Where a radiator falls short, the usual fix is a larger panel radiator, a double or triple-panel model in the same space, or a fan-assisted radiator where wall space is tight. We also check the pipework feeding each radiator, because narrow pipes can restrict the higher water flow rates heat pumps rely on. Everything is listed in a radiator schedule in your quote, so you can see exactly which radiators change and why.
For period homes in Cornwall and across Cornwall, column radiators can keep the character of a room while giving enough heat at low temperatures. Radiator fitting in Cornwall is scheduled with your heat pump installation so the system is drained only once. Many older houses in Cornwall still have their original single-panel radiators, so the survey checks each one against the room it heats.
Who it suits
- Extensions and loft conversions with large areas of glazing
- Homes switching from a gas, oil or LPG boiler to a heat pump
- Homeowners who want the lowest practical flow temperature for efficiency
- Rooms that already feel slow to heat, such as bay-windowed living rooms
Grants and rules for heat pumps in England
In England the Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air source heat pump (£9,000 if it replaces oil or LPG, from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027), and since 28 April 2026 a valid EPC is no longer needed. The grant is applied for by the MCS-certified installer and shown as a deduction on your quote.
There is no VAT on installing a heat pump anywhere in the UK until 31 March 2027. In England most houses can have an air source heat pump under permitted development, provided the unit meets the MCS noise and siting standards; the old 1 m boundary limit was removed on 29 May 2025. We flag listed buildings, flats and sensitive conservation-area positions at survey.
Heat pump radiators prices in Cornwall
Here are typical prices for heat pump radiator upgrades in Cornwall, installed and including VAT. Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your home, then a survey confirms it in writing.
| Work | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Replacement radiator, sized for a heat pump (each, fitted) | £260–£460 |
| Upgrade of about 10 radiators | £2,050–£5,150 |
| Pipework upgrade (e.g. microbore to larger bore) | £1,550–£3,600 |
Installed, inc VAT. The survey lists which radiators need changing.
Towns we cover in Cornwall
We cover 15 towns in Cornwall for heat pump radiator upgrades. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for England.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redruth | TR16 | Camborne | 8 h 02 min |
| Falmouth | TR11 | Truro | 8 h 03 min |
| St Austell | PL25 | Bodmin | 8 h 01 min |
| Truro | TR1 | Falmouth | 8 h 02 min |
| Camborne | TR14 | Redruth | 8 h 02 min |
| Newquay | TR7 | Truro | 8 h 00 min |
| Penzance | TR18 | Hayle | 8 h 03 min |
| Bodmin | PL31 | Wadebridge | 8 h 00 min |
| Saltash | PL12 | Plymouth | 8 h 00 min |
| Bude | EX23 | Launceston | 7 h 56 min |
| Hayle | TR27 | Camborne | 8 h 02 min |
| Helston | TR13 | Camborne | 8 h 03 min |
| Launceston | PL15 | Liskeard | 7 h 58 min |
| Liskeard | PL14 | Saltash | 8 h 00 min |
| Wadebridge | PL27 | Bodmin | 7 h 59 min |
Heat pump radiator upgrades questions
How much does a heat pump radiator cost?
A replacement radiator sized for a heat pump has a guide price of £250–£450 each, installed and including VAT. Upgrading about ten radiators in a typical home has a guide price of £2,000–£5,000. The final price is fixed in your written quote after the survey, once the radiator schedule shows exactly which radiators change.
Will new radiators be much bigger than my old ones?
Sometimes, but not always. Swapping a single-panel radiator for a double or triple-panel model of the same height and width can raise output substantially, adding only depth from the wall. Where that is not enough, a longer or taller radiator, or a second radiator in the room, may be needed. We agree sizes and positions with you before anything is ordered.
Do I need new radiators for a heat pump?
Not necessarily: many homes keep most of their radiators and replace only a few. The heat loss survey checks each room against its existing radiator at the planned flow temperature. Rooms with large windows, high ceilings or extensions are the usual candidates for an upgrade, while bedrooms often need no change. Your radiator schedule lists every decision.
Can I keep my radiators and just run the heat pump hotter?
You can, but it usually costs more to run. Every extra degree of flow temperature reduces a heat pump's efficiency, so a system designed at 55°C uses noticeably more electricity than one at 45°C for the same heat. A few well-chosen radiator upgrades often let the whole house run cooler, which is the better long-term trade.