Heat pumps are the leading heating system for your home or business when it comes to efficiency, sustainability and long-term savings. But with several different types of heat pumps available, how do you know which one is right for your property?
In order to make the right choice for your home or business, you need a clear understanding of the main types of heat pumps including air source, ground source, water source and hybrid systems. You need to know how each one works and the unique benefits they offer. Whether you're heating a compact city home or a sprawling countryside property, there’s a heat pump solution that can be tailored to fit your needs.
Before diving into the different types, it’s helpful to understand the basic idea behind heat pumps. A heat pump is a highly efficient system that transfers heat from one place to another, rather than generating it from scratch.
By using a small amount of electricity to move existing heat from the air, ground, or even water into your property, heat pumps can deliver up to three or four times more heat energy than the electricity they consume. This makes them one of the most eco-friendly and cost-effective heating options available today.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to heat pumps. Each type is suited to different property layouts, energy goals and environmental conditions. To help you choose the best option, here’s a closer look at the four main types of heat pumps.
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air (even when it’s cold) and use it to warm your home. They operate a bit like a refrigerator in reverse, absorbing thermal energy and transferring it indoors. There are two main types of ASHP systems.
The key benefits of ASHPs are that they are highly versatile and relatively easy to install, have lower upfront costs compared to ground or water source systems and can work effectively even in temperatures as low as -15°C. This makes them ideal for most homes across the UK.
Ground source heat pumps are part of a geothermal heating system that absorb heat from the ground through a series of buried pipes, known as ground loops. The ground maintains a relatively stable temperature year-round, making this type of heat pump extremely reliable and efficient.
As they source heat from underground, they offer exceptional efficiency (especially in colder climates), have very low running costs over the system's lifetime and provide consistent performance throughout the year. Additionally, GSHPs are eligible for generous government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. These factors make GSHPs best suited for properties with ample outdoor space or those willing to invest in vertical boreholes.
Water source heat pumps work similarly to ground source models but extract heat from a nearby body of water, such as a lake, river or large pond. The water’s relatively stable temperature makes it an excellent and efficient heat source without needing to dig underground like with GSHPs.
WSHPs are highly efficient in properties near suitable water sources, showcase a smaller land footprint compared to ground source systems and have the potential for extremely high heating outputs. Any property near a large and consistent water source should definitely consider WSHPs.
Hybrid systems combine a heat pump with a traditional boiler (usually gas) to provide a flexible, cost-effective heating solution. The system intelligently switches between the two based on demand, outside temperature and energy prices. These systems are great for older homes that might not be fully heat-pump-ready. They also offer the comfort of familiar boiler heating alongside efficient renewable energy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels whilst maintaining strong performance in very cold weather. For properties undergoing gradual upgrades or homeowners wanting to ease the transition to full decarbonisation, hybrid systems are a perfect choice.
Choosing the right system depends on several factors, including your property's insulation and heating needs, available outdoor space, budget for installation and long-term sustainability goals. Fortunately, there are a number of options when it comes to heat pump solutions.
With a professional heat loss survey and system design like those offered by Oakray Renewables, we can help ensure you choose the perfect fit. We specialise in custom-designed heating solutions tailored to your property’s needs and future ambitions. From initial consultation and system design to expert installation and long-term servicing, we ensure your heat pump system delivers maximum comfort, savings and sustainability.
Whether you're considering an air source, ground source, water source or hybrid system, we’ll help you find the right path toward a more energy-efficient future. Download our guide below to find out more.