If you’re thinking about getting a heat pump, you might be wondering: will I need to replace my radiators? The answer depends on your current system, your home, and how well your radiators work with the lower temperatures that heat pumps use.

Why Radiators Matter with Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are most efficient when they heat your home using lower-temperature water—usually around 40–50°C. That’s quite a bit cooler than traditional gas boilers, which run at about 70°C. Because of this, your radiators need to be large enough to still keep your rooms warm with that lower heat.

If your radiators are too small or outdated, they might not give off enough heat. That could leave you with chilly rooms or make your heat pump work harder, which defeats the point of installing an efficient system.

Will My Current Radiators Work?

It depends. If your home already stays warm without your boiler working hard, your existing radiators might be fine. But in older homes—or if your radiators are quite small or basic—there’s a good chance you’ll need to upgrade some of them.

Radiators with more panels or fins (called double or triple convector radiators) give off more heat, which makes them better suited to work with heat pumps.

How to Tell If You Need New Radiators

You don’t need to be a heating engineer to get a general idea. Here are a few simple signs you might need an upgrade:

  • Your current radiators are quite small or single-panel.

  • Some rooms already feel cooler in winter, even with the heating on.

  • Your radiators are old or basic models with no convector fins.

  • You plan to run your heat pump at a lower temperature for better efficiency.

If one or more of these apply to your home, upgrading your radiators will likely help your heat pump perform better and save energy.

Can You Just Replace a Few Radiators?

Yes, often you don’t need to replace all your radiators. Our expert engineers can help identify which rooms will benefit most from larger or more efficient radiators. Sometimes it’s just one or two that need changing to make the whole system work well.

Other Tips for Better Heating Performance

  • Don’t block your radiators. Avoid putting furniture in front of them or adding covers—they reduce heat output.

  • Let air flow freely. Good air circulation helps your radiators warm the room more effectively.

  • Upgrade insulation too. Better-insulated homes hold heat longer, so your radiators don’t need to work as hard.

The Bottom Line

Upgrading your radiators for a heat pump isn’t always necessary—but it often makes a big difference. A few smart swaps can help your system run more efficiently, save you money, and keep your home feeling warm and comfortable.

If you’re planning a heat pump installation, and want to speak to a knowledgeable installer who can assess your radiators and help you make the right choices, contact us here.