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As the government plans to phase out gas boilers within the decade in the bid to reduce energy emissions and protect the environment, many homeowners are considering heat pumps. You may be wondering whether heat pumps will be compatible with your current radiators, or if you’ll need to replace your home’s entire heating system. We’re here to clarify all your important concerns.
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Do heat pumps work with radiators?
Thankfully, heat pumps can work with some existing radiators, so you may not need to replace your entire heating system. The main difference between ASHPs and gas boilers lies in flow temperature: ASHPs typically operate at lower temperatures than a conventional boiler. While radiators designed for higher temperatures will still emit heat at these lower levels, they may not produce as much warmth as you’re used to. This means many ASHP installations require larger radiator surface areas or different styles of radiator to achieve similar room temperatures.
The solution? Often, it's about upsizing what you already have and choosing larger radiators or styles that are more compatible with lower temperatures. With smart planning and a few tweaks, your heat pump and radiators will keep you warm through the coldest months.
Heat pumps vs gas boilers
Which radiators are suitable for heat pumps?
When it comes to finding a radiator that works well with an air source heat pump, upsizing is your best bet – but it's not the only solution. Here's what to look for when choosing your radiators:
- Larger surface area: This will compensate for the lower water temperatures produced by the heat pumps.
- Efficient heat distribution: These radiators are designed to maximise heat output even at lower temperatures.
- Compatibility with lower flow temperatures: This ensures they work effectively with the heat pump's output.
- Good convection properties: Some radiators designed for heat pumps have improved convection features to enhance heat distribution.
- Potential for fan assistance: Some models incorporate small fans to boost heat output when needed.
While most radiators will work with a heat pump system, we do recommend keeping these factors in mind to ensure your home stays warm and efficient on the coldest of days.
What types of radiators work well with heat pumps?
There's a whole range of radiators available to pair with your heat pump. It’s just a case of finding what works best for your home.
Decorative electric radiators are most useful in extensions or rooms where adding pipes proves difficult. They provide convenience for spaces that aren’t connected to the main hot‑water loop but still need consistent warmth.
Fan-assisted radiators for heat pumps use small, quiet fans to move warm air into the room, raising effective output without dramatically increasing radiator size. These are handy in compact spaces or where you want a faster response.
Custom-sized radiators can be specified in panel or column styles to increase surface area. A made-to-measure approach helps match the radiator to the room’s heat loss while maintaining a neat aesthetic.
Double-layer tubed towel radiators work well in bathrooms. Drying towels quickly, they also offer a useful injection of heat to a space where warmth and humidity control are important.
Aluminium radiators for heat pumps warm up rapidly and cool down quickly when needed. Their responsiveness makes them a popular option for homeowners seeking a snappy heating system.
Dual-energy radiators offer both water-powered and electric-powered options. This means they can run on central heating when the heat pump is active, and switch to electric during maintenance periods or times of high‑demand.
Why do aluminium radiators work so well with heat pumps?
While there are countless options available, aluminium radiators may, in fact, be the smartest choice for heat pump systems. Heating up and spreading warmth quickly, outpacing steel or cast-iron models, they are ideal for heat pumps that run cooler than standard boilers.
Aluminium radiators also respond quickly to temperature changes, helping to keep rooms ambient without wasting energy.
A much more sustainable option than other alternatives, aluminium radiators are often made from recycled materials, so they’re fully recyclable at the end of their life. Light in weight, they’re also easier to install and less taxing on your walls.
While they might cost more upfront, the efficiency and sustainability of aluminium radiators can make them a savvy long-term investment.
Are there special radiators for ground source heat pumps?
Ground source heat pumps typically operate more efficiently than air source models but still require lower flow temperatures than traditional boilers. Radiators for these ground systems follow similar principles to those used with air source heat pumps: increased surface area, improved convection, and sometimes fan assistance.
Standard radiator panels can also be effective – but only if properly sized up. However, many installers recommend custom-sized units or alternative heat emitters like underfloor heating where space allows. These options can better accommodate the lower water temperatures while maintaining comfort levels.
The key here is to match the radiator system to the heat pump's output and your home's specific needs. This might involve a mix of solutions, balancing factors such as room size, insulation levels, and your preferences for heat distribution.
How does sizing radiators for heat pumps work?
Heat pump surveys carried out by specialist teams - such as ours at Hive’s - typically include extensive planning. Each plan starts by working out how much heat each room loses, considering things like room size, how well-insulated your home is, and even the number of windows you have.
Once you know how much heat each room needs, you can then choose the most appropriate radiator for that space. Remember, heat pumps run cooler than traditional boilers, so you might need larger radiators to keep things toasty.
The goal is to match your radiators' output with what your heat pump can produce, to keep your home warm without overworking your heat pump. It's a tricky process, so it's best to bring in a qualified heating engineer to help you choose the right radiators for your space.
Discover more about sizing heat pumps for radiators
Benefit from Hive’s expert team to upgrade your homes heating system
Heat pumps paired with the right radiators offer a powerful solution for an energy-efficient, comfortable home. Whether you're considering air source or ground source systems, there's a radiator setup to suit your needs. Subject to availability, there are government grants of up to £7,500 available for low-carbon heating, so now is an ideal time to make the switch.
Hive's smart heating controls work seamlessly with heat pumps and radiators, optimising your system's performance. By choosing Hive, you'll enjoy cosy, eco-friendly heating year-round while reducing your carbon footprint and potentially lowering energy bills. Explore how Hive can help you maximise the benefits of your new heat pump system today.