Heat pumps in older homes

Older homes present specific challenges for heat pumps, but they're far from impossible. With the right preparation — and government grants to fund it — Victorian, Edwardian, and pre-war properties can benefit from modern heat pump technology.

Grants fund the preparation

GBIS and the Warm Homes: Local Grant can fund insulation improvements, and the BUS provides £7,500 towards the heat pump itself.

See the challenges →
Pre-1940
Homes can benefit too

Important notice

Every older property is unique. This guide covers general considerations, but your home needs a professional survey by an MCS-certified installer who understands retrofit work. We are not heating engineers or surveyors.

Common challenges in older properties

Fabric

Solid walls

Pre-1920s homes typically have solid walls without cavity for insulation. Heat loss through uninsulated solid walls is significant.

Solutions:
  • · Internal wall insulation (loses some room space)
  • · External wall insulation (changes exterior appearance)
  • · Often grant-funded through GBIS or the Warm Homes: Local Grant

Air leakage

Draughty construction

Older homes often have gaps around windows, doors, floorboards, and chimneys that allow significant heat loss.

Solutions:
  • · Draught proofing (relatively low cost)
  • · Chimney balloons or caps
  • · Secondary glazing for period windows

Heat output

Undersized radiators

Heat pumps operate at lower flow temperatures (35–45°C vs 60–80°C). Existing radiators may be too small to heat rooms adequately at lower temperatures.

Solutions:
  • · Larger radiators in key rooms
  • · Underfloor heating where possible
  • · Fan convectors for problem rooms

Heritage

Listed buildings

Listed buildings face restrictions on external changes. External wall insulation and visible heat pump units may need planning permission or listed building consent.

Solutions:
  • · Internal insulation (usually permitted)
  • · Carefully positioned outdoor unit
  • · Consult conservation officer early

Heat pump suitability by property era

Pre-1900

Victorian & Georgian

Solid walls, single glazing, minimal insulation. Highest heat loss but also highest grant potential. Likely needs comprehensive insulation programme before heat pump installation.

Priority for grant funding due to low EPC ratings

1900–30

Edwardian & inter-war

Mix of solid and early cavity walls. Often good room sizes with space for larger radiators. Loft insulation and draught proofing usually the first priorities.

Good candidates with targeted insulation improvements

1930–60

1930s–1960s

Many have unfilled cavity walls — cavity wall insulation is a quick, cheap improvement. Often already have loft insulation. Generally good candidates for heat pumps with modest preparation.

Often straightforward with cavity wall insulation

1970–90

1970s–1990s

Cavity walls (some already insulated), double glazing common. Building regulations improved insulation. These properties are often well-suited to heat pumps with minimal preparation.

Good candidates — may only need radiator assessment

Grant scheme overview

Check Your Grant Eligibility

Older properties with lower EPC ratings often qualify for the most generous grants — insulation and heat pump funding combined

historical — replaced by GBIS & BUS
Grant available

Key eligibility factors:

  • ECO4 closed March 2026
  • Insulation routes now via GBIS
  • Heat pump routes now via BUS

Check your property against the live MHCLG EPC register to see your current band and every grant you qualify for — free, in under a minute.

Check your property

The retrofit process

1

EPC assessment

Get your current rating and identify priority improvements. This determines grant eligibility.

2

Insulate first

Insulation before heat pump. GBIS and the Warm Homes: Local Grant can fund loft, cavity, and solid wall insulation for eligible homes.

3

Heat pump survey

MCS installer assesses the improved property and recommends the right size and type of system.

4

Install & grant

Installer applies for the £7,500 BUS grant and installs the system in your prepared home.

Get expert advice for your older home

Connect with MCS-certified installers experienced in retrofit installations for older properties.

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Related guides

Insulation

Solid wall insulation

The essential first step for older homes. Internal and external options for solid-wall properties.

Read guide →

EPC

Improve your EPC rating

Older homes often have low EPC ratings. See how insulation and a heat pump can transform yours.

Read guide →

Grant

Insulation grants for older homes

GBIS and the Warm Homes: Local Grant can fund insulation in older, less efficient properties — often covering much of the cost.

Read guide →

Your older home deserves modern heating

Government grants can fund both the preparation and the heat pump. Find out what your home qualifies for.

Check grant eligibility Heat pump guide