Should You Replace Your Old Boiler with a Heat Pump? | Kent Homeowners Guide | Giddy Up HVAC Blog

With rising energy costs and the UK’s push towards net zero, many Kent homeowners are considering replacing their aging gas boilers with modern heat pump systems. But is it the right choice for your home? Here’s everything Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks homeowners need to know.

Why Consider Replacing Your Gas Boiler?

The UK government plans to phase out gas boilers in new homes from 2025, and existing gas boilers will eventually need replacing. Here’s why heat pumps are becoming the preferred alternative:

Lower running costs: Heat pumps can be 3-4 times more efficient than gas boilers
Government grants: Up to £7,500 available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Future-proof: As gas prices rise and carbon taxes increase, heat pumps become more economical
Environmentally friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint by up to 40%
Increased home value: Modern heating systems add value and appeal to buyers

How Long Do Heating Systems Last?

Understanding lifespan helps you plan for replacement:

Gas Boilers: 10-15 years with regular servicing
Air Source Heat Pumps: 15-20 years
Ground Source Heat Pumps: 20-25 years (ground loops can last 50+ years)
Oil Boilers: 10-15 years
Electric Storage Heaters: 10-15 years

If your boiler is over 10 years old and showing signs of wear, it’s the perfect time to consider a heat pump upgrade.

10 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Heating System

1. Your Boiler is Over 10 Years Old

Older boilers are significantly less efficient than modern systems. If your boiler is approaching 10-15 years old, replacement with a heat pump could cut your heating costs by 30-50%.

Kent consideration: With our mild winters compared to northern UK, heat pumps work exceptionally well in the Southeast, making replacement even more worthwhile.

2. Rising Energy Bills

Have your gas or oil bills increased dramatically? Aging boilers lose efficiency over time, and with energy price volatility, switching to a heat pump can stabilize your costs.

What to watch for:

Gas bills 20-30% higher than previous years
Boiler running longer to heat the home
Radiators taking ages to warm up

3. Frequent Repairs and Breakdowns

If you’re calling a heating engineer multiple times per year, those repair costs add up quickly.

Consider replacement when:

Annual repair costs exceed £500
Parts are becoming difficult to source
Multiple components failing
Technician recommends replacement

Heat pump advantage: Modern heat pumps require minimal maintenance (annual service vs. boiler’s annual service plus frequent repairs).

4. Uneven Heating Throughout Your Home

Do some rooms stay cold while others are too hot? This could indicate:

Undersized or failing boiler
Poor system design
Inefficient radiators
Heat loss issues

Heat pump solution: A properly designed heat pump system provides consistent, even heating throughout your home. We perform detailed heat loss calculations to ensure optimal comfort.

5. Noisy Operation

Modern heating systems should run quietly. Concerning sounds include:

Banging or kettling: Limescale buildup in boiler (common in Kent’s hard water areas)
Gurgling: Air in the system or pump issues
Loud humming: Pump or fan problems
Clicking: Expansion and contraction (may be normal or sign of issues)

Heat pumps are remarkably quiet - outdoor units typically produce 40-50 decibels (similar to a refrigerator).

6. Yellow Flame or Sooting

Critical safety issue: Gas boilers should burn with a blue flame. A yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide risk.

Immediate action required if you notice:

Yellow flame
Black marks on boiler
Increased condensation
Pilot light frequently going out

Heat pump safety: Electric heat pumps eliminate risks of carbon monoxide, gas leaks, and combustion issues entirely.

7. Boiler Pressure Issues

Constantly adjusting boiler pressure indicates:

Leaks in the system
Faulty pressure relief valve
Expansion vessel problems
Pump seal failure

Frequent pressure drops often signal it’s more economical to replace than repair.

8. Hot Water Problems

Inconsistent or insufficient hot water suggests:

Failing heat exchanger
Diverter valve issues
Scaled-up cylinder
Undersized system for household needs

Heat pump advantage: Modern heat pumps with properly sized cylinders provide excellent hot water performance while using less energy.

9. Cold Spots on Radiators

If radiators have cold spots (especially at the bottom), this indicates:

Sludge buildup in the system
Circulation problems
Aging radiators

Planning for heat pumps: Heat pumps work best with modern, larger radiators or underfloor heating. If your radiators need replacing anyway, it’s the ideal time to switch to a heat pump.

10. You Want to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Even if your boiler still works, environmental concerns are a valid reason to upgrade:

Carbon savings:

Gas boiler: ~2.5 tonnes CO₂ annually (typical Kent home)
Air source heat pump: ~1.5 tonnes CO₂ annually
Reduction: 40% (and improving as grid becomes greener)

Heat Pumps vs. Gas Boilers: Cost Comparison

Installation Costs (Kent Area)

Gas Boiler Replacement:

Budget combi boiler: £1,800 - £2,500
Mid-range combi boiler: £2,500 - £3,500
High-efficiency system boiler: £3,500 - £5,000

Air Source Heat Pump Installation:

Before grant: £10,000 - £14,000
After BUS grant (£7,500): £2,500 - £6,500
Includes outdoor unit, cylinder, controls, and radiator upgrades if needed

Ground Source Heat Pump:

Before grant: £18,000 - £28,000
After BUS grant (£7,500): £10,500 - £20,500
Higher upfront cost but lowest running costs

Running Costs (Typical 3-Bed Kent Semi-Detached)

Current Gas Boiler (80% efficient):

Annual heating cost: £1,200 - £1,600
Carbon emissions: 2.5 tonnes CO₂

New Gas Boiler (92% efficient):

Annual heating cost: £1,000 - £1,400
Carbon emissions: 2.3 tonnes CO₂
Savings: £200-£300/year

Air Source Heat Pump (COP 3.0+):

Annual heating cost: £800 - £1,200
Carbon emissions: 1.5 tonnes CO₂
Savings: £400-£600/year vs. old boiler

Ground Source Heat Pump (COP 4.0+):

Annual heating cost: £600 - £900
Carbon emissions: 1.2 tonnes CO₂
Savings: £600-£900/year vs. old boiler

Note: Costs based on current energy prices and typical insulation standards

Government Grants and Incentives

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

£7,500 grant available for:

Air source heat pumps
Ground source heat pumps
Biomass boilers (in rural areas)

Eligibility:

Replacing fossil fuel heating (gas, oil, LPG)
Property must have valid EPC
Installation by MCS-certified installer (like TPS Eco Ltd)
No income or property value restrictions

How it works:

Get quote from MCS-certified installer
We apply for grant on your behalf
Installation completed
Grant paid directly to installer
You pay reduced amount

Additional Support

Home Upgrade Grant:

For low-income households
Can cover insulation improvements
Combined with BUS for maximum savings

Council Support:

Maidstone Borough Council: Advice on grants
Tunbridge Wells: Green homes initiatives
Sevenoaks: Energy efficiency programs

Are Heat Pumps Right for Kent Homes?

Climate Advantages

Kent’s mild maritime climate is ideal for heat pumps:

Winter: Average 4-8°C

Heat pumps highly efficient in these temperatures
COP typically 3.0-4.0 in Kent winter conditions
Rarely cold enough to trigger backup heating

Spring/Autumn: 10-15°C

Heat pumps at peak efficiency (COP 4.0-5.0)
Lower running costs than anywhere in UK

Summer: Free cooling option available with some systems

Property Considerations

Heat pumps work best with:

Good insulation (EPC rating C or better)
Adequate space for outdoor unit (1m clearance)
Existing radiators or willingness to upgrade
Hot water cylinder space (if not already present)

Property types well-suited:

1950s-2000s semi-detached and detached homes
Well-insulated Victorian/Edwardian homes
Modern homes and new builds
Bungalows (excellent for underfloor heating)

May require extra work:

Solid wall properties (may need insulation first)
Listed buildings (planning considerations)
Flats with limited external space
Properties with single-glazing

Kent-Specific Considerations

Hard Water Areas

Kent is known for hard water, which causes limescale buildup in traditional heating systems.

