This suits homes where changing radiators is hard: period and listed properties with cast-iron radiators or fragile finishes, homes with microbore pipework that is difficult to replace, and rooms with no space for a larger radiator. Many of these units use R290 (propane), a natural refrigerant that makes higher water temperatures more achievable than some earlier refrigerants did.
Older homes around County Tyrone often need a discreet unit position, such as a rear courtyard, which the survey looks for first. For older County Tyrone homes with microbore pipework, a higher flow temperature can avoid lifting floors to replace pipes. Installers in County Tyrone set the weather compensation curve so the unit runs cooler on mild days.
Who it suits
- Homes with microbore pipework that would be disruptive to replace
- Owners who want fewer changes inside the house
- Older homes where insulation improvements are limited
- Period and listed homes where the radiators are part of the character
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland does not have a dedicated heat pump grant for homeowners at present, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not apply here. Heat pumps have sometimes been funded through the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme, so it is worth checking what is open when you enquire about a home in County Tyrone.
There is no VAT on installing a heat pump in Northern Ireland until 31 March 2027, the same as in Great Britain. Planning and building control here follow Northern Ireland's own rules, so the survey checks the unit position against them.
High-temperature heat pumps prices in County Tyrone
The ranges below are typical installed prices for homes in County Tyrone, including VAT. A survey sets the exact figure, because two similar-looking houses in County Tyrone can need quite different radiators and pipework.
| Home | Typical size | Installed guide price |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat or small terrace | 4–5 kW | £9,200–£12,150 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £10,200–£13,100 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £11,650–£15,050 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £13,600–£17,450 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £16,000–£21,850 |
Installed, inc VAT: unit, cylinder, controls, minor pipework and commissioning. A high-temperature unit typically adds £1,500–£3,000. No dedicated heat pump grant currently applies in Northern Ireland.
Towns we cover in County Tyrone
We cover 6 towns in County Tyrone for high-temperature heat pumps. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Northern Ireland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omagh | BT78 | Fivemiletown | 7 h 15 min |
| Coalisland | BT71 | Dungannon | 7 h 16 min |
| Cookstown | BT80 | Coalisland | 7 h 14 min |
| Dungannon | BT71 | Coalisland | 7 h 16 min |
| Fivemiletown | BT75 | Lisnaskea | 7 h 18 min |
| Strabane | BT82 | Derry/Londonderry | 7 h 12 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.
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.
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.
Are high-temperature heat pumps less efficient?
Yes, when they run hot. Every heat pump uses more electricity per unit of heat as the flow temperature rises, so a unit running at 70°C is less efficient than one running at 45°C. With weather compensation it runs cooler for much of the year, which narrows the gap. The design aims to keep the maximum temperature as low as your radiators allow.