Heat pumps use electricity to transfer the heat in the air, water or ground into your home. Most heat pumps draw heat into their system from the air outside and then use that heat to warm up the water that runs through your radiators and taps. Some heat pumps draw heat into their system from the ground, or from a nearby body of water, but these are less common.
Heat pumps use technology similar to air conditioning units, but in reverse. Although the outside air, water or ground wouldn’t be hot enough to heat the water flowing through your home’s system, heat pumps can do so by using a refrigerant to absorb the outside heat, and technology such as compression to increase the temperature. This is then used to heat the water that flows through your radiators and taps. Some heat pumps can also simply heat the air in your home, in the same way as an air conditioning unit does, and these might be more suitable for smaller homes or homes without radiators.
Even in the depths of winter, there is enough heat outside for your heat pump to keep you warm. A heat pump can work to heat your home, even when it's -20°C outside.
This website was developed by Nesta, the UK's not-for-profit innovation agency for social good. Nesta works to accelerate the decarbonisation of household activities in the UK. Our goal is that, by 2030, the UK will have reduced household carbon emissions by 28% from 2019 levels, and will be on track to reach net zero by 2048.
