Why Choose a Heat Pump for Flats?
Gas-fired communal boilers are on borrowed time. Upcoming Future Homes Standard targets, local-authority net-zero requirements, and the rising cost of fossil fuels all point toward electric, high-efficiency heating. Heat pumps, and the array of options to set up, give landlords, developers, and managing agents a proven path to:
| Benefit | What It means for a block of flats |
|---|---|
| Lower, stabler running costs | Reduce exposure to volatile energy prices and keep service charge increases in check. |
| Regulatory compliance | Hit SAP 10 uplift figures, Part L and Part O 2025, Heat-Network (Metering & Billing) Regulations, and many GLA zero-carbon planning conditions. |
| Asset-value uplift | Higher EPC (energy performance certificate) ratings and stronger ESG (environmental, social and governance) scores are increasingly baked into valuations and green-loan rates. |
| Tenant satisfaction and retention | Consistent indoor temperatures, optional cooling, and no combustion fumes mean healthier, quieter homes. |
The Benefits of Heat Pumps for Blocks of Flats
For residents and leaseholders
- Even heat throughout the year – No more ‘boiler off’ temperature swings – comfortable and easy!
- Quiet operation – Outdoor units or boreholes = silent apartments.
- Summer relief – Reversible or passive cooling option combats overheating.
For owners, funds and housing associations
- Predictable OPEX – Electricity prices can be hedged; gas phase-out risk removed.
- Green finance access – Qualify for lower-rate sustainability-linked loans and green bonds.
For facilities and facilities management teams
- Fewer call-outs – Modern heat pumps require less routine maintenance than combustion boilers.
- Smart monitoring – Remote diagnostics and performance dashboards cut site visits and downtime.
Technical and operational benefits
- Adaptable for new builds and retrofits: Whether you’re building new or upgrading existing ones, heat pumps offer flexible solutions tailored to your estate.
- Reduced disruption with modern installations: New heat pump technologies offer faster installation options, minimising disruptions.
Trusted by
The Better Planet process
1) Feasibility and load profiling
Heat-loss modelling, and roof / ground surveys, alongside discussions with developers to understand requirements clearly.
2) Planning and funding support
Liaison with planners, GLA/LA carbon officers, and grant applications. We can work with you to identify the perfect set up for your requirements.
3) Detailed design
If an M&E contractor has been appointed, we can work closely with their designs. If not, our team of in house design team can support with detailed design, including; Central plant sizing, HIU or ambient-loop layouts, acoustic strategy.
4) Installation
Our own team of installation engineers will install your system. For retrofit projects, we will work to ensure disruption is minimised.
5) Ongoing support and maintenance
Seasonal performance checks, annual services and system maintenence, remote monitoring.
St Michael’s Road, London
Client Brief
The main contractor of a new 12-flat development required a low-carbon, cost-effective heating and hot-water, that could be adapted to the size and orientation of each apartment while maintaining a consistent underfloor-heating layout across the scheme. Key asks were:
- Maximise renewable technology within tight plant-cupboard footprints.
- Provide balanced mechanical ventilation to meet airflow rates.
- Keep running costs low for future residents, with simple room-by-room control.
Our Solution
Better Planet designed, supplied, installed and commissioned a mix of heat-pump technologies matched to each flat’s constraints:
- One balcony flat received a NIBE air-source heat pump with ducted supply-and-extract ventilation.
- Six mid-level flats—where no outdoor plant space existed—were equipped with NIBE exhaust-air heat pumps, providing mechanical supply-and-extract ventilation.
- Five top-floor and corner flats gained NIBE exhaust-air heat pumps with integral MVHR, delivering >90 % heat-recovery ventilation to further cut heating demand.
Across all 12 flats we carried out room-by-room heat-loss and airflow calculations, installed under-floor heating in pumped screed for silent, even warmth, and fitted compact plant cupboards housing the heat pump, hot-water cylinder and controls. Low-profile acoustic terminals preserved ceiling heights, and digital thermostats gave residents simple temperature control and energy transparency.
Project Success
✅ Right technology for each flat ensured every unit met SAP targets without oversizing.
✅ Under-floor heating plus balanced ventilation delivered draught-free comfort all year.
✅ Unified NIBE controls and a single commissioning pack gave facilities teams one platform for monitoring and maintenance.
Our approach – A full-service solution tailored to you
- Our sales team will discuss your project, finding the ideal solution for your unique situation.
- Our team of in-house building services engineers will work with you to design a system which delivers for your buildings inhabitants, complies with existing standards, and is cost effective.
- Our installation teams will be on hand to deliver your system, with a breadth of experience delivering complex installations.
Why choose Better Planet?
- Our understanding of heat pumps: We have been installing renewables since 2006 and have installed over 1,000 projects. We work with a range of manufacturers which allows us to identify the best solution for your unique building.
- Our understanding of standards and regs: We work closely aligned to various standards and planning regulations, and can work with you to ensure that your building complies.
- Single point of contact: We consult, design and install your solution, so you won’t have to engage with multiple suppliers. Our offering means it’s easier manage your project.
- We care: At Better Planet, we believe that delivering innovative energy solutions goes beyond technology – it’s about building partnerships. As a family-owned business, we care deeply about the success of every client and every project. Our team is committed to working closely with you to understand your unique challenges and goals, tailoring our approach to ensure each project is a success. With Better Planet, you’ll find a partner who genuinely values your vision and is invested in helping you achieve sustainable, impactful results. From the initial consultation to project completion, we’re by your side, offering guidance, expertise, and a commitment to excellence that you can rely on.
Ready to kick off your project?
Our team is on hand to support your project. Organise a free consultation today. We would love to work with you!
