FAQ's - Insulation and Heat Pumps combined
What does the insulation and heat pumps combined solution look like and where does it fit in your house?
Air source heat pumps - Air source heat pumps have an outdoor part that’s similar in size to a standard air conditioner. They often sit outside on the floor, attached to your wall.
Ground source heat pumps - This type of heat pump requires enough outdoor space for digging trenches or drilling holes. It is also about the size of a large air conditioner and is placed on the ground next to your wall.
Both heat pumps have an inside part that is about the size of a fridge. This includes pipes and other equipment.
Insulation is usually less noticeable than a heat pump. Here’s an idea of what each type looks like, and where it goes:
Insulation | What does it look like? | Where does it go? |
Loft insulation | A soft and fluffy blanket. | Between wooden beams in the loft. |
Room-in-roof insulation | Can be soft and fluffy, or solid. | Between wooden beams and hard to reach corners of the loft. |
Cavity wall insulation | A fluffy material or tiny beads. | Fits between walls. |
Internal wall insulation | Flat and rectangular panels. | On inside walls. |
External wall insulation | Can be fluffy like wool, made from wood, or plastic. | On outside walls. |
Underfloor insulation | Can be soft and fluffy like wool, or hard and firm. | Hidden under the floor. |
Average installation time:
1-7 days.
How insulation works with a heat pump
A heat pump warms your home at a lower temperature than other heating systems, so insulation is important to keep the heat in. Using both together can keep your home comfortable and save you money on energy bills.
There are two main types of heat pumps:
Heat pump | How it works | Pros | Cons |
Air source | Takes heat from the air | Ideal for most homes in York | Less efficient than ground source |
Ground source | Pumps energy from the ground | More efficient than air source | Can be expensive and needs suitable land |
There are also a few insulation options to choose from:
Insulation type | What it does | Best for homes |
Loft insulation | Reduces heating loss in loft | With lots of loft space |
Room-in-roof insulation | Improves comfort in loft | With a converted loft |
Cavity wall insulation | Improves comfort throughout home | With limited inside space |
Internal wall insulation | Improves comfort throughout home | With lots of inside space |
External wall insulation | Improves comfort throughout home | With external wall access |
Underfloor insulation | Reduces heat loss through floors | With exposed or drafty floors |
Our advisors can help you find the best heat pump and insulation combination for your home. They can also connect you with suppliers to get everything installed.
Approximate cost saving:
How much you can save will depend on:
The size of your home.
The insulation and heat pump you choose.
Your energy costs.
If you live in a three-bedroom, semi-detached home, you can save up to £625 a year with insulation. If you pair this with a standard air source heat pump, you can save around £1,500 per year.
(Energy Saving Trust. Based on April 2024 prices).
The cost to install an insulation and heat pump combined solution can vary and is based on a few factors:
The type of heat pump.
The type of insulation you choose.
The size of your home.
If you need new radiators.
Typically, installing an air source heat pump with loft and cavity wall insulation costs between £17,100 and £19,200.
Learn how a government grant can help you pay for this.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs:
Solution | Average cost |
Air source heat pump | £14,000 |
Ground source heat pump | £18,000 to £50,000 |
Loft insulation | £400 to £600 |
Room-in-roof insulation | £450 to £800 |
Cavity wall insulation | £2,700 to £4,600 |
Internal wall insulation | £7,500 |
External wall insulation | £12,000 |
Underfloor insulation | £3,500 to £4,500 |
(Based on July 2024 costs).
Energy efficiency:
Using insulation with a heat pump is a great way to make your home more energy- efficient.
For a semi-detached house, an air source heat pump with external wall insulation can save 3,800 kg of CO2 per year. That’s like taking a small car off the road for a whole year!
(Energy Saving Trust. Based on insulating a gas-heated home, 2024 fuel prices).
How do I make my home warmer?
There are several reasons why your home could be too cold. Lack of sufficient insulation and draughts may be the biggest. However, it could also be due to an inefficient heating system and other factors. Our free home assessment service will help you find the cause and propose solutions. Speak to one of our advisors here to find out how to make your home warmer.
If you want to save energy and lower your bills, using a heat pump with insulation is a great idea. Heat pumps keep your home warm and save you money. They work even better when your house is well-insulated. This is because insulation keeps the heat inside, so you use less energy.
If you live in York, you can get a government grant to help cover the cost. Our advisers can help you find the best insulation and heat pump for your home. They can also connect you with suppliers to get it installed.
Why combine insulation and a heat pump?
Free virtual plan builder
Use our free Virtual Plan Builder to get ideas about energy efficiency, products, and associated costs.
Keep your home warm and save money.
Get a government grant to help cover the cost.
Lower your carbon footprint.
How insulation works with a heat pump
A heat pump warms your home at a lower temperature than other heating systems, so insulation is important to keep the heat in. Using both together can keep your home comfortable and save you money on energy bills.
There are two main types of heat pumps:
Heat pump | How it works | Pros | Cons |
Air source | Takes heat from the air | Ideal for most homes in York | Less efficient than ground source |
Ground source | Pumps energy from the ground | More efficient than air source | Can be expensive and needs suitable land |
There are also a few insulation options to choose from:
Insulation type | What it does | Best for homes |
Loft insulation | Reduces heating loss in loft | With lots of loft space |
Room-in-roof insulation | Improves comfort in loft | With a converted loft |
Cavity wall insulation | Improves comfort throughout home | With limited inside space |
Internal wall insulation | Improves comfort throughout home | With lots of inside space |
External wall insulation | Improves comfort throughout home | With external wall access |
Underfloor insulation | Reduces heat loss through floors | With exposed or drafty floors |
Our advisors can help you find the best heat pump and insulation combination for your home. They can also connect you with suppliers to get everything installed.
What does the insulation and heat pumps combined solution look like and where does it fit in your hou
Air source heat pumps
Air source heat pumps have an outdoor part that’s similar in size to a large air conditioner. They usually sit outside on the floor, attached to your wall.
Ground source heat pumps
This type of heat pump requires enough outdoor space for digging trenches or drilling holes. It is also about the size of a large air conditioner and is placed on the ground next to your wall.
Both heat pumps have an inside part that is about the size of a fridge. This includes pipes and other equipment.
Insulation is usually less noticeable than a heat pump. Here’s an idea of what each type looks like, and where it goes:
Insulation | What does it look like? | Where does it go? |
Loft insulation | A soft and fluffy blanket. | Between wooden beams in the loft. |
Room-in-roof insulation | Can be soft and fluffy, spray foam or solid. | Between wooden beams and hard to reach corners of the loft. |
Cavity wall insulation | A fluffy material or tiny beads. | Fits between walls. |
Internal wall insulation | Flat and rectangular panels. | On inside walls. |
External wall insulation | Can be fluffy like wool, made from wood, or plastic. | On outside walls. |
Underfloor insulation | Can be soft and fluffy like wool, or hard and firm. | Hidden under the floor. |
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Every house and every household is different - I'd really recommend taking up the free advice to work out which solutions are best for you.
Andy, Fulford
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