat pump and assess your existing heating system, including radiators, to ensure compatibility.

What to expect during installation

The installation process typically involves removing your old heating system, installing the outdoor or ground array for the heat pump, connecting it to your indoor heating and hot water systems, and then commissioning the system. The duration can vary depending on the type of heat pump and the complexity of the installation. Remember that you apply for the BUS grant yourself, and your MCS-certified installer will then redeem a voucher.

Making the switch to a heat pump: next steps

Once your heat pump is installed, there are ways to ensure you get the most out of your new low-carbon heating system.

Optimising your heat pump's performance

To optimise your heat pump's performance, consider these points:

• Set it and forget it: Heat pumps work best when maintaining a consistent temperature rather than rapid heating and cooling cycles.
• Regular servicing: Like any heating system, regular maintenance will ensure its longevity and efficiency.
• Smart controls: Utilise smart thermostats and controls to manage your heating effectively and respond to changing weather conditions.

Integrating heat pumps with smart home energy

Heat pumps integrate well into a broader smart home energy ecosystem. By understanding and controlling your energy usage, you can maximise the efficiency gains of your heat pump. This transition to low-carbon heating, coupled with smart energy management, aligns with a future where energy is abundant and homeowners have more power to play with.

References

1. Ofgem. Energy price cap
2. UK Government. Boiler Upgrade Scheme
3. UK Government. Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: What you can get
4. UK Government. Thousands of homes will be eligible for £9,000 off a heat pump