Insulation and Heat Pumps: A Perfect Pair for Energy Efficiency

A heat pump is a really efficient way to heat your home, but without proper insulation, even the best heat pump won’t be able to perform at its full potential. Insulation helps keep heat inside your home, reducing the workload on your heat pump and lowering energy consumption.

By insulating your home, you lower heat loss through walls, roofs, floors, and windows, which means the heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. This not only improves the heat pump’s efficiency but also extends its lifespan and reduces your energy bills.

It’s also important to remember that a well-insulated home also helps keep a home cooler in the summer. On a roasting hot summer's day, hot air will “leak” into your home as heat always moves from warmer places to cooler until it equalises.

If you’re considering upgrading your insulation, always consult a professional. We can help recommend specialists if we think your home could do with an insulation upgrade before installing a heat pump.

How Heat Pumps and Insulation Work Together

Heat pumps work by transferring heat from outside to inside during colder months. But if your home is poorly insulated, much of that heat will escape, and the pump will have to run longer and at higher output to compensate for the lost warmth. This leads to:

• Higher energy bills: The more heat you lose, the more energy your pump uses to replace it.
• Increased wear and tear: A heat pump that has to work harder and for longer periods may wear out sooner and require more maintenance.

Good insulation helps keep the heat generated by your heat pump stays inside, keeping your home warmer for longer and making the entire heating process more efficient.

Types of Insulation

There are several types of insulation, each playing a crucial role in keeping your home warm and complementing your heat pump system. The right combination of insulation will depend on your home’s construction, what you already have insulated and any restrictions that might be in place like your home is a listed building or in a conservation area. 

Some insulation is also easier (and therefore cheaper and less disruptive) to install - so it’s always about getting the balance right of cost and the right time to top up your insulation. Remember a better insulated home will reduce your energy bills - whether you use a boiler or a heat pump to heat your home.

1. Wall Insulation

Walls can account for up to 35% of heat loss in an uninsulated home. There are two main types of wall insulation:

• Cavity Wall Insulation: Most homes builts after the 1930s have cavity walls—two layers of brick or block with a gap between them. Filling this gap with insulation prevents heat from escaping through the walls. This is normally a pretty straightforward job and will take a professional around half a day depending on the size of your home.
• Solid Wall Insulation: Older homes with solid walls can benefit from internal or external wall insulation to prevent heat from escaping. This is a bigger job and investment, but solid wall homes tend to be the leakiest so if you’re thinking of renovating your home its worth including insulation in the plan.

By insulating your walls, you create a barrier that traps heat inside, allowing your heat pump to operate more efficiently.

2. Roof and Loft Insulation

Around 25% of heat can be lost through an uninsulated roof. Loft insulation is a cost-effective way to prevent this heat loss. Without proper roof insulation, much of the heat your pump generates will escape through the top of your house.

• Loft Insulation: A thick layer of insulation material (a bit like a duvet) in your loft helps retain warmth inside your living space.
• Roof Insulation: In homes where the loft has been converted into a room, insulating between the rafters prevents heat from escaping.

3. Floor Insulation

While it might seem less obvious, floors can account for around 10% of heat loss in a home. Insulating the floors, especially in homes with suspended timber floors or ground floors, can help maintain a stable indoor temperature.

4. Window and Door Insulation

Even the most insulated walls and roofs won’t stop heat loss if your windows and doors aren’t properly sealed. Double or triple glazing, combined with properly sealed frames, helps prevent drafts and heat loss.

• Double/Triple Glazing: These windows feature layers of glass separated by gas-filled gaps, reducing heat transfer.
• Weatherstripping: Sealing the edges of doors and windows prevents drafts from letting in cold air or letting out warm air

Benefits of Pairing Insulation with a Heat Pump

When insulation and heat pumps work together, the benefits for homeowners are clear:

• Lower Energy Bills: Insulation prevents heat from escaping, meaning your heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard or as long to keep your home warm, significantly reducing your energy usage and costs.
• Increased Comfort: Well-insulated homes maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, and preventing cold spots. It also helps in the summer to keep your home cooler.
• Extended Lifespan of Your Heat Pump: Because your heat pump isn’t overworked, it will last longer and require fewer repairs or replacements.
• Doing your bit for the planet: A heat pump paired with good insulation reduces your home’s carbon footprint by lowering energy use and emissions.

FAQs About Insulation and Heat Pumps

Do I need to insulate my home before installing a heat pump?

While it’s not mandatory, we recommend checking on your insulation levels and making a plan for upgrades either before or shortly after installing a heat pump. Proper insulation maximises the efficiency of your heat pump and ensures you get the most value out of your investment.

What kind of insulation is best for homes with heat pumps?

Cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and double glazing are some of the most effective and easiest ways to retain heat in homes using heat pumps. Remember its getting the balance right - a well insulated home will lower your energy bills however you heat your home. But depending on your home there will be easy options and more expensive ones.

Will adding insulation lower my energy bills?

Yes, adding insulation can significantly lower your energy bills by reducing heat loss, which means your heat pump won’t need to work as hard or as long to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Can I add insulation after I’ve installed a heat pump?

Absolutely! While it’s better to insulate before installation because it may mean fewer radiator changes and lower running costs from day one, adding insulation at any time will still improve your heat pump’s efficiency and reduce your energy bills.

How much heat loss can insulation prevent?

With proper insulation, you can prevent up to 70% of the heat loss that would occur in an uninsulated home. This makes a huge difference in how efficiently your heat pump can operate.

Will insulating my home be expensive?

The cost of insulation varies depending on the type and the size of your home. Typically loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and draught proofing is some of the lowest cost and least disruptive upgrades. However, insulation is a long-term investment that pays for itself through lower energy bills and increased comfort.