Still on the fence? Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.
If you’ve looked into heat pumps recently, chances are you’ve come across some bold opinions — especially online. From claims that they don’t work in the cold to rumours that they’re just too expensive, it can be hard to know what to believe.
So let’s set the record straight and bust a few of the most common heat pump myths.
“Heat pumps don’t work in cold weather”
This one comes up a lot — and it’s simply not true.
Modern air source heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even when the temperature drops below freezing. Countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland (all colder than the UK) have been using heat pumps for years without a problem.
Sure, they may be slightly less efficient at very low temperatures, but they still work — and still outperform traditional electric heating or older gas boilers in terms of efficiency.
“They cost a fortune to run”
At first glance, this seems true because electricity is more expensive than gas. But remember: heat pumps are super efficient. For every 1 unit of electricity they use, they can generate 3 to 4 units of heat.
Even better? If you pair your heat pump with solar panels, you can slash your running costs dramatically — and even charge a battery to avoid buying electricity from the grid at peak times.
“They’re hard to install or need loads of space”
Most homes in the UK can have a heat pump installed without major disruption. The outdoor unit is roughly the size of an air conditioning box, and inside, it replaces your boiler.
You might need a slightly larger hot water tank, but the idea that you need acres of garden space or a full renovation is a myth. A good installer will assess your home and tailor the system to your space.
“You won’t get proper hot water or heating”
This myth comes from older systems or badly designed installs. A well-fitted, modern heat pump will give you all the heat and hot water you need — just like a boiler, but cleaner and more efficient.
Your radiators may run at slightly lower temperatures, but they stay on longer to keep your home consistently warm — without the sharp on/off cycles of a gas boiler.
“It’s better to wait a few years until the tech improves”
Heat pump tech is already tried, tested, and improving all the time. The best time to install one? When you can still claim the £7,500 grant from the government and benefit from 0% VAT (until 2027).
Waiting could mean missing out — and higher energy bills in the meantime.
Bottom line: Heat pumps are efficient, effective, and absolutely ready for UK homes. Don’t let outdated info or online gossip put you off making a smart, future-proof upgrade.
So if you’re looking into Air Source Heat Pumps in the North West and have more questions? Ask them — just don’t believe everything you read in the comments section.