Heat pumps are a clever solution for keeping your space warm while helping you save on energy bills. With a few different types to choose from, it’s easy to feel unsure about which one suits your home best. Below, we’ll run you through the main types of heat pumps, how they work, and what to consider when choosing the best fit for your home.
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What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a heating (and sometimes cooling) system that moves heat from one place to another. Instead of burning fuel like a gas boiler, it captures existing warmth from the air, ground, or water and heats it to a higher temperature to heat your home and hot water.
Even when it’s chilly outside, there’s still energy in the environment. A heat pump extracts that energy using a reverse refrigerant cycle, the same process your fridge uses, just in reverse.
The result is a system that’s incredibly efficient. According to the Energy Saving Trust, for every unit of electricity a heat pump uses, it can produce three to four units of heat. That’s 300–400% efficiency, far beyond what traditional boilers can achieve.
What are the different types of heat pumps?
There are four main types you’ll come across:
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs)
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs)
Water source heat pumps (WSHPs)
Hybrid systems that combine a heat pump with a boiler
Please note: Hive does not sell hybrid heat pumps or ground/water source heat pumps.
Each works slightly differently, but they all share the same goal, which is to provide reliable, low-carbon heating for your home.
Air source heat pump
Air source heat pumps are the most common type in the UK, and for good reason too. They take heat from the outside air and move it inside to heat your radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water. Even on cold winter days, modern ASHPs can extract usable warmth from the air and upgrade it to a temperature that can keep your home cosy.
If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house, or you don’t have much outdoor space to spare, these systems are a great choice. Better yet, they also work well with standard radiators and underfloor heating, so you get an efficient, low-carbon way to stay warm, without needing to take on big renovations.
Advantages of an air source heat pump
Air source heat pumps are not only affordable – especially with the £7500 BUS government grant (subject to eligibility) - but they’re also much quicker to install compared to other options, often taking just up to five days with British Gas. Many heat pump models—particularly air-to-air systems—can provide both heating and cooling, which is a handy bonus. However, air-to-water heat pumps (the type offered by us at Hive) are primarily designed for heating, and cooling features are less common.
With a heat pump, for every unit of electricity you use, you can get three to four times as much heat (300 to 400%) in return, according to the Energy Saving Trust, so they’re much more efficient than traditional gas or oil boilers. Plus, they’re compact, quiet, and fit well into most UK homes.
Disadvantages of an air source heat pump
Efficiency can dip slightly during very cold spells, which may mean your running costs increase in winter. Air source heat pumps are a great choice for a wide range of homes, including terraced and semi-detached houses, as they typically require only a modest amount of outdoor space and good airflow around the unit. While modern models are generally quiet, you may still notice a gentle hum when they are operating.
Find out more about ASHPs
Ground source heat pump
Ground source systems work by drawing heat from pipes buried underground, where the temperature stays steady at around 10–12°C all year round. This gentle, reliable warmth is then transferred into your home, keeping your rooms and hot water nice and warm.
These systems are a great match for rural or suburban homes with plenty of space for trenches or boreholes. If you have a larger property with higher heating needs, you’ll also really appreciate the consistent comfort they provide.
Advantages of a ground source heat pump
Ground source heat pumps are among the most efficient systems available, often producing up to four units of heat per unit of electricity . They offer stable running costs, quiet operation, and a long lifespan. Once installed, they require little maintenance and deliver steady heat throughout the year.
Disadvantages of a ground source heat pump
Installation costs are higher, and the process can be disruptive due to trenching or drilling. You’ll also need suitable outdoor space, so they’re not ideal for smaller plots or urban homes.
Find out more about GSHPs
Water source heat pumps
Water source heat pumps use nearby rivers, lakes, or ponds as a renewable heat source. Pipes submerged in the water extract heat, which is upgraded and transferred into your home. Because water temperatures stay relatively stable, efficiency remains high all year.
They’re especially well-suited for homes with easy access to a steady water source, like rural properties beside a pond, stream, or lake.
Advantages of a water source heat pump
These systems are highly efficient, discreet, and quiet. Only the heat exchanger and pipes are submerged in water, with the main unit positioned safely above ground. This design keeps the visual impact on your property to a minimum and ensures that essential components are protected from freezing and weather-related damage. You’ll also benefit from steady, reliable heating even when the weather turns cold.
Disadvantages of a water source heat pump
Water source systems do have their limits, they’re only an option for homes with access to a suitable water source, and you might need special environmental permissions before installing one. The setup itself is quite specialist and can be a bit complex, and depending on how everything’s arranged, maintenance and repairs can sometimes be a little more complicated.
Hybrid heat pumps
Hybrid systems bring together the best of both worlds by combining a heat pump, usually air source, with your existing gas, oil or LPG boiler. The system cleverly switches between the two, using the heat pump for day-to-day heating and only calling on the boiler when it’s really cold outside.
They’re a great choice if you want to start moving towards low carbon heating but aren’t quite ready to part with your current boiler just yet.
Advantages of hybrid heat pumps
Hybrid systems reduce fossil fuel use while keeping a reliable backup. They’re flexible, cost-effective, and a good way to test heat pump technology before fully switching. You could save on energy bills while enjoying consistent heating comfort all year.
Disadvantages of hybrid heat pumps
Because hybrids still rely partly on gas or oil, they’re not fully renewable. Installation costs are slightly higher than a standalone heat pump, and they take up more space. Carbon savings also depend on how often the boiler is used, efficiency, as well as boiler type.
Find out more about hybrid heat pumps
Start your heat pump journey today
Hive’s air source heat pumps are designed for UK homes, potentially offering reliable warmth and lower energy bills with minimal hassle. Installation is quick, and the compact units fit easily into most spaces. You’ll get steady, comfortable heating all year, plus expert support from Hive every step of the way. Make the move to efficient, low-carbon heating today!