An air source heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air — even at temperatures as low as -15°C — and uses a refrigerant cycle to concentrate that heat and deliver it into your home via radiators or underfloor heating. For every 1 kWh of electricity it uses, a modern heat pump typically delivers 3–4 kWh of heat (a coefficient of performance of 3–4).

Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers a £7,500 grant for homes replacing a gas boiler, and £9,000 for homes on oil or LPG (from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027). There is no EPC requirement (removed April 2026). EcoSphere handles your BUS application as part of the installation — you never pay the grant amount upfront.

Typical installed costs (before grant) range from £8,000 for smaller homes up to £15,000+ for larger or older properties. After the BUS grant, many oil-heated homes in Devon and Somerset are looking at a net cost of £0–£6,000. We provide a detailed fixed quote after a free heat loss survey.

Yes, in most cases. Modern heat pumps are designed to work effectively in older UK homes. A proper MCS heat loss survey will right-size the system and identify any simple improvements (loft insulation, draught-proofing) that could increase efficiency. Heat pumps work best with well-sized emitters — we assess your radiators and underfloor heating as part of every design.

Modern heat pumps run very quietly — typically 40–50 dB at one metre, similar to a fridge or quiet conversation. The unit is usually placed on an outside wall where it will not disturb neighbours. Planning permission is generally not required in England for standard domestic installations.

Running costs depend on your electricity tariff, home insulation, and system design. As of 2026, a well-designed heat pump typically costs 30–50% less to run than an oil boiler at current oil prices, and is broadly similar to gas. Heat pump-specific tariffs (Cosy Octopus, Intelligent Octopus) can reduce running costs further. We model expected running costs in every proposal.

The BUS is a UK government grant scheme that pays £7,500 (gas/electric replacement) or £9,000 (oil/LPG replacement from 21 July 2026) directly to MCS-certified installers like EcoSphere. You pay the net amount after the grant — you never handle the grant money. Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Not necessarily. Heat pumps work at lower flow temperatures (40–55°C vs 70–80°C for a boiler), so larger or more radiators may be needed to deliver the same heat output. We assess every room during the heat loss survey. In many homes, only a few radiators need upsizing. Homes with underfloor heating are ideally suited to heat pumps.

Most residential installations take 2–4 days: one day for the heat pump unit, cylinder, and controls; a further day or two for any pipework, radiator changes, or underfloor heating. We give a detailed programme in every quote.

Yes. Modern inverter-driven air source heat pumps maintain full output down to -10°C and continue working (at reduced efficiency) to -20°C or below. The UK rarely sees temperatures below -10°C even in Devon winters. Manufacturers such as Vaillant and Samsung now offer models rated to -25°C.

Absolutely — underfloor heating is the ideal pairing. It runs at the low flow temperatures heat pumps deliver most efficiently, spreading heat evenly across the floor. EcoSphere installs both air source heat pumps and low-profile underfloor heating systems as a combined package.

Your home must be in England, Wales, or Scotland; a self-contained domestic property; replacing an existing heating system (not a new-build). There is no EPC requirement since April 2026. The property must not have received a previous BUS grant. EcoSphere checks your eligibility as a standard part of the quotation process — no paperwork required from you upfront.