A high-temperature heat pump is an air-to-water heat pump able to produce flow temperatures of around 65–75°C, close to what a gas or oil boiler delivers, instead of the 35–50°C at which standard heat pumps run most efficiently. That means existing radiators can often heat rooms much as they do now, without being replaced with larger ones.
A survey in Bedfordshire can compare a high-temperature unit with upsizing a few radiators, for homes anywhere in Bedfordshire. Installers in Bedfordshire set the weather compensation curve so the unit runs cooler on mild days. For older Bedfordshire homes with microbore pipework, a higher flow temperature can avoid lifting floors to replace pipes.
Who it suits
- Homes with microbore pipework that would be disruptive to replace
- Owners who want fewer changes inside the house
- Rooms with no wall space for a larger radiator
- Older homes where insulation improvements are limited
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.
High-temperature heat pumps prices in Bedfordshire
Here are typical prices for high-temperature heat pumps in Bedfordshire, installed and including VAT. Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your home, then a survey confirms it in writing.
| Home | Typical size | Installed guide price | After £7,500 grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat or small terrace | 4–5 kW | £9,700–£12,750 | £2,200–£5,250 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £10,700–£13,750 | £3,200–£6,250 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £12,250–£15,800 | £4,750–£8,300 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £14,300–£18,350 | £6,800–£10,850 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £16,850–£22,950 | £9,350–£15,450 |
Installed, inc VAT: unit, cylinder, controls, minor pipework and commissioning. A high-temperature unit typically adds £1,500–£3,000.
Towns we cover in Bedfordshire
We cover 9 towns in Bedfordshire for high-temperature heat pumps. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for England.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luton | LU1 | Dunstable | 7 h 46 min |
| Bedford | MK40 | Kempston | 7 h 43 min |
| Dunstable | LU6 | Luton | 7 h 46 min |
| Leighton Buzzard | LU7 | Dunstable | 7 h 45 min |
| Ampthill | MK45 | Flitwick | 7 h 44 min |
| Kempston | MK42 | Bedford | 7 h 43 min |
| Biggleswade | SG18 | Sandy | 7 h 43 min |
| Flitwick | MK45 | Ampthill | 7 h 44 min |
| Sandy | SG19 | Biggleswade | 7 h 43 min |
High-temperature heat pumps questions
Are high-temperature heat pumps eligible for the grant?
In England and Wales, yes. A high-temperature unit is an air-to-water heat pump, so eligible owners of existing homes can receive £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, or £9,000 when replacing oil or LPG within the published dates. Scotland's Home Energy Scotland funding has its own conditions, and Northern Ireland has no dedicated homeowner grant at present.
Can a heat pump work with my existing radiators?
Often, yes, especially with a high-temperature unit. Standard heat pumps run most efficiently at 35–50°C, so some radiators may be too small at those temperatures. A high-temperature unit can run at around 65–75°C, so existing radiators can usually heat rooms much as they do with a boiler, at a cost in efficiency. The survey checks every radiator against its room's heat loss.
Why do many high-temperature units use R290?
R290 is propane, a natural refrigerant with a very low global warming impact. Its properties make higher water temperatures more achievable than with some earlier refrigerants. Because it is flammable, manufacturers set clearance zones around the outdoor unit from windows, doors, drains and other openings, which the survey uses when choosing a position.
Do I still need a hot water cylinder?
Yes. Like other air-to-water heat pumps, a high-temperature unit heats a stored cylinder rather than supplying hot water on demand. Its higher output temperature can help the cylinder reach the temperature needed for its periodic legionella cycle with less reliance on the immersion heater. The cylinder is sized for your household at survey.