Heat Pump Radiators: Do You Need to Upgrade?
Heat pumps work with normal radiators, but they run at lower flow temperatures than a boiler, around 35 to 50°C rather than 60 to 70°C. To put out the same heat at a lower temperature, a radiator needs more surface area, so some of yours may need upsizing. The heat loss survey decides which, and many homes keep most of their existing radiators.
Quick Answer
Heat pumps work with existing radiators, but because they run at lower flow temperatures (35 to 50°C), some radiators need upsizing to put out the same heat. A heat loss survey identifies which. Larger double or triple-panel radiators and underfloor heating suit heat pumps best.
Guidance as of early 2026, based on UK heat pump practice.
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Do heat pumps work with radiators?
Yes. An air to water or ground source heat pump feeds the same wet system your boiler does, so it works with radiators. The catch is the lower flow temperature: a radiator sized for a 70°C boiler puts out less heat at 45°C, so if it was already on the small side for the room it may need upsizing. Rooms that were comfortable with room to spare often keep their existing radiators.
Best radiators for heat pumps
The best radiators for a heat pump have the most surface area for their wall space, so they shift plenty of heat at a low flow temperature.
| Radiator Type | Suited to Heat Pumps? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Double / triple panel convector | Excellent | Most heat per wall area, common upgrade choice |
| Oversized single panel | Good | Works if there is wall space to go larger |
| Fan-assisted (fan coil) radiators | Excellent | High output from a compact unit, good for tight spaces |
| Standard small single panel | Often undersized | Common candidate for upsizing |
| Underfloor heating | Ideal | Large area, very low flow temp, best efficiency |
Find out which radiators you would need
An MCS-certified installer does a heat loss survey as part of the quote. Get free quotes near you.
Get a Quote →Radiator upgrade cost
Across the quotes we see, radiator upgrades add £800 to £2,500 to a heat pump install, depending on how many need changing. Many homes swap only a handful, not the whole house. The cost is wrapped into the all-in quote, which still attracts 0% VAT and sits behind the £7,500 grant. See the full heat pump cost breakdown.
| Scope | Typical Added Cost |
|---|---|
| A few radiators upsized | £800–£1,500 |
| Most radiators upsized | £1,500–£2,500 |
| Single fan-assisted radiator | £300–£600 each |
Underfloor heating and heat pumps
Underfloor heating is the ideal partner for a heat pump. Its huge surface area means it heats a room at a very low flow temperature, which is exactly where a heat pump is most efficient. It is straightforward to add in a new build, extension or a floor being dug up anyway, but retrofitting it throughout an existing home is a big job, which is why upsized radiators are the usual route.
Heat Pump Radiators FAQ
Do heat pumps work with radiators?
Yes. An air to water or ground source heat pump feeds the same wet system as a boiler, so it works with radiators. Because it runs at a lower flow temperature, some radiators may need upsizing, but many homes keep most of their existing ones.
Do I need to change my radiators for a heat pump?
Not always, and rarely all of them. A heat pump runs at 35 to 50°C rather than a boiler's 60 to 70°C, so radiators that were already undersized for their room may need upsizing. The heat loss survey identifies exactly which ones.
What are the best radiators for a heat pump?
Radiators with the most surface area for their wall space: double or triple-panel convectors, oversized panels, or compact fan-assisted (fan coil) radiators. Underfloor heating is the ideal option where it can be fitted.
How much does it cost to upgrade radiators for a heat pump?
Radiator upgrades typically add £800 to £2,500 to a heat pump install, depending on how many need changing. Fan-assisted radiators run £300 to £600 each. Many homes only need a handful upsized, and the cost is included in the all-in quote at 0% VAT.
Can I keep my existing radiators with a heat pump?
Often yes. Rooms where the existing radiators were comfortably sized for a boiler frequently keep them with a heat pump. Only radiators that were on the small side typically need upsizing to deliver the same heat at a lower flow temperature.
Is underfloor heating better than radiators for a heat pump?
Yes, for efficiency. Underfloor heating's large surface area lets it heat a room at a very low flow temperature, where a heat pump is most efficient. It is easy to add in new builds and extensions but a big job to retrofit throughout an existing home.
Find a heat pump installer near you
An MCS-certified installer surveys your home and tells you exactly which radiators need changing.
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Sources
Last updated: June 2026
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.
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