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Heat pumps are different from the usual boilers. Heat pumps heat at lower temperatures and so need the right radiators to heat your home. Standard radiators will not always prove to be as effective as they heat the room at high temperatures.
That is the reason why aluminium radiators or large-sized radiators are ideal for heat pumps. Aluminium heats up quickly and radiates heat evenly and is most suited to use at low temperatures.
Low-surface-temperature (LST) radiators are also the most suited. It is especially helpful in families that include children and the elderly because it is warm but not hot to the touch.
What are Heat Pumps and How Do They Work?
A heat pump is one of the lower-carbon options for heating your home. Instead of gas-burning to warm your home, it takes heat from the outside air – even on cold days.
Think of it as the reverse of the fridge. A fridge takes heat from the food and transfers it away from the food to cool it. A heat pump takes heat from the air and transfers it to your house. It warms up your taps and radiators. Since it does its job at lower temperatures than the boiler, it is much more efficient and friendly to the environment.
Do Heat Pumps Work with Radiators?
Yes, heat pumps can work with radiators. But not all radiators are the ideal match.
Heat pumps heat the water to around 35°C to 45°C. This is cooler than gas boilers that heat the water to around 60°C and above. Thus, if your radiators are suited to use a gas boiler, then they might not radiate as much heat with a heat pump.
Worry not, though. Your installer will carry out a survey of your property. They will determine the amount of heat each room needs based on its size, levels of insulation, and the quality of its windows. They will then advise you if your current radiators will suffice—or if you will need upgrading.
Most UK houses already contain large radiators, and that is good news. Larger radiators are more efficient at lower temperatures, so you may not need to replace yours at all.
If you need to replace yours, heat pump radiators possess:
- Greater surface areas to evenly disperse heat
- Special features to transfer heat more effectively
- Smart controls to advance temperature control
And if you are concerned with what to use, aluminium radiators are the way to go. They warm up quickly, are lightweight, and are perfect for heat pump radiator efficiency.
So yes, heat pumps can function well with radiators—provided you use the right type.
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Can I Use Existing Radiators with an Air Source Heat Pump?
You can. Most homes can keep their current radiators when upgrading to a heat pump.
But the twist is that heat pumps run at lower temperatures than boilers. So if you wish to heat your home, your radiators will need to be big enough to transfer that heat properly.
In other situations, your installer may recommend new radiators that are bigger. These make the heat pump function more effectively and warm your rooms more evenly. Larger radiators mean increased comfort and lower operating expenses.
Others would prefer to install underfloor heating instead. The reason is that it is effective at lower temperatures too. But it is not always necessary—your existing radiators might prove to be quite effective.
Compatibility of Heat Pumps with Radiators
Heat pumps and radiators need to match the heat transfer to operate together effectively. Let’s examine it:
- Heat absorption – A heat pump absorbs heat from the ground or air.
- Heat transfer – Heat is transmitted through the fluid of the refrigerant.
- Heat distribution – Such heat is distributed via heat pump radiators, air distribution systems, or underfloor systems.
What Type of Radiator is Best for a Heat Pump?
The best radiators to install with heat pumps are aluminium radiators. They warm up fast, disperse the heat evenly, and operate at lower temperatures effectively.
Since heat pumps run at lower temperatures than gas boilers, radiators will have to be bigger to heat the house to the required temperature. Aluminium conducts heat better than cast iron or steel and is thus perfect.
The best thing about it? Aluminium is eco-friendly. It’s normally made from recycled material and can be recycled again, so it’s an excellent choice for a greener home.
So if you are making the change to a heat pump to make your life greener, these radiators are the smart choice.
Why Aluminium Radiators Are Best for Heat Pumps
Here is why aluminium radiators are best for heat pumps:
1. Aluminium Warms Up Rapidly
Aluminium conducts heat five times faster than steel. It conducts heat very fast even at low water temperatures. Thus, it is ideal for heat pumps.
2. Energy Efficient
Aluminium radiators heat up quicker and require less energy to reach the temperature you desire. This means your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard or stay on as long, which saves energy.
3. More Heat in Less Space
Aluminium radiators pack more surface area in less space. This means fewer radiators but plenty of heat. Ideal for making the most of space on walls and not cluttering up your room.
4. Corrosion-Resistant
Aluminium does not rust and is thus very resistant to wear and tear. Aluminium radiators are more durable and require less maintenance due to this rust resistance. These are especially ideal to use in areas of high humidity where rust is a problem with other radiators.
