Heat Pumps for New Builds: What You Need to Know

New homes are the easiest place to fit a heat pump. They're well insulated and airtight, so the heat loss is low, and the heating can be designed around the heat pump from the start instead of adapting a system built for a boiler.

Building regulations are moving new homes in England away from fossil fuel boilers and towards low-carbon heating, and a heat pump is the most common way to meet the standards. If you're building, it's worth planning one in from day one.

Underfloor heating is the ideal partner in a new build. It runs at low water temperatures, which keeps the heat pump at its most efficient, and with the floor going down anyway, it costs far less to install now than later. Where you'd rather have radiators, they can be sized correctly for low temperatures from the start.

Plan the space early. You'll need a spot outside for the unit, ideally on a solid base with clear airflow and away from bedroom windows, and room inside for a hot water cylinder.

On grants: the Boiler Upgrade Scheme generally doesn't cover new build homes, but self-build and custom-build homes can be eligible. We'll check this for your project.

Casa Renewables works with self-builders, developers and builders on new homes and extensions. Get in touch at the design stage and we'll do the heat loss calculation and system design alongside your architect.