Low temp, high performance: radiators that work with heat pumps

Heat pumps don’t work in the same way as traditional gas boilers – so if you’re looking to invest in one, it’s worth spending a bit of time learning how it all works. That way, you can feel confident the radiators you choose will be compatible.

To help you, we’ve brought together the most common customer questions we get about radiators and heat pumps – from system requirements to product recommendations. So whether you’re considering buying a heat pump – or already have one and want to make sure you choose the right radiators – read on to get the full lowdown.

A heat pump uses electricity to move warmth from outside into your home. There are two main types of domestic heat pump: air source and ground source. Air source models draw warmth from the air outside. Ground source systems use pipes buried underground to extract low-level heat from the earth. 

Both systems work a bit like a fridge in reverse: low-temperature heat is absorbed by a refrigerant, compressed to raise the temperature, and transferred to your central heating or hot water system. Once the gas cools, it turns back into a liquid and the cycle begins again.

Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures than conventional boilers, so it’s important to choose radiators that are designed to complement this kind of system.

More and more people are switching to heat pumps – and it’s not hard to see why. With energy prices fluctuating, climate targets getting stricter, and the long-term cost of oil and LPG climbing, many homeowners want more sustainable and affordable ways to heat their homes. And in rural areas, where mains gas isn’t always available, heat pumps are proving to be a practical alternative.

One of the unique benefits of heat pump systems is that some types offer cooling as well as heating. Products like the Run and Sofi (which use built-in fan systems), can reverse the heating process during warmer months to bring cooler air into your home – giving you year-round comfort from a single system.

The best radiators for heat pumps are those that work efficiently at lower flow temperatures. Heat pumps run cooler than traditional gas boilers, so your radiators need to be sized and selected to match. That could mean choosing a larger model, or one designed to maximise surface area – such as multi-column styles or designs with fins.

Materials–wise, aluminium is ideal for heat pumps, as it heats up and releases warmth quickly. Aluminium models like the Chic and Alumni are extremely popular with our customers. And aesthetics are no longer an afterthought, because heat pump radiator styles have come on leaps and bounds in the past couple of years. So, if you want high performance and sharp design, the Strada and Linea Plus models can give you the best of both.

You might be able to – but only if they’re the right size and style to work efficiently with lower flow temperatures. If you’re upgrading to a heat pump, we strongly recommend booking a professional heat output assessment. Because while some radiators will do the job, others may need replacing – and it takes an expert to know the difference.

If you’re unsure, our team is here to help you find the right radiators for your heat pump system. Drop us an email, give us a call or use our instant chat.