Wondering whether your home suits a heat pump? The simple 50-degree test helps you check whether it is ready.

Check your home’s suitability in three steps

The 50-degree test helps you check whether your home meets the requirements. It simulates heat pump heating and highlights any improvements needed.

How to do the 50-degree test

1. Choose a cold week when your heating normally works hard
2. Set your boiler to 50 degrees; consult its manual if needed
3. Check for a week whether your home stays warm and comfortable, setting the thermostat to 17–18 degrees at night.

How does it work?

A boiler makes very hot water to heat your home quickly, switching on and off frequently. A heat pump uses cooler water and runs longer at a steady, low temperature. It maintains warmth instead of heating rapidly.

Large temperature changes are therefore less suitable for heat pumps. Set the thermostat to 17–18°C overnight so the system need not work hard in the morning. If your home stays comfortable, it and its heat distribution system are probably suitable for low-temperature heating.

Not warm enough?

Do not worry. If your home does not get warm enough, improved insulation may help. Good insulation is an important first step towards keeping your home warm with a heat pump. Consider measures such as:

• Cavity-wall insulation: Helps prevent heat escaping from your home
• HR++ glazing: High-performance glazing reduces heat loss through windows

Investing in insulation makes your home more energy-efficient, comfortable and ready for a sustainable future.

Get certainty with an advice appointment

The 50-degree test offers insight, but an installer knows exactly what is possible. An advice appointment is the quickest route to a heat pump. We work with more than 200 partners.

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