5. Uses Less Water
Aluminum heat pump radiators use very little water to function. Using less water means that less power is needed to warm them up. They heat up faster to full temperature, using less power.
6. Quick to Warm, Quick to Cool
Steel radiators hold heat longer and therefore overheat the room. Aluminium radiators react faster. They heat up fast—and cool down fast too. So it’s easier to stay at the right temperature and not waste power.
7. Light and Easy to Install
They are so lightweight that a single person can lift and mount them. No wall reinforcement is necessary, and no heavy lifting.
8. Long-Lasting and Safe
Aluminium does not rust. These radiators are longer-lasting and require fewer repairs. They also aren’t too hot to the touch, making them safer to use at home with children. And because aluminium is not toxic, it won’t contaminate your indoor air.
Types of Radiators Compatible with Heat Pumps
Not every radiator is a heat pump compatible radiator. Heat pumps run on lower water temperatures than gas boilers. Your radiators will thus need to be slightly bigger—about 2.5 times bigger than usual.
Let’s look at the best radiators for heat pumps:
1. Aluminum Radiators
These are among the most effective. They heat up fast and transfer heat fast. Aluminium is a very good heat conductor, so rooms heat up faster.
They are also light and trendy and come in modern styles. If you require one that is effective and good-looking, then aluminium is the way to go.
2. Cast Iron and Steel Panel Radiators
They hold heat for a long time. After you heat them up, they will continue to remain heated. This keeps your room warm even when the heat pump switches off.
They are also long-lasting and classic-looking. Ideal if you like the classic appearance.
3. Modern Panel Radiators
They hold a high surface area and are perfect to use with heat pumps. With higher surface area comes higher heat even at lower temperatures of the water.
They come in different shapes and sizes—horizontal or vertical—so they fit any room, even where wall space is limited.
4. Column Radiators
They are perfect for use in older homes. Modern column radiators retain the classic look but function more effectively with modern-day heat systems.
They radiate steady heat and blend harmoniously with traditional decor.
5. Underfloor Heating (Optional Extra)
Underfloor heating is particularly effective to use with heat pumps. It distributes heat evenly and operates at low temperatures. But if you don’t have it, never mind. Radiators will still perform very effectively if the right size is used.
What Are Low-Temperature Heating Radiators?
Low-temperature radiators are good to use with heat pumps. They are designed to operate at lower temperatures but heat your home just as effectively. These radiators are larger or more conductive to make up for the heat pump’s lower heat output.
Do You Need New Radiators with a Heat Pump?
Maybe, maybe not— it depends on your home.
Heat pumps do not pump heat as gas boilers do. Instead, they radiate constant gentle heat during the day. This is why old radiators might not be large enough.
In order to heat your rooms properly, your radiators will have to be large enough to disperse that low-level heat. Bigger surface = more heat.
Prior to installation, professionals will survey your house. They will inspect the dimensions of each room, the quality of the insulation within it, and the amount of heat it requires.
They will also inspect the dimensions and type of your existing radiators, as well as the condition of the radiator valves to ensure efficient performance.
You will then be advised on what radiators are fine and what radiators will need to be replaced.
If the radiator is only a little too small, you might choose to keep it nonetheless. The room may just feel a little cooler. You may also replace radiators at a later point if you prefer not to replace them all at once. It is flexible.
Do You Need to Upgrade Existing Radiators?
You will not always require new radiators but some houses will appreciate the addition of a few. You should consider the following before upgrading:
- Ensure your radiators are heat pump system compatible.
- Heat pump radiators will need to be about 2.5 times the normal size.
- Materials like Zintec Steel offer better heat transfer.
- Consult a heating expert to determine the best radiator size for your home.
- Don’t forget to balance your radiators after installation to ensure even heat distribution throughout the home.
In Summary
Heat pumps work best on radiators of the right size and type. Heat pumps heat at lower temperatures than gas boilers and therefore need larger radiators to heat your property properly. Aluminium radiators for heat pumps are ideal as they heat up fast and radiate heat evenly.
You might be able to keep some of your old radiators but replacing some will make your system more effective. Always consult professionals to make your setup ideal for your property and needs.
FAQs
Aluminium radiators for heat pumps are the best at producing heat. They heat up fast and radiate heat well.
Not necessarily. Most existing radiators are fine but large ones perform better with heat pumps.
Yes, aluminium radiators are corrosion-resistant, effective, and light in weight and therefore perfect.
You may have an issue with the refrigerant. If the levels are too low or if you have a leak, your system will not heat correctly. Call a technician to check it.
