Is a heat pump ideal for your semi-detached home?

Key takeaways 

• Semi-detached homes are well suited to heat pumps, even with shared walls and limited outdoor space. 
• With good insulation, heat pumps can cut heating costs by around 25% while improving comfort. 
• Grants like the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme can significantly reduce upfront costs for eligible homes. 

If you live in a semi-detached home, you might assume a heat pump is better suited to larger detached properties. But in reality, semi-detached houses are one of the most common home types for switching to a heat pump in the UK. 

With the right setup, a heat pump can deliver lower bills, steadier warmth and a big reduction in household carbon emissions, without disrupting your neighbours or your day-to-day life. 

Let’s break down how heat pumps work in semi-detached homes – and what really matters.

Why heat pumps work well in semi-detached homes 

Semi-detached homes sit neatly between detached houses and terraced properties. That brings a few advantages when it comes to installing and running a heat pump. 

1. You have control over your home 

While you share one wall with a neighbour, everything else is yours. That means you can improve insulation, upgrade radiators, and install a heat pump system – without landlord approvals or shared building restrictions. 

2. Heat loss is lower than you might expect 

Even if your semi-detached home is decades old, because one of your walls is shared, it’s more likely to lose less heat than a fully detached home. This can actually improve efficiency and reduce the size of the heat pump system you require. Keeping both your upfront and running costs down. 

3. You'll likely have enough outdoor space 

Most semi-detached homes have a side passage, rear garden or driveway where an outdoor unit can be installed. Heat pumps don’t need much space. All they need is a solid base and enough room for good airflow. 

4. Well-matched energy use  

Semi-detached homes typically use more heating and hot water than flats, but less than large detached houses. That balance usually makes them a great match for heat pumps, where efficiency really shines in everyday use. 

Is my semi-detached home ready for a heat pump? 

Heat pumps work in the vast majority of semi-detached homes. But there are a few factors that influence how efficiently they run. We won’t install an Aira Heat Pump unless we’re confident your new system will decrease your energy bills. But for that to happen, you might need a few simple upgrades to your current heating setup.  

Insulation makes the biggest difference 

Good insulation helps your home hold onto heat, meaning lower energy use and lower bills. Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation (common in many semi-detached homes) are often enough to get excellent performance. 

If you’re unsure what insulation you have, one of our Clean Energy Experts will assess this during a free home energy assessment.

Radiators that are suited to lower flow temperatures 

Heat pumps deliver heat more gradually than boilers, running at lower flow temperatures (the water temperature in flowing through your pipes). Many modern radiators are already suitable, but some homes may need a small number of upgrades in key rooms. We'll work out exactly what you need with a room-by-room heat loss calculation before we carry out any installation.

Sufficient electrical capacity 

Most semi-detached homes already have the electrical supply needed to support a heat pump. If any upgrades are required, your Clean Energy Expert will confirm this before you commit to any installation.

Consideration for shared walls and noise 

In 2025, UK boundary rules for heat pump installations were relaxed, meaning thousands of homes no longer need to go through the planning permission process. And while the Aira Heat Pump is designed to be whisper-quiet, we always position the outdoor unit carefully to minimise disruption – for you and your neighbours. 

Learn more about our expert installation process here. 

When a heat pump might not be the right fit (yet)

Heat pumps work in most semi-detached homes. But in some cases, a little prep is needed first.

This can include:

• Very poor insulation, where heat escapes too quickly
• No suitable outdoor space for the unit
• An older electrical supply that needs a small upgrade

That’s why we start with a free home energy assessment. If a heat pump isn’t right for your home today, we’ll tell you – and explain exactly what would make it work.

How much does a heat pump cost for a semi-detached home? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all price — costs depend on your home’s size, insulation and existing heating system. 

The main factors that influence cost are: 

1. System size 

Heat pumps are sized based on a professional heat loss calculation. Semi-detached homes often require smaller systems than detached houses, which can help keep costs down. 

A typical Aira system includes:  

• An Aira Heat Pump outdoor unit (6, 8 or 12 kW) 
• Indoor Unit (100L or 250L) and buffer tank or Indoor Unit Compact and hot water cylinder (150L, 200L, 250L or 300L) 
• Full design, installation and commissioning by Aira Academy-trained technicians 
• AI-powered optimisation with Aira Intelligence 
• Control via the Aira Thermostat and Aira Home Energy app 
• A 15-Year Aira Guarantee covering servicing, maintenance and repairs. Free for the first year. 

You can estimate costs and savings using our heat pump cost calculator, and we also offer flexible financing to spread payments over time.  

Grants and support can reduce the upfront costs 

Heat pumps typically cost more to install than a boiler. But thanks to much lower running costs, they pay back that difference over time – and often more. Add in government incentives and bank cashback schemes, and the upfront cost comes down even further.

Government grants 

If you’re eligible, government incentives can significantly reduce the cost of switching. 

1. England & Wales: Boiler Upgrade Scheme 

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 off an air source heat pump (like the Aira Heat Pump) installation for eligible homes. 

2. Scotland: Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan 

The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan offers up to £7,500 as a grant plus £7,500 as an interest-free loan (more if you live in a rural area). 

Our team will guide you through eligibility and handle the paperwork. 

Bank cashback schemes 

If you’re a homeowner ready to swap your boiler for a heat pump, the good news is you might be eligible for extra financial support – on top of the government grant.  

 Some of the UK’s biggest banks, like Lloyds and Halifax, now offer cashback schemes, and green finance and mortgage options to help cover the cost of a heat pump installation. Learn more about these cashback schemes and if you’re eligible here. 

What life is like with a heat pump in a semi-detached home 

Heating your home with a heat pump is different than with a boiler. It’s cleaner, cosier and more affordable.  

1. Steady, even warmth 

No on-off blasts of heat like you’re used to with a boiler. Just consistent comfort throughout your home without the high energy bills. 

2. Lower emissions  

Switching from a traditional boiler to an Aira Heat Pump can cut your eating-related CO₂ emissions by around 75% straight away, and 100% when you use green electricity.  

3. Future proof comfort 

A fully electric heating system that uses the free fresh air to heat your home protects you from fossil fuel price swings and aligns your home with future energy standards. 

4. Increase the value of your home  

Switching to a heat pump improves your home's efficiency. This boosts its energy (EPC) rating, which makes your property more attractive to buyers and increases its value. According to a joint report by Scottish Power and WWF, installing a heat pump can increase the value of your home by £8,000. 

So, is a heat pump right for your semi-detached home?  

For most semi-detached homes, the answer is yes. 

You benefit from: 

• Lower heat loss thanks to shared walls 
• Enough outdoor space for a modern heat pump system 
• Reduced running costs compared to gas, oil or LPG 
• Immediate improvements in comfort and control 

If your home is reasonably well insulated, a heat pump won’t just work – it will transform how your home feels and how much you spend on energy. 

If you’re curious, the best next step is a free home energy assessment. We’ll show you exactly what’s possible and how much you could save.