Do Heat Pumps Work in Small Flats or Apartments?

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

• Yes, they can! Modern compact and low-noise heat pumps are specifically designed for flats and apartments.

• The main challenges are finding space for the outdoor unit (a balcony often works) and getting permission from your landlord or managing agent.

• You don't need a garden. Balcony-mounted, split-system, and even all-in-one units are now viable options for small spaces.

• Grants are available. Flat owners may still qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

• Next Step: The best first move is to get a feasibility assessment from an installer experienced in apartment installations.

Air Source Heat Pumps for Flats: Your Ultimate UK Apartment Guide (2025)

Think your flat is too small for a Air Source heat pump? Think again. For years, renters and apartment owners across the UK have watched the green heating revolution from the sidelines, assuming heat pumps were only for houses with gardens.

The truth is, modern air source heat pump technology is perfectly suited for many flats and apartments. With the right planning and a few clever solutions, you can ditch expensive electric heating or gas bills and enjoy efficient, low-carbon warmth.

This guide cuts through the confusion, showing you exactly how a heat pump can work in your flat, what the hurdles are, and how to overcome them.

"But Where Would It Even Go?" Solving the Space Puzzle

The biggest question for flat dwellers is where to put the outdoor unit. Unlike a house, you don't have a garden. But you likely have one of these:

• A Balcony: This is the most common and perfect location. The unit can be mounted on a wall or placed discreetly in a corner.

• A Flat Roof: Many apartment blocks have accessible flat roofs that are an ideal, out-of-sight location.

• A Designated External Wall: Some buildings may allow a unit to be mounted on a sturdy external wall, often at the rear of the building.

The key is to choose a compact, modern unit designed for such spaces. These are quieter and more aesthetically pleasing than older models.

The Real Hurdles (And How to Clear Them)

While space is the first question, these are the next critical challenges:

1. Getting Permission

This is often the biggest barrier. You will almost certainly need permission from your:

• Landlord (if you rent)

• Freeholder or Managing Agent (if you own your leasehold flat)

• Local Planning Department (if your building is listed or in a conservation area)

How to tackle it: Come prepared. Present a professional plan from a certified installer (like Air Source Company) that details the chosen unit's size, noise levels, and exact location to reassure them.

2. Ensuring Good Insulation

Flats are often warmer than houses as you have neighbours on most sides. However, poor insulation will make any heating system inefficient. Check for draughty windows and consider secondary glazing if double glazing isn't present.

3. Updating Your Heat Emitters

Most heat pumps work best with larger surface areas to emit their lower-temperature heat. Your existing radiators might need to be upgraded to larger ones or low-temperature convector models to ensure your flat gets lovely and warm.

What Are the Best Heat Pump Options for Flats?

You have several great choices, each with their own benefits:

Option	Best For	Pros	Cons
Balcony-Mounted Monobloc	Flats with a decent-sized balcony.	Simple installation, all refrigerant is outdoors.	Uses a small amount of balcony space.
Split System (Small Outdoor Unit)	Flats with a small balcony or roof space.	Very compact outdoor unit.	Requires a refrigerant pipe run inside (needs careful planning).
High-Temperature Heat Pumps	Flats where changing radiators is difficult.	Can often work with existing radiator sizes.	Slightly less efficient than standard models.
Hybrid System	A great first step or for listed buildings.	Boosts efficiency, works with existing system.	Still uses a gas boiler sometimes.

Customer Story: A Balcony Installation in Birmingham

"I live in a first-floor apartment with a small balcony and thought a heat pump was impossible. Air Source Company suggested a compact, ultra-quiet model that fits perfectly in the corner. They handled all the communication with our building's management company and secured the permission. Now, my heating bills are half what they were with my old storage heaters, and the system is so quiet we can still enjoy our balcony."— Ben Carter, Birmingham

About Air Source Company

At Air Source Company, we're specialists in solving the unique heating challenges of Midlands apartment dwellers. We understand the complexities of leasehold agreements, managing agent negotiations, and maximizing efficiency in compact spaces. Our MCS-certification ensures your installation is grant-eligible and performed to the highest standard, giving you and your building management complete confidence.

Ready to see if your flat is a candidate for a modern heat pump?

You don't need to figure it out alone. Our experts specialize in finding innovative solutions for apartments and navigating the permission process.

👉 Book a Free, No-Obligation Feasibility Assessment Today!

We'll review your building's layout, discuss options for outdoor unit placement, and give you a clear, honest pathway to cleaner, cheaper heating. See if you qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.

Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)

Can you have a heat pump in an apartment?

Yes, you can absolutely have a heat pump in an apartment. Using compact, balcony-mounted units or systems designed for small external spaces, many flats are excellent candidates for air source heat pumps, provided there is a suitable location for the outdoor unit and the necessary permissions are granted.

Do you need permission to install a heat pump in a flat?

Yes, you almost always need permission to install a heat pump in a flat. You must get approval from your landlord (if renting) or your building's freeholder/managing agent (if you own the leasehold). This is because the installation involves placing a unit on external or shared property.

Where do you put a heat pump in a flat?

The most common place to put a heat pump in a flat is on a balcony, mounted on the wall or placed discreetly in a corner. Other options include on a flat roof or on a designated sturdy external wall on the property, depending on the building's layout and rules.

Are heat pumps efficient for flats?

Heat pumps can be very efficient for flats. Apartments often benefit from shared walls with neighbours, which reduces heat loss. When paired with good insulation and appropriately sized radiators, a heat pump can be significantly more efficient and cheaper to run than traditional electric heating or a gas boiler.

Can you get a grant for a heat pump in a flat?

Yes, flat owners can get a grant for a heat pump. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers up to £7,500 off the cost of an air source heat pump, and this grant is available for flats as well as houses, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and the installation is performed by an MCS-certified installer.