Heat pumps in Edinburgh's older homes and tenements: what to check
A lot of Edinburgh's housing is older stone buildings, tenements and flats. People often ask whether a heat pump can work in a home like that. Often it can, but there are some things to check first.
1. Heat loss comes first
A heat pump works best when it runs gently for long periods. A room-by-room heat loss calculation tells you how much heat the home needs on a cold day. That figure drives everything else.
2. Radiators
Heat pumps usually run at lower water temperatures than gas boilers. Some rooms may need larger radiators. The survey shows which ones.
3. Insulation and draughts
Loft insulation, draught-proofing and secondary glazing can make a big difference in older homes. Sometimes it pays to fix these first.
4. Space
You'll need space for an outdoor unit and usually a hot water cylinder. In flats and tenements, where the outdoor unit can go is often the deciding factor.
5. Planning
Scottish permitted development rules allow many air source heat pumps without an application. Flats, conservation areas, listed buildings and Edinburgh's World Heritage Site have extra conditions. Check before you commit.
6. Funding: Home Energy Scotland, not BUS
Scotland has no Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Funding comes from Home Energy Scotland grants and interest-free loans, and you apply yourself. Check current amounts and eligibility on homeenergyscotland.org.
Next step
A proper survey answers all six points for your home. Book a heat pump survey.
FAQs
Can a tenement flat have a heat pump?
Sometimes. It depends on where the outdoor unit can go and the planning rules for your building.
Do I need new radiators?
Some rooms may need larger ones. A heat loss survey shows which.
Is there a Boiler Upgrade Scheme in Scotland?
No. Funding is through Home Energy Scotland grants and loans, and you apply directly.
Pentland Renewables surveys the property, sends a written quote, and arranges the work.
Send the form with your postcode and what you want priced. We survey your home, then send the written quote. You decide after you have read it.