Best Radiators for Heat Pumps: A Complete Guide

A heat pump operates most efficiently at low flow temperatures — typically 35–45°C compared to 65–75°C for a gas boiler. At these lower temperatures, each degree lower on your flow temperature increases your heat pump’s efficiency (COP) by roughly 2–3%.

The catch is that radiators designed for 70°C flow temperatures produce less heat when the water is only 40°C. The solution is either larger radiators with more surface area or underfloor heating — or often a combination of both.

Double-panel double-convector (Type 22): The most common upgrade choice. They have twice the surface area of single-panel radiators and are widely available in standard sizes. Often, simply swapping a single-panel radiator for a double-panel in the same space is enough.

Fan-assisted radiators: These have a small fan that forces air over the fins, dramatically increasing heat output at low flow temperatures. Brands like Jaga and Myson produce excellent models. They are particularly useful in rooms where space is tight.

Underfloor heating: The gold standard for heat pump systems. UFH operates at even lower temperatures (30–35°C), maximising your heