Air to Water Heat Pump FAQs

What is an air to water heat pump?

It’s a low-carbon heating system that extracts heat from outside air and uses it to warm your home and water. It works like a fridge in reverse — and runs on electricity instead of oil or gas.

How efficient is a heat pump?

Very — for every 1kWh of electricity used, it can produce 3–4kWh of heat. This is up to 300% more efficient than a fossil fuel boiler.

Can I keep my radiators?

Sometimes — if your radiators are large enough to work at low flow temperatures. Many older homes require upgraded radiators or underfloor heating to get the best performance.

Will I have hot water on demand?

Yes. Heat pumps include an insulated cylinder to supply domestic hot water. It may take longer to reheat than a combi boiler, but storage volume is larger and more efficient overall.

Is a heat pump cheaper to run than oil or gas?

Usually, yes — especially in well-insulated homes. Running costs are lower due to higher efficiency. Your savings depend on electricity rates and your insulation level. We’ll assess this during your survey.

Do I need to upgrade my insulation first?

Yes — SEAI requires a minimum insulation standard for grant approval. If your home is poorly insulated, we’ll recommend attic or wall insulation before installing a heat pump.

Is there a grant for heat pumps?

Yes — the SEAI offers grants up to €6,500 for air to water heat pumps. We’ll confirm if your home qualifies and help with the paperwork.

What’s involved in installing one?

We remove your boiler, upgrade controls, install the heat pump unit (outside), connect to radiators or underfloor, and fit the new hot water cylinder. Most installs take 3–5 days.

Can I zone different parts of my house?

Yes — we can install heating controls that let you run upstairs and downstairs separately, or turn off unused rooms. This improves comfort and efficiency.

Is it noisy?

No — the external unit is quiet (similar to a fridge or outdoor fan) and typically placed in a discrete area. Indoors, there’s no noise once installed.

Does it work in winter?

Yes — modern systems work down to –15°C and are designed for Irish weather. Performance is lower in freezing conditions but still more efficient than oil or gas.

How long does a heat pump last?

Most systems last 15–20+ years with regular maintenance. They’re reliable, efficient, and easy to service compared to traditional boilers.

Can I replace my boiler with a heat pump?

Yes — we remove your old boiler and install a full heat pump system. We'll assess if your home is ready and what upgrades (if any) are needed first.