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.
Radiator fitting in the Scottish Borders is scheduled with your heat pump installation so the system is drained only once. Many older houses in the Scottish Borders still have their original single-panel radiators, so the survey checks each one against the room it heats. For period homes in the Scottish Borders and across the Scottish Borders, column radiators can keep the character of a room while giving enough heat at low temperatures.
Who it suits
- Homeowners who want the lowest practical flow temperature for efficiency
- Extensions and loft conversions with large areas of glazing
- Homes switching from a gas, oil or LPG boiler to a heat pump
- Rooms that already feel slow to heat, such as bay-windowed living rooms
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Scotland
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not apply in Scotland. Instead, homeowners in the Scottish Borders can apply to Home Energy Scotland for a grant of up to £7,500 towards a heat pump, with up to £1,500 more for eligible rural and island homes, plus an optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500. You need a written funding offer before any work starts.
Installing heat pumps is zero-rated for VAT across the UK until 31 March 2027. Scotland has its own permitted development rules for air source heat pumps and its own building standards, so we confirm what applies to your property at survey.
Heat pump radiators prices in the Scottish Borders
The ranges below are typical installed prices for homes in the Scottish Borders, including VAT. A survey sets the exact figure, because two similar-looking houses in the Scottish Borders can need quite different radiators and pipework.
| Work | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Replacement radiator, sized for a heat pump (each, fitted) | £260–£460 |
| Upgrade of about 10 radiators | £2,050–£5,100 |
| Pipework upgrade (e.g. microbore to larger bore) | £1,550–£3,550 |
Installed, inc VAT. The survey lists which radiators need changing.
Towns we cover in the Scottish Borders
We cover 8 towns in the Scottish Borders for heat pump radiator upgrades. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Scotland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duns | TD11 | Eyemouth | 7 h 00 min |
| Eyemouth | TD14 | Duns | 6 h 58 min |
| Galashiels | TD1 | Selkirk | 7 h 02 min |
| Hawick | TD9 | Selkirk | 7 h 04 min |
| Jedburgh | TD8 | Kelso | 7 h 04 min |
| Kelso | TD5 | Jedburgh | 7 h 02 min |
| Peebles | EH45 | Penicuik | 7 h 01 min |
| Selkirk | TD7 | Galashiels | 7 h 03 min |
Heat pump radiator upgrades questions
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.
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.
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.