Heat pumps. The hottest thing in home heating.
We're bringing you something exciting
We’re giving customers exclusive access to our heat pump offer. Get a heat pump from us and unlock Heat Pump Plus. It lets you power your heat pump for less – at just 15p per kWh.
To find out more, register your interest and we’ll let you know when we're installing in your area.
What’s a heat pump?
...only the hottest thing in home heating
A heat pump sucks warmth from the air or ground outside and uses it to heat your home, and give you hot water. A bit like a fridge in reverse! It works all year round, even when it’s cold out – amazing, right?
They're also more efficient than traditional boilers and use less carbon. Helping us all on the Path to Zero – energy that's better for you, your wallet and the planet.
What’s a heat pump?
...only the hottest thing in home heating
A heat pump sucks warmth from the air or ground outside and uses it to heat your home, and give you hot water. A bit like a fridge in reverse! It works all year round, even when it’s cold out – amazing, right?
They're also more efficient than traditional boilers and use less carbon. Helping us all on the Path to Zero – energy that's better for you, your wallet and the planet.
Cosy home. Happy planet.
Check out all the benefits of heat pumps
As toasty as ever
Most models can be controlled easily from an app, so you get all the cosiness with less of the carbon.
Super efficient
They’re at least 3 times more efficient than traditional gas boilers1.
Lasts for years longer
Your new heat pump can last over 20 years – up to 25% longer than your gas boiler2. And it’ll be easier to maintain too.
The 2 main types of heat pump
One absorbs heat from the air – the other from the ground
Air source heat pumps are more common (and less expensive) than ground source heat pumps. But it’s a good idea to read about both to decide which one’s right for you.
You might not know this – but heat pumps aren’t new. They’re tried and tested technology. And regularly used in countries around the world.
The 2 main types of heat pump
One absorbs heat from the air – the other from the ground
Air source heat pumps are more common (and less expensive) than ground source heat pumps. But it’s a good idea to read about both to decide which one’s right for you.
You might not know this – but heat pumps aren’t new. They’re tried and tested technology. And regularly used in countries around the world.
How do heat pumps work?
Let’s take a look...
Whether you choose a ground source heat pump or and an air source heat pump, they both work in pretty much the same way.
Step 1
Heat pumps absorb warmth from the air or ground, even in winter
Step 2
This warmth is compressed to create even more heat
Step 3
...and this is transferred into your home for radiators and underfloor heating. It can also be used to heat water in a hot water cylinder. Genius!
Pumped for planet Earth
Why heat pumps are the future
Did you know that home heating makes up roughly 14% of the UK’s carbon footprint3?
Luckily, heat pumps are set to change that. Because when you power them with renewable electricity you get all the cosiness, with less of the carbon.
For the UK to be net zero carbon by 2050, we need to cut carbon from our central heating systems – and fast!
Pumped for planet Earth
Why heat pumps are the future
Did you know that home heating makes up roughly 14% of the UK’s carbon footprint3?
Luckily, heat pumps are set to change that. Because when you power them with renewable electricity you get all the cosiness, with less of the carbon.
For the UK to be net zero carbon by 2050, we need to cut carbon from our central heating systems – and fast!
Be a heat pump pioneer
When we ran the UK’s biggest zero-carbon heating trial in 2020, we upgraded the heating in 100s of homes. Out went the fossil-fuel systems and in came the low-carbon tech.
Now our engineers have successfully installed 1000s of heat pumps all over the UK.
If you’re interested in getting a greener alternative to gas in your home, use the link to fill in our form. And we’ll get in touch when we’re installing in your area.
Be a heat pump pioneer
When we ran the UK’s biggest zero-carbon heating trial in 2020, we upgraded the heating in 100s of homes. Out went the fossil-fuel systems and in came the low-carbon tech.
Now our engineers have successfully installed 1000s of heat pumps all over the UK.
If you’re interested in getting a greener alternative to gas in your home, use the link to fill in our form. And we’ll get in touch when we’re installing in your area.
Talk to a pro on the OVO forum
Got a question? You don’t need to be an OVO customer to pick the brains of our passionate heat pump owners.
Talk to a pro on the OVO forum
Got a question? You don’t need to be an OVO customer to pick the brains of our passionate heat pump owners.
Learn more about heat pumps
How are heat pumps installed?
Lots of people get heat pumps when they're doing building work. But you can get one anytime. Here's everything you need to know about installing an air source heat pumps
Find out moreHow much do heat pumps cost?
The government's updated Boiler Upgrade Scheme can give £7,500 towards your heat pump.
Find out morePros and cons of air source heat pumps
From building works to energy bills, we explore the advantages and disadvantages of air source heat pumps.
Find out moreHeat pump FAQs
We’re inviting a limited number of customers to test out a special heat pump offer, before we launch nationwide. Register your interest and we'll be in touch when we're installing in your area.
You could be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). It's a government-funded scheme to encourage homeowners to install renewable heating technology and lower their carbon emissions.
It’s been designed to help our nation reach that all-important net zero 2050 target. These grants will make £7,500 available up front, to support those installing an air source heat pump.
Once a year you need to give certain parts of your heat pump a quick check over yourself – but the engineer who installs it will show you what to do. You’ll also find the info you need in the booklet you get with it.
It can be a good idea to get an expert to check it once a year – although this isn’t mandatory in the way that it is with gas boilers, that need a yearly full service to comply with manufacturers’ warranties.
With heat pumps, the recommendation is that you get it serviced every 3 or 5 years, which could cost between £60 to £100 a visit.
The short answer is yes. Although if you have an older, draughty home you might want to put in a little extra effort to make it more energy-efficient first. Otherwise it won’t be as cost-effective. Heat pumps work like a dream in well-sealed, ultra-energy-efficient homes that retain their heat for a long time.
We’d always recommend insulating your home properly before considering a heat pump. Think about things like walls, your loft, and windows and doors. That way, when you make the switch to a heat pump you know your home will be keeping all that lovely heat inside.
Nope! Heat pumps are no louder than a traditional boiler – so your home can stay low-carbon, cosy, and peaceful at the same time.
It depends on the size of your home, how much heat you need, and the type of heat pump you choose.
For a fairly simple installation of an air source heat pump in a mid-sized 3-bed house, you can expect 3 engineers to be on site for around 4 to 5 working days. Of those days, you might be without hot water for 1 or 2 days.
When it comes to ground source heat pumps, your installer should be able to give you an accurate estimate of time after they’ve done the initial assessment. But you can expect the work to take at least a week.
With all this talk of “absorbing heat from the ground or air” you might be wondering how heat pumps cope in cold weather. The good news is that heat pumps can still work in very cold conditions – it’s just important to do your research and buy the right one.
Heat pumps are used all over the world in much colder climates than the UK (think the USA and Canada). And some models operate in temperatures as low as -20℃ (like one from Mitsubishi).
Heat pumps are at least 3 times more efficient than gas boilers2. Heat pump efficiency is measured using Coefficient of Performance (CoP). This is calculated by comparing the amount of input to the amount of output. For example, if an air source heat pump uses one kW of electricity to produce 3 kW of heat, the CoP is 3. The higher the CoP, the better, as it shows your heat pump is more efficient.
1 Setting the record straight on heat pumps - Energy Saving Trust
2 Based on the assumption that most modern boilers last between 10-15 years
3 Energy Systems Catapult - A Guide to Decarbonisation of Heat