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.
A survey in Lincolnshire can compare a high-temperature unit with upsizing a few radiators, for homes anywhere in Lincolnshire. In Lincolnshire, rooms with large bay windows are often the ones where radiator output is checked most carefully. For older Lincolnshire homes with microbore pipework, a higher flow temperature can avoid lifting floors to replace pipes.
Who it suits
- Rooms with no wall space for a larger radiator
- 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
Grants and rules for heat pumps in England
Homes in Lincolnshire can use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which takes £7,500 off the cost of an air source heat pump when it replaces fossil-fuel or electric heating. Replacing oil or LPG heating qualifies for £9,000 for installations from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, and air-to-air systems for £2,500. The MCS-certified installer named in your quote applies for the grant and deducts it from the price.
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 Lincolnshire
Here are typical prices for high-temperature heat pumps in Lincolnshire, 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 | £9,500–£12,500 | £2,000–£5,000 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £10,500–£13,500 | £3,000–£6,000 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £12,000–£15,500 | £4,500–£8,000 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £14,000–£18,000 | £6,500–£10,500 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £16,500–£22,500 | £9,000–£15,000 |
Installed, inc VAT: unit, cylinder, controls, minor pipework and commissioning. A high-temperature unit typically adds £1,500–£3,000.
Towns we cover in Lincolnshire
We cover 14 towns in Lincolnshire for high-temperature heat pumps. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for England.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | LN6 | Gainsborough | 7 h 31 min |
| Grimsby | DN32 | Cleethorpes | 7 h 27 min |
| Scunthorpe | DN16 | Brough | 7 h 27 min |
| Boston | PE21 | Spalding | 7 h 34 min |
| Grantham | NG31 | Sleaford | 7 h 35 min |
| Cleethorpes | DN35 | Grimsby | 7 h 27 min |
| Spalding | PE11 | Bourne | 7 h 36 min |
| Skegness | PE25 | Boston | 7 h 32 min |
| Stamford | PE9 | Bourne | 7 h 37 min |
| Gainsborough | DN21 | Retford | 7 h 29 min |
| Louth | LN11 | Horncastle | 7 h 29 min |
| Sleaford | NG34 | Grantham | 7 h 34 min |
| Bourne | PE10 | Stamford | 7 h 36 min |
| Horncastle | LN9 | Louth | 7 h 31 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.
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.
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.