Are Devon homes good candidates for heat pumps?

Many are good candidates. Homes on oil heating see the largest savings from switching to a heat pump, and the mild South West climate helps efficiency.

How much could I save switching from oil in Devon?

For a home using 9,000–16,000 kWh of heat a year, oil (about 11.4p/kWh in October 2026, 85%-efficient boiler) costs about £1,210–£2,150 a year, against about £740–£1,320 for a heat pump at the price-capped electricity rate: a saving of about £470–£830 a year. Off-gas-grid oil homes in England and Wales can get a £9,000 BUS grant until 31 March 2027, bringing the median net cost to about £3,900 and payback against replacing a working oil boiler to about 5–8 years.

Do rural Devon properties suit ground source heat pumps?

Rural properties with large gardens are ideal for ground source systems, which are more efficient than air source. While installation costs are higher (£15,000–£35,000 before grant), the long-term running costs are lower.

What about listed Devon properties?

Devon has many listed buildings. Air source heat pumps may need listed building consent for outdoor unit placement. Ground source heat pumps are invisible once installed, making them a good option where visual impact matters.

Heat Pumps in Exeter

Independently written

Exeter and the wider Devon region benefit from mild South West winters, and many rural homes are off the gas grid. Switching from oil saves about £470–£830 a year on fuel at October 2026 prices, and off-gas-grid oil and LPG homes in England and Wales can get a £9,000 BUS grant until 31 March 2027.

Figures from Ofgem, DESNZ & GOV.UKNo obligationNot an installer

UK semi-detached houses typical of the local area suitable for heat pump installation

Exeter at a glance

5.5°C

Average winter temperature

Source: Met Office

2080

Heating degree days

Source: Regional data

£855/yr

Est. heat pump running cost

Source: Ofgem rates Q1 2026

£87/yr

Est. saving vs gas

Source: Calculated

Housing in Exeter

Mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and modern properties. The wider Devon area includes many rural homes on oil heating — prime candidates for heat pumps.

Heat pump costs in Exeter

An air source heat pump in Exeter typically costs £8,000–£15,000 before the £7,500 BUS grant. After the grant, most Exeter homeowners pay £500–£7,500.

Running costs depend on your property size and insulation. For a typical 3-bed semi in Exeter, expect to pay around £855 per year to run a heat pump — compared to £942 for gas heating. That's a saving of approximately £87 per year.

Exeter's mild climate means lower heating demand and higher heat pump efficiency — you'll get more heat per unit of electricity here than in colder regions.

Air source heat pump installed at a semi-detached house in the local area

Thinking about a heat pump for your home?

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Planning a heat pump in Exeter? Check your costs and suitability first

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Exeter heat pump FAQs

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