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.
Older homes around Devon often need a discreet unit position, such as a rear courtyard, which the survey looks for first. In Devon, rooms with large bay windows are often the ones where radiator output is checked most carefully. A survey in Devon can compare a high-temperature unit with upsizing a few radiators, for homes anywhere in Devon.
Who it suits
- Older homes where insulation improvements are limited
- Period and listed homes where the radiators are part of the character
- Rooms with no wall space for a larger radiator
- Homes with microbore pipework that would be disruptive to replace
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.
Installing heat pumps is zero-rated for VAT across the UK until 31 March 2027. Since 29 May 2025, permitted development in England allows up to two air source heat pumps on a house, each up to 1.5 m³, with no blanket 1 m boundary rule — the installation must still meet the MCS planning standards, including the noise check. Listed buildings, flats and some conservation-area positions need extra consent, which we check at survey.
High-temperature heat pumps prices in Devon
Here are typical prices for high-temperature heat pumps in Devon, 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 | £9,600–£12,650 | £2,100–£5,150 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £10,600–£13,650 | £3,100–£6,150 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £12,100–£15,650 | £4,600–£8,150 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £14,150–£18,200 | £6,650–£10,700 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £16,650–£22,750 | £9,150–£15,250 |
Installed, inc VAT: unit, cylinder, controls, minor pipework and commissioning. A high-temperature unit typically adds £1,500–£3,000.
Towns we cover in Devon
We cover 18 towns in Devon for high-temperature heat pumps. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for England.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth | PL1 | Saltash | 8 h 01 min |
| Exeter | EX4 | Crediton | 7 h 57 min |
| Paignton | TQ3 | Torquay | 8 h 00 min |
| Torquay | TQ1 | Paignton | 8 h 00 min |
| Newton Abbot | TQ12 | Torquay | 7 h 59 min |
| Exmouth | EX8 | Sidmouth | 7 h 58 min |
| Barnstaple | EX31 | Bideford | 7 h 54 min |
| Bideford | EX39 | Barnstaple | 7 h 54 min |
| Tiverton | EX16 | Crediton | 7 h 56 min |
| Crediton | EX17 | Exeter | 7 h 57 min |
| Dartmouth | TQ6 | Paignton | 8 h 01 min |
| Honiton | EX14 | Sidmouth | 7 h 57 min |
| Ilfracombe | EX34 | Barnstaple | 7 h 52 min |
| Kingsbridge | TQ7 | Dartmouth | 8 h 02 min |
| Okehampton | EX20 | Tavistock | 7 h 57 min |
| Sidmouth | EX10 | Honiton | 7 h 58 min |
| Tavistock | PL19 | Plymouth | 7 h 59 min |
| Totnes | TQ9 | Paignton | 8 h 00 min |
High-temperature heat pumps questions
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.
Is a high-temperature heat pump right for a listed building?
It can be, because it reduces the need to replace period radiators or lift historic floors for new pipework. The outdoor unit position still matters: in England, listed buildings need listed building consent for external works, and the other nations have their own rules. We check what applies at survey and look for discreet positions, such as a rear courtyard or behind an outbuilding.
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.