UK Heat Pump Savings Map: Check Your Postcode
Your savings from switching to a heat pump depend on where you live. Not because the technology works differently — heat pumps are effective everywhere in the UK — but because your current fuel type, local climate, regional installation costs, and available grants all vary by location. This guide maps heat pump savings across every UK postcode area, showing you what to expect in your part of the country.
For a personalised estimate based on your specific home rather than regional averages, use our free calculator which factors in your home size, insulation, current heating, and location.
Get savings specific to your home
Calculate Your Personalised SavingsMore accurate than postcode averages. Based on your actual home details. Free, 2 minutes.
How Location Affects Your Heat Pump Savings
Four location-dependent factors determine your savings:
By far the most important factor is what fuel you currently use. An oil-heated home in cold Scotland saves more by switching than a gas-heated home in warm London. The climate and cost variations are secondary to this fundamental fuel-type difference.
Estimated Annual Savings by UK Region
| Region | Replacing Gas | Replacing Oil | Replacing LPG | Replacing Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London / South East | £100-£400 | £600-£1,000 | £700-£1,100 | £1,200-£1,800 |
| South West | £100-£400 | £650-£1,050 | £750-£1,150 | £1,200-£1,800 |
| Midlands | £80-£350 | £600-£950 | £700-£1,100 | £1,100-£1,700 |
| North West | £50-£300 | £550-£900 | £650-£1,050 | £1,000-£1,600 |
| North East / Yorkshire | £50-£300 | £550-£900 | £650-£1,050 | £1,000-£1,600 |
| East of England | £80-£350 | £600-£1,000 | £700-£1,100 | £1,100-£1,700 |
| Wales | £80-£350 | £650-£1,050 | £750-£1,150 | £1,100-£1,700 |
| Scotland (Lowlands) | £30-£250 | £500-£850 | £600-£1,000 | £900-£1,500 |
| Scotland (Highlands) | N/A (mostly off-grid) | £500-£900 | £600-£1,000 | £900-£1,500 |
Estimates for a typical 3-bed home with average insulation. Savings on standard electricity tariff; smart tariffs increase savings by £200-£400. Savings vs gas assume COP 3.0 and current Ofgem prices.
Key insight: the "replacing gas" savings are modest on standard tariffs because current electricity-to-gas price ratios are unfavourable. On smart tariffs, gas replacement savings increase by £200-£400. With solar panels, savings increase further. And over 20 years, the lifetime cost comparison decisively favours heat pumps.
The Biggest Factor: What You Currently Burn
Savings Hotspots: Where the Money Is
The postcodes with the highest savings potential share common characteristics: off-grid locations with expensive fuel, combined with mild climates for good heat pump efficiency.
- Devon and Cornwall (EX, PL, TR postcodes): High off-grid proportion, mild climate (COP 3.0-3.5), strong BUS uptake. Savings: £600-£1,100/year replacing oil.
- Rural Wales (SA, LD, SY postcodes): 25% off-grid, BUS grant available, growing installer base. Savings: £650-£1,150/year replacing oil/LPG.
- East Anglia (NR, IP, PE postcodes): Significant oil heating, moderate climate. Savings: £600-£1,000/year replacing oil.
- Scottish Highlands (IV, KW, PH postcodes): 40%+ off-grid, HES grants (up to £15,000 grant+loan). Savings: £500-£900/year plus best grant support.
- Northumberland/Cumbria (NE, CA postcodes): Significant oil/LPG heating. Savings: £550-£900/year replacing fossil fuel.
Check your specific savings
Check Your Home's SuitabilityFactors in your location, fuel type, and home details. Free, 2 minutes.
The Four Factors Explained
Factor 1: Current Fuel Type (50-70% of savings variation)
Oil costs 65-70p/litre (approximately 7p/kWh at 85% efficiency = 8.2p/kWh of heat). LPG costs 50-60p/litre (approximately 9-10p/kWh of heat). A heat pump at COP 3.0 on a smart tariff costs approximately 4p/kWh of heat. The saving is enormous for off-grid homes.
Factor 2: Climate (5-10% of savings variation)
Milder areas (south-west, south-east) achieve COP 3.0-3.5. Colder areas (Scotland, northern England) achieve COP 2.6-3.0. This 5-10% efficiency difference translates to £50-£100/year in running costs — a small factor compared to fuel type, as our UK heat map shows.
Factor 3: Regional Installation Costs (5-15% variation)
Labour rates in London and the south-east are 10-15% higher than in the north or Wales. Equipment costs are national. After the BUS grant, this translates to approximately £300-£700 difference in net installation cost.
Factor 4: Grant Availability
England and Wales: £7,500 BUS grant (uniform). Scotland: up to £7,500 grant + £7,500 interest-free loan through Home Energy Scotland. Northern Ireland: separate scheme. Scotland offers the best financial support for heat pump installation.
Regional Grant Differences
| Nation | Grant | Additional Support | Max Total Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | £7,500 BUS | ECO4 (insulation), local grants | £7,500 + variable |
| Wales | £7,500 BUS | Nest scheme (eligible homes) | £7,500 + variable |
| Scotland | £7,500 HES grant | £7,500 interest-free loan | £15,000 |
| Northern Ireland | Separate scheme | NIHE grants available | Variable |
Get your personalised savings estimate
Calculate Your SavingsMore accurate than postcode averages. Based on your actual home. Free, 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save in my area?
It depends on your current fuel more than location. Off-grid homes save £500-£1,100+/year. Gas homes save £50-£600/year depending on tariff. Use our calculator for your specific estimate.
Does my postcode affect costs?
Slightly — 5-15% variation in labour rates and 5-10% in efficiency from climate. The BUS grant is uniform across England and Wales.
Which postcodes save most?
Off-grid areas: south-west England (EX, PL, TR), rural Wales (SA, LD), East Anglia (NR, IP), and Scottish Highlands (IV, KW).
How accurate are postcode estimates?
Reasonable starting point but not personalised. For accurate figures, use our calculator or get quotes from MCS installers.
Are grants different by region?
BUS (£7,500) is uniform in England/Wales. Scotland offers up to £15,000 (grant + loan). Northern Ireland has separate provision.
Do heat pumps work in all postcodes?
Yes — effectively in every UK location. Performance varies by 5-10% between mildest and coldest areas, well within efficient operating range.
Your Local Heat Pump Opportunity
Heat pumps save money in every UK postcode — the amount varies by current fuel type and location. The BUS grant makes switching affordable everywhere. Running costs favour heat pumps especially with smart tariffs. Combining with solar panels maximises savings regardless of location. Check your personalised estimate to see exactly what switching would mean for your home.