MVHR & heat pumps
Air source heat pumps in London
An air source heat pump heats a home and its hot water with heat taken from the outside air, and in England it can usually go on a house without planning permission.
This page sets out what is generally true about heat pumps in London homes. GONT LTD is a London building company and our team holds F-Gas and NICEIC certifications; if you are weighing up a heat pump alongside building work, the consultation is free.
Scope
What a heat pump involves.
- An outdoor unit, sited within the planning rules
- A hot water cylinder, pipework and controls indoors
- Radiators sized for lower water temperatures
- A room-by-room heat loss calculation
Planning your project
Time, cost and what to prepare.
What affects the time and cost
- How much heat the house loses
- Whether the radiators suit lower water temperatures
- Whether the home is listed or a flat
Useful to have to hand
- Your current heating and fuel
- A year of energy bills
- Photos of the boiler, cylinder and radiators
Rules in the UK
Permissions and regulations.
In England, most air source heat pumps on houses are permitted development: since 29 May 2025, one unit per house (two if detached), up to 1.5 cubic metres, meeting the noise standard set in the rules and not on a pitched roof. Listed buildings and conservation areas have tighter rules; see the Planning Portal heat pump guide.
An installation must also meet the Building Regulations (Approved Document L (gov.uk)). The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (gov.uk) takes £7,500 off in England and Wales (GOV.UK, checked 10 November 2026). Planning an extension or a loft conversion? It is the right time to think about heating, and about MVHR ventilation.
General guidance only, based on gov.uk and the Planning Portal. Your council or building control has the final say.
Things to watch
- Insulate and draught-proof first.
- Check the siting and noise limits before choosing a spot.
- The grant excludes hybrid systems.
FAQ
Heat Pumps: your questions.
How does an air source heat pump work?
It moves heat from the outside air into your heating and hot water: 2.5 to 4 units of heat per unit of electricity, says the Energy Saving Trust (checked 10 November 2026).
Do I need planning permission for a heat pump in London?
Often not: on a house it is usually permitted development, within limits. Flats, listed buildings and conservation areas have tighter rules.
Is there a grant for an air source heat pump?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme takes £7,500 off in England and Wales, or £9,000 in eligible off-gas homes until 31 March 2027, and the installer applies to Ofgem (GOV.UK and Ofgem, checked 10 November 2026).
Will a heat pump work with my radiators?
Often, though some may need to be larger: a room-by-room heat loss calculation shows which.
Should I think about a heat pump when I build an extension or loft conversion?
Yes, it is a good moment, because the work opens up space for pipes and a cylinder.
How do I get a free quote?
Call +44 7783 930505 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), email info@gont.co.uk or use the form on this page. The consultation and quote are free.
Which areas of London do you cover?
We work across West London and Central London. Our showroom is in Fulham.
Are you insured and certified?
Yes. GONT LTD has public liability insurance, and our team holds NICEIC and F-Gas certifications.
Free quote
Planning an extension, a loft or a renovation? Tell us about it.
- +44 7783 930505Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- info@gont.co.ukEmail
Related services
You might also need.
-
-
-
Prefer to talk it through? Contact us, call +44 7783 930505 or visit our showroom in Fulham. See all our services.