Do Heat Pumps Work with Radiators?
This is part of our complete overview of heat pumps.
For the most part, heat pumps work with radiators in Scotland homes. In others, you might need a few tweaks or a radiator upgrade here and there to get the best results. Heat pumps run at lower temperatures than gas boilers, so you must have the proper radiator sizes to warm the room effectively. Our experts at MPC Energy will check these for performance during our free home consultation. If you qualify under ECO4 or LA Flex, we’ll complete a free heat pump installation to work with your radiator.
Do You Have to Upgrade Radiators for Heat Pumps?
Many homes already have radiators that are large enough to work well with a heat pump, especially if the property is well-insulated. Heat pumps run at lower temperatures than gas boilers, so in some cases, you need bigger or more efficient radiators to keep rooms warm. During a proper assessment, our team at MPC Energy will check each radiator’s size and output to ensure they match the new system. If necessary, we can upgrade your radiator with a new model, up to 50% more efficient than your older model.
How Heat Pumps Work with Existing Radiators
Heat pumps heat your home differently than traditional boilers. While they use lower water temperatures, they’ll keep your home warm and comfortable if the setup is correct. Here’s how they work with your existing radiators:
Lower, Longer Heat Output — Radiators connected to heat pumps stay on longer, keeping the room at a steady temperature without needing intense bursts of heat.
Bigger Radiator Surface — Larger radiators help spread heat more effectively, making up for the lower water temperature by covering more wall space.
Better Insulation Helps — Well-insulated homes hold onto heat longer, so rooms stay warm even when radiator temperatures are lower.
Do You Need New Radiators When Adding a Heat Pump?
Whether you need new radiators for a heat pump depends on your current system and how well your home retains heat. Some homes are ready to go, while others need upgrades for the best results. Here’s what to consider:
Older Homes — Properties with solid walls often lose heat faster. Larger radiators might help these homes stay warm more efficiently.
Slow-to-Heat Rooms — If your rooms take ages to warm up, you may have undersized radiators. A heat pump needs the correct output to keep the temperature steady.
High Thermostat Use — If you’re cranking the heating to stay comfortable, your radiators may not be pulling their weight. Bigger radiators can make low-temperature heating work better.
How Much Bigger Do Heat Pump Radiators Need to Be?
Heat pumps work at lower temperatures than traditional boilers, so radiators often need to be larger to heat your rooms effectively. The upgrade isn’t drastic, and MPC Energy will always tailor it to your home’s needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Surface Area in Older Homes — A size increase of around 20% to 50% is typical in draughty or solid-wall properties. This boost helps radiators release enough heat to stay cosy.
Sound Insulation Helps — Your current radiators may already be the proper size in well-insulated rooms. Less heat escapes, so lower temperatures still do the job.
Specialist Radiators — We can install low-temperature radiators to suit heat pumps. They provide excellent performance without needing to run hot.
Small Changes Make a Big Difference — We may replace single-panel radiators with double-panel ones. This upgrade boosts heat output without taking up much more wall space.
What Are the Best Radiators for Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps work best with radiators that have a higher heat output. Larger radiators usually help the system run efficiently at lower temperatures. Here are a few points to consider:
Bigger Radiators Improve Efficiency — A larger surface area helps your heat pump deliver steady warmth. The more heat they can release, the lower the pump’s flow temperature needs to be.
Heat Pumps Run ‘Low and Slow’ — Unlike boilers, which blast heat quickly, heat pumps warm your home gradually. This method saves energy and maintains consistent comfort.
Size Makes Up for Lower Temperatures — While boilers heat water to around 70°C, heat pumps usually stay between 35°C and 55°C. Larger radiators compensate for this difference.
Combine With Underfloor Heating — This system also works well with low flow temperatures. It spreads heat evenly and boosts energy savings over time.
Combine Radiators and Heat Pumps for Smart, Easy Heating
In many cases, existing heat pumps work with radiators in Scotland homes. Otherwise, a few simple upgrades can help things run smoothly. MPC Energy Ltd can inspect your current heating system, measure your rooms, and check insulation levels. Then, we can give you maximum efficiency with a new heat pump. Our team has helped numerous households across the UK enjoy smart, easy heating for their properties. And thanks to government schemes, renewable heating is affordable, or entirely free, for people who need it most. Book a free consultation with us to get started.
