You’ve probably heard about heat pumps, which are promoted as an efficient technology that can replace our gas boilers, as well as reduce our energy bills and household emissions. The government subsidises heat pump installations with a £7,500 grant, which in some cases makes them nearly free to install.

But maybe, like us, the idea of taking the plunge and installing one in your own home is intimidating. It can be difficult to understand the options or know whether the sales pitches from the many different installers can be believed. Some discussions online highlight the need for expensive radiator upgrades or new pipes, while others say heat pumps simply don’t work.

That’s why we were delighted to find the Visit a Heat Pump website, where people generously open their homes to let others have a look at their own heat pump installation.

It’s probably one of the best ways to understand what needs to be considered before committing to an installation, the costs and savings involved, and the impact a heat pump can have on your home. Unlike installers or companies trying to make a sale, these are neighbours sharing their own experiences.

When two members of Green Norwood visited a home with a Mitsubishi heat pump, we got to see:

• the outdoor space required for the heat pump (fairly sizeable, see photo)
• the level of noise it produces (not too much)
• the location of the hot water cylinder (in the cellar, but it could also be housed in a cupboard)
• the wall insulation, double/triple-glazed windows and radiator upgrades that help make sure this house stays cosy through the winter (though these aren’t always necessary for a heat pump to work).

If you’re curious about getting a heat pump, we strongly encourage you to talk to someone who’s already been through the process. It seems like a wonderful home upgrade, but definitely one that needs a bit of planning.