Switching from Electric Heatingto Heat Pump in Scotland
The biggest saving of any fuel switch. Storage heaters, panel heaters and direct electric heating are expensive. Heat pumps produce 3–4x more heat per unit of electricity. Typical saving: £1,200–£2,200 per year.
Electric heating: 1 unit electricity = 1 unit heat. Heat pump: 1 unit electricity = 3–4 units heat. That is why the saving is so dramatic.
Before / After — Electric to Heat Pump
"£2,800/year electric down to £600 with heat pump and solar. Life-changing. We didn't think it was even possible to cut the bill by that much."
"Moving from storage heaters was the best decision we've made. The comfort improvement alone is extraordinary — no more cold mornings waiting for the heat to build up."
"Panel heaters were costing us a fortune. The heat pump made an immediate difference to both comfort and cost. First year saving was well over £1,200."
"Electric underfloor is extremely expensive to run. The heat pump now provides the heat and the old underfloor acts as a giant radiator. Perfect combination."
Electric Heating Questions Answered
Why is switching from electric heating to a heat pump such a big saving?
Direct electric heating (storage heaters, panel heaters, underfloor) converts 1 unit of electricity into 1 unit of heat — 100% efficiency. A heat pump converts 1 unit of electricity into 3–4 units of heat (300–400% efficiency). On the same electricity tariff, your heating costs drop to approximately a third of their previous level.
What types of electric heating does a heat pump replace?
Storage heaters, panel heaters, electric boilers, direct electric underfloor heating, infrared panels. All can be replaced with an air source heat pump. The heat is then distributed via radiators or through an existing underfloor system.
Do I need to keep the storage heaters?
No. Storage heaters are removed and replaced with a radiator system connected to the heat pump. The storage heaters are decommissioned and disposed of as part of the installation.
What government grant is available for electric-to-heat-pump?
The same Scottish Government grant applies: £7,500 grant (standard), or £9,000 grant for rural remote properties. This is the same grant as for oil and LPG replacements.
What is the typical saving for electric-to-heat-pump in Scotland?
£1,200–£2,200 per year is the typical range, based on Scottish installations. This is the largest saving of any fuel switch — because electric heating is so expensive per unit of heat produced.
Will I need to add radiators?
Usually yes — if you currently have storage heaters, you don't have a wet radiator system. Installing radiators throughout the property is included in the heat pump installation cost and quote. It adds to the upfront cost but is offset by the large government grant.
Can I keep Economy 7 electricity for the heat pump?
Yes — and it can work well. The heat pump can be programmed to run preferentially on cheap-rate overnight electricity, storing heat for the next day. Octopus Go and similar smart tariffs can further reduce running costs.
Is a heat pump better than a new storage heater system?
Significantly better. Even high-efficiency storage heaters still use 1:1 electricity-to-heat. A heat pump uses 1:3–4. The running cost difference over 10–15 years is substantial. And the government grant makes the upfront cost comparable or better.
Done with Expensive Electric Heating?
The biggest saving of any switch. Free survey. No obligation. Call 0141 230 0198.
