Guide · Costs
Heat pump cost for a bungalow
Bungalows are often the easiest heat pump retrofit in the UK — and among the cheapest.
A heat pump for a typical UK bungalow costs £8,500–£13,000 installed in 2026, falling to roughly £1,000–£5,500 after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant (GOV.UK, 2026). Single-storey layouts keep pipe runs short and usually avoid the loft-to-ground-floor pipework that pushes two-storey retrofits higher.
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Why bungalows quote lower
- Short horizontal pipe runs — less first-fix labour and fewer floor lifts.
- Outdoor unit almost always sits near the plant location, cutting refrigerant and hydraulic losses.
- No scaffolding for upstairs pipework.
- Loft space is usually available for the cylinder in older bungalows, freeing internal space.
What still adds cost
Bungalows have a high roof and floor area relative to their volume, so heat loss per square metre can be higher than a mid-terrace. Loft insulation topped to 270mm and suspended floor insulation are the two upgrades that most often pay for themselves before the heat pump goes in.
Older bungalows frequently have small microbore pipework, which needs replacing to run the lower flow temperatures a heat pump prefers.
Typical sizing
- 2-bed bungalow, insulated: 5–7 kW.
- 3-bed bungalow, insulated: 7–9 kW.
- 3-bed bungalow, solid wall or uninsulated loft: 9–12 kW — insulate first.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a heat pump cost for a bungalow?
- £8,500–£13,000 installed in 2026, or roughly £1,000–£5,500 after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
- Are bungalows good for heat pumps?
- Generally yes — short pipe runs, easy outdoor unit placement and no scaffolding make them one of the simpler retrofits, provided the loft and floors are insulated.
- Where does the cylinder go in a bungalow?
- Usually an airing cupboard or the loft. Loft installs need a boarded platform, insulation around the cylinder and safe access, which adds a small amount to the quote.
- Energy Saving Trust — Heat pump efficiency, running cost and SCOP benchmarks (UK).
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme — GOV.UK — Official guidance on the £7,500 BUS grant in England and Wales.
- MCS Certified — Installer certification scheme required for grant eligibility.
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