What I Wish I Knew Before Installing a Heat Pump: Real Homeowner Stories

Thinking about installing a heat pump? Before you take the plunge, hear from four UK homeowners who’ve already done it.

In this episode of Homeowners Q&A, we hand the mic to Mike McMillan, Tom Parsons, Nick Joy & Nigel Harvey.

They reveal what they wish they’d known before installing their air source heat pumps — from system design to noise levels, cost savings, installer trust issues, and retrofitting in listed or old properties.

Whether you’re early in your research or already committed, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world insights that could save you time, money, and regret.

Enter our giveaway for a chance to win a 6-panel solar installation (sponsored by Egg): https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/win...

Big thank you to egg for sponsoring this episode: https://crackingenergy.com

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0:00 Intro
1:24 What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before installing a heat pump?
4:16 Giveaway: Win a 6-panel solar PV array
4:55 What’s the one thing you wish you’d known before installing a heat pump? (continued)
7:24 A high-performing heat pump in a 1685 property
9:21 Concerns about heat pump noise
10:08 Is poor commissioning a common issue with heat pumps?
10:52 Heat pump installation in a 1970s bungalow
12:22 How noisy is Tom’s heat pump?
13:19 Heat loss calculations and correct heat pump sizing
15:22 Why radiator sizing really matters
19:09 Low loss headers and buffer tanks in proposed installations
21:38 Understanding weather compensation
23:24 How often do homeowners interact with their heat pump controllers?
27:13 Have our panel taken the plunge with heat pumps, PV and batteries?
32:08 Is it worth visiting a property with a heat pump before installing one?
35:29 Why having a heat pump makes you cool
36:16 Conclusion