Is a heat pump right for an Oldham home?
Stone terraces, hillside semis and draughty cottages: Oldham's housing isn't textbook. Here's how Mike decides whether a heat pump makes sense.
Heat pumps can work well in Oldham, but not every house is ready on day one. The question isn't 'do heat pumps work?' but 'what does this house need to make one work well?'
Heat loss comes first
A heat pump is sized to the heat your home loses on a cold day. A survey works this out room by room. Loft insulation, cavity walls and decent windows all reduce the size of pump you need, and the running cost.
Radiators matter more than you'd think
Heat pumps run at lower water temperatures than a gas boiler, so radiators need enough surface area to heat each room. Some homes need a few upgraded, some need none.
Space outside
The outdoor unit needs a spot with airflow, a sensible distance from boundaries, and a short run back to the house. Mike checks this at the survey.
Hot water
Most heat pump systems use a hot water cylinder. If you currently have a combi, you'll need room for one, usually in an airing cupboard or a loft space.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards an air source heat pump for eligible homes in England and Wales.
The honest answer
If the survey says a heat pump isn't a good fit yet, you'll hear it, along with what would change that answer. Try the running-cost calculator on the heat pumps page for a rough idea first.
Leak, boiler or bathroom? Call Mike.
Straight answers, fair prices, and a local engineer who turns up when he says he will. Send a photo on WhatsApp for the quickest reply.