Heat pump advantage: Less affected by limescale than boilers, but we still recommend:

Water softener or scale inhibitor
Regular system flushing
Magnetic filters

Planning Permission

Most heat pump installations in Kent don’t require planning permission, but there are rules:

Permitted development criteria:

Outdoor unit under 0.6m³ (almost all modern units)
1m from boundary
Not on roof (unless flat roof)
Noise limits met (typical units comply)

Conservation areas/listed buildings:

May need planning permission
We can advise and assist with applications
Usually granted with proper placement

Local Grid Connection

Kent has excellent grid infrastructure:

Reliable electricity supply
Less rural compared to other counties
Good for heat pump operation
Solar panels complement heat pumps well

Choosing the Right Heat Pump for Your Kent Home

Air Source vs. Ground Source

Air Source Heat Pumps (Most popular in Kent):

Advantages:

Lower installation cost (£2,500-£6,500 after grant)
Faster installation (2-3 days typical)
No ground works needed
Suitable for most Kent properties
Easy to maintain

Best for:

Semi-detached and detached homes
Properties with gardens
Standard installations
Budget-conscious homeowners

Ground Source Heat Pumps:

Advantages:

Higher efficiency (COP 4.0-5.0)
Lower running costs
Very long lifespan
Silent operation (all equipment indoors/underground)
Better for large properties

Best for:

Larger properties with land
New builds with garden space
Long-term investment
Properties with high heating demand

System Size Considerations

Proper sizing is critical for efficiency:

We calculate based on:

Heat loss calculations (every room)
Insulation levels
Window types and sizes
Air tightness
Hot water requirements
Occupancy patterns

Kent typical:

2-bed flat: 4-6 kW heat pump
3-bed semi: 6-9 kW heat pump
4-bed detached: 8-12 kW heat pump
Large detached: 12-16 kW heat pump

Undersized = insufficient heating. Oversized = higher costs, lower efficiency.

Additional Upgrades to Consider

Radiator Upgrades

Heat pumps work at lower temperatures (45-55°C vs. 65-75°C for boilers):

Options:

Larger radiators (1.5x to 2x current size)
Modern low-temperature radiators
Underfloor heating (most efficient)
Fan-assisted radiators (compact high-output)

Cost: £300-£800 per radiator installed

Insulation Improvements

Better insulation = smaller heat pump = lower costs:

Priority areas:

Loft insulation: £300-£500 (270mm depth)
Cavity wall insulation: £500-£1,500
Solid wall insulation: £4,000-£13,000
Windows: £3,000-£8,000 (double or triple glazing)

TPS Eco tip: Get an EPC assessment first. Target rating C or better for optimal heat pump performance.

Smart Controls

Modern controls maximize efficiency:

Features to look for:

Weather compensation (adjusts output based on outdoor temperature)
Zone controls (different temperatures in different areas)
Smartphone app (control from anywhere)
Hot water scheduling
Usage monitoring

Popular brands: Nest, Hive, Honeywell Evohome, Tado

Cost: £200-£600 installed

Solar PV Integration

Combine heat pump with solar panels for maximum savings:

Benefits:

Use free solar power for heating
Reduce running costs by 40-60%
Store excess in hot water cylinder
Battery storage optional but beneficial

Typical setup:

4kW solar array: £5,000-£7,000
10kWh battery: £4,000-£6,000
Combined with heat pump: Annual heating cost as low as £300-£500

TPS Eco installs both solar panels and heat pumps—we can design integrated systems.

When is the Best Time to Replace?

Ideal Timing: Spring or Autumn

Why it’s better:

Mild weather during installation
Test system before winter
Less urgency = better decision making
More flexible scheduling
Engineers less busy (potentially better pricing)

Winter/Summer Installation

Still possible but consider:

High demand for heating engineers
Weather delays possible
Temporary heating needed during installation
Premium pricing during peak season

TPS Eco advantage: We work year-round and plan installations to minimize disruption.

Don’t Wait for Failure

The worst time to replace your boiler is when it fails mid-winter:

Problems with emergency replacement:

Limited time to research options
May miss out on heat pump grants (requires planning)
Forced to make quick decision
Potentially settle for another gas boiler
Cold home while waiting for installation
Premium emergency pricing

Better approach:

Plan replacement when boiler reaches 10 years old
Research options (boiler vs heat pump)
Get quotes during spring/summer
Apply for grants in advance
Schedule installation at convenient time

Common Questions About Heat Pumps

Q: Will a heat pump heat my home as well as a gas boiler?

A: Yes, when properly sized. Heat pumps provide consistent, even heating. The key difference is they run at lower temperatures for longer periods rather than short bursts of high heat. Most Kent homeowners find their homes more comfortable with heat pumps.

Q: Are heat pumps noisy?

A: Modern heat pumps are remarkably quiet (40-50 decibels), similar to a refrigerator. Proper installation and placement ensure noise isn’t an issue. We survey your property to find the best location.

Q: What about hot water?

A: Heat pumps provide excellent hot water with a properly sized cylinder. We typically recommend 250-300L cylinders for family homes. Some models can even heat water to 65°C for legionella protection.

Q: Will I need to replace my radiators?

A: Not necessarily. We calculate heat loss for each room. Well-insulated homes often keep existing radiators. Some radiators may need upgrading to larger sizes, but usually not all of them.

Q: How long does installation take?

A: Air source heat pump installations typically take 2-4 days:

Day 1: Outdoor unit, cylinder, controls
Day 2: Connect system, test
Days 3-4: Radiator upgrades if needed

Ground source systems take 1-2 weeks due to ground works.

Q: What maintenance is required?

A: Annual servicing by MCS-certified engineer (£150-£200). Basic checks:

Refrigerant levels
Pressure settings
Filter cleaning
Control settings
Visual inspection

Much less maintenance than gas boilers.

Q: Do heat pumps work in older Kent homes?

A: Yes, but insulation is key. We’ve successfully installed heat pumps in Victorian and Edwardian homes throughout Kent. Combination of insulation improvements and proper system design makes it work beautifully.

Q: What if I don’t have space for a cylinder?

A: We find creative solutions:

Cylinder in loft (if structurally sound)
Compact slimline cylinders
External cylinder cupboard
Replace existing airing cupboard

Very rare that we can’t find a solution.

Why Choose TPS Eco for Your Heat Pump Installation?

MCS Certified Installer

Required for BUS grant access
Industry-recognized quality standard
Full training on all major brands
Regular audits ensure quality

15+ Years Experience in Kent

Deep knowledge of Kent properties
Understand local planning requirements
Experience with all ages and types of homes
Hundreds of successful installations

Complete Service

We handle everything:

Free home survey and heat loss calculations
Detailed quote with multiple options
Grant application on your behalf
Professional installation
Commissioning and handover training
Annual servicing and support
Emergency breakdown cover available

Transparent Pricing

Detailed written quotes
No hidden costs
Multiple options for every budget
Flexible payment plans
Grant deducted upfront

Quality Equipment

We install premium brands:

Mitsubishi Electric: Industry-leading reliability
Daikin: Excellent efficiency ratings
Vaillant: German engineering
Samsung: Advanced technology
LG: Great value and performance

All come with manufacturer warranties (5-7 years parts, 2-5 years labor).

Ready to Switch to a Heat Pump?

TPS Eco has helped hundreds of Kent homeowners switch from gas boilers to efficient heat pump systems. Our customers save an average of £500 per year on heating costs while reducing their carbon footprint.

What Happens Next?

Free Home Survey: We visit your property, assess suitability, and perform heat loss calculations
Detailed Quote: Receive a comprehensive quote with multiple options, including grant deduction
Grant Application: We handle the BUS grant application on your behalf
Installation: Professional installation by our experienced team (2-4 days typically)
Handover: Full training on operating your new system
Ongoing Support: Annual servicing and emergency cover available

Call us today: 01622 234 233

Or request a free quote online

Serving Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Ashford, Sittingbourne, and all of Kent.

Take the Next Step Towards Renewable Heating

Whether your boiler is on its last legs or you’re simply ready to make the switch to renewable energy, heat pumps offer Kent homeowners an excellent solution for efficient, environmentally friendly heating.

With government grants covering up to £7,500 of installation costs, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.

Contact TPS Eco Ltd today for expert advice on heat pump installation. Call 01622 234 233 or request a free home survey online.

TPS Eco Ltd is a fully qualified MCS-certified installer with 15+ years of experience in renewable energy and heating systems across Kent. We’re proud to help local homeowners reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.

Should You Replace Your Old Boiler with a Heat Pump? | Kent Homeowners Guide