Heat Pump for a Park Home or Mobile Home
Park homes and mobile homes present unique heating challenges. Many rely on electric panel heaters, LPG boilers, or electric storage heaters — all of which are expensive to run. An air source heat pump can be a transformative upgrade, slashing running costs while providing whole-home central heating and hot water.
But park homes are different from conventional houses in important ways: they are lighter in construction, often less well insulated, and may have specific site rules about external installations. This guide covers everything you need to know about installing a heat pump in a park home or mobile home in the UK.
Why Heat Pumps Make Sense for Park Homes
Park homes are particularly well-suited to heat pumps for several reasons:
- High existing heating costs: Most park homes use LPG or electricity for heating, both of which are significantly more expensive per kWh than mains gas. A heat pump can cut heating costs by 40-60% compared to electric heaters or LPG
- Smaller heating demand: Park homes are typically 40-80 square metres, meaning a smaller (and cheaper) heat pump is sufficient
- No gas connection: Most park homes are off the gas grid, making a heat pump the obvious low-carbon alternative
- Ground-level installation: The outdoor unit can sit directly on a concrete base next to the home, with short pipe runs
Typical Heating Costs: Before and After
| Current heating | Annual cost (est.) | With heat pump (est.) | Annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric panel heaters | £2,000 – £2,800 | £700 – £1,000 | £1,000 – £1,800 |
| Electric storage heaters | £1,500 – £2,200 | £600 – £900 | £900 – £1,300 |
| LPG boiler | £1,200 – £1,800 | £600 – £900 | £600 – £900 |
These savings are based on a well-insulated park home. For full running cost calculations, use our calculator.
Choosing the Right Size Heat Pump
Park homes typically need a smaller heat pump than a conventional house. Common sizes for park homes:
- Single-wide park home (40-50m²): 4-6 kW heat pump
- Twin-unit park home (60-80m²): 5-8 kW heat pump
- Large twin-unit (80-100m²): 7-10 kW heat pump
The exact size depends on insulation levels, which vary enormously between park homes. Older models (pre-2000) may have very thin walls with minimal insulation, while modern park homes built to BS 3632:2015 have significantly better thermal performance.
A proper heat loss calculation is essential. Because park homes have elevated floors, thin walls, and relatively large roof areas relative to floor space, heat loss per square metre can be higher than for a brick-built house.
Insulation: The Critical Factor
Insulation is even more important for park homes than for conventional houses. The lightweight construction means heat escapes more quickly, and the heat pump has to work harder to maintain temperature.
Insulation Priorities
- Underfloor insulation: Park homes are elevated off the ground, and the underfloor area is often the biggest source of heat loss. Adding or upgrading underfloor insulation can dramatically reduce heating demand. Rigid foam board or spray foam are common options
- Roof insulation: The roof is the second-largest heat loss area. Ensure there is at least 150-200mm of insulation in the roof space
- Wall insulation: Older park homes may have just 25-50mm of insulation in the walls. Upgrading wall insulation can be more complex but makes a significant difference
- Windows and doors: Double glazing is standard on modern park homes but may need retrofitting on older models. Ensure all seals are in good condition
- Draught-proofing: Check for gaps around windows, doors, skirting boards, and service entry points
Investing in insulation before or alongside a heat pump installation will reduce the size of heat pump needed, lower running costs, and improve comfort. Many park home owners find that insulation improvements pay for themselves within 2-3 years through reduced energy bills.
Installation Considerations for Park Homes
The Outdoor Unit
The air source heat pump outdoor unit needs a solid, level base. Options include:
- A concrete pad (the most common approach)
- Anti-vibration mounts on an existing hard-standing area
- A raised platform if the area is prone to standing water
The unit should be positioned where it has good airflow, away from bedroom windows, and where it will not cause noise issues for neighbouring homes on the park.
Wet Heating System
If your park home currently uses electric panel heaters, you will need to install a wet central heating system — radiators, pipework, and a hot water cylinder. This adds to the installation cost but provides much better comfort and control.
If your home already has a wet system (perhaps connected to an LPG boiler), the heat pump can often connect to the existing pipework and radiators, though some radiators may need upgrading for optimal performance at lower flow temperatures.
Electrical Supply
Park homes sometimes have a limited electrical supply. A small heat pump (4-6 kW) typically draws 1.5-2 kW of electrical power, which most park home supplies can handle. However, it is worth checking with your site owner or electricity supplier that your supply is adequate.
Site Permission
Most park home sites require you to get permission from the site owner before installing external equipment. This is typically straightforward, but check your site agreement and speak to the site manager before proceeding.
Costs for Park Home Heat Pump Installation
| Component | Cost range |
|---|---|
| Air source heat pump (4-8 kW) | £4,000 – £7,000 |
| Installation labour | £2,000 – £4,000 |
| Wet heating system (if not existing) | £2,000 – £4,000 |
| Hot water cylinder | £800 – £1,500 |
| Electrical work | £300 – £600 |
| Total before grant | £7,000 – £14,000 |
| BUS grant | -£7,500 |
| Total after grant | £0 – £6,500 |
Yes, it is possible for a park home heat pump installation to be fully covered by the BUS grant if the total cost is under £7,500. This is more likely with smaller homes that already have a wet heating system.
For accurate pricing for your specific home, use our cost calculator or request free quotes.
Do Park Homes Qualify for the BUS Grant?
Park homes can qualify for the BUS grant, but there are specific requirements:
- The park home must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Some older park homes may not have one, in which case you will need to arrange an EPC assessment
- The installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer
- The park home must be your permanent residence (holiday homes do not qualify)
- The property must not be connected to a gas central heating system (most park homes are not)
Other Grant Options for Park Homes
In addition to the BUS grant, park home owners may qualify for:
- ECO4 scheme: Provides funding for insulation and heating improvements for low-income households. Park home owners on qualifying benefits may receive substantial funding
- Home Upgrade Grant (HUG): Targets off-gas-grid homes with poor energy efficiency. Many park homes qualify
- Local authority grants: Some councils offer additional funding for energy efficiency improvements in park homes
Common Concerns and Answers
Will the heat pump be too noisy on a park?
Modern small heat pumps (4-6 kW) are very quiet — typically 38-42 dB at one metre. This is quieter than a normal conversation. However, park homes are often closer together than conventional houses, so thoughtful placement is important. Position the unit away from neighbouring bedrooms and use anti-vibration mounts.
Is a park home too poorly insulated for a heat pump?
Modern park homes built to BS 3632 have good enough insulation for a heat pump to work efficiently. Older park homes may need insulation upgrades first, but this is an investment that pays for itself quickly through reduced heating bills regardless of what heating system you use.
What about air-to-air heat pumps?
Air-to-air heat pumps (essentially reversible air conditioning units) are an alternative for park homes. They are cheaper to install (£2,000-£5,000) but do not provide hot water, are generally noisier, and do not qualify for the BUS grant. For a full central heating and hot water solution, an air-to-water heat pump is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a heat pump in any park home?
Most permanent residential park homes can have a heat pump installed. You need adequate outdoor space for the unit (about 1m x 1m), a suitable electrical supply, and permission from your site owner. Very old park homes with extremely poor insulation may need upgrades first to make a heat pump worthwhile.
How long does installation take in a park home?
If a wet heating system is already in place, installation typically takes 2-3 days. If radiators and pipework need to be installed from scratch, allow 3-5 days. The disruption is minimal — you can usually remain in the home during installation.
Will a heat pump work in a park home during very cold weather?
Yes. Modern air source heat pumps operate efficiently down to -15°C or colder. UK temperatures rarely drop below -5°C. In well-insulated park homes, heat pumps maintain comfortable temperatures throughout winter. For more details on performance, see our guide to whether heat pumps are worth it.
Do I need to tell my site owner about the installation?
Yes. Most site agreements require you to seek permission before installing external equipment. Speak to your site manager early in the planning process. Most site owners are supportive of energy efficiency improvements.
Can I take the heat pump with me if I move?
In theory, a heat pump can be decommissioned and moved, but the cost of removal and reinstallation usually makes this impractical. It is generally better to factor the heat pump into the sale price of your park home, as it adds value through lower running costs and improved comfort.