When homeowners start looking into renewable heating, one of the first questions they ask is: “Do I need new radiators for a heat pump?” It’s a great question – and as a local boiler installer and heating engineer, I’ve had this conversation with plenty of people across Wiltshire and Somerset. The answer isn’t always a straight yes or no, but let’s break it down so you know what to expect.
How Heat Pumps Work with Radiators
Unlike a traditional gas boiler, which heats water to a high temperature (often 65–75°C), an air source heat pump works at lower flow temperatures – usually around 35–55°C. That means the radiators or underfloor heating system need to be able to give out enough heat to keep your rooms comfortable, even though the water isn’t as hot.
This doesn’t always mean you’ll need brand new radiators, but it does mean your existing ones might need to be checked to see if they’re the right size.
When You Might Need New Radiators
- Older, smaller radiators – If your home has compact radiators designed for high boiler temperatures, they may struggle to keep up with the lower flow heat of a pump.
- Large, open spaces – Bigger rooms often need radiators with a larger surface area to distribute heat evenly.
- Poor insulation – In draughty or less efficient homes, radiators may need to be upgraded alongside insulation improvements.
When You Can Keep Your Existing Radiators
In many cases, you don’t have to rip everything out. If your radiators are already generously sized and your home is well insulated – as many modern builds or recently renovated properties are – they may work just fine with a heat pump.
We often carry out a heat loss calculation before installation. This tells us exactly how much heat each room needs and whether the current radiators are up to the job. Sometimes just one or two radiators need upgrading, rather than the whole system.
Alternatives to Radiators
Heat pumps work brilliantly with underfloor heating, as this type of system is designed to run at lower flow temperatures. If you’re already renovating or building a new home in areas like Trowbridge, Melksham, or Chippenham, underfloor heating might be worth considering as a long-term, energy-efficient solution.
The Benefits of Getting it Right
Making sure your radiators are properly matched to your heat pump isn’t just about comfort. It also means:
- Better efficiency – Lower running costs and less wasted energy.
- Longer system lifespan – A well-balanced system won’t be under strain.
- Even heating – No more cold spots in your home.
Local Heat Pump & Radiator Advice
As an experienced heating engineer and boiler installation specialist, I’ve helped homeowners across Wiltshire and Somerset get the most from their renewable heating systems. Whether it’s in Westbury, Frome, Warminster, Trowbridge, Melksham or Chippenham, we’ll make sure your radiators and heating system are properly set up for your new heat pump.
Thinking About a Heat Pump?
If you’re considering switching to a heat pump, the radiators are an important part of the puzzle – but don’t worry, you won’t always need to replace them all. With the right advice and a professional installation, you’ll have a system that keeps your home warm, efficient and future-ready.
Get in touch with us today to book your heat pump installation in Trowbridge, Melksham, Westbury, Frome, Warminster or Chippenham – and let’s find out whether your current radiators are heat-pump ready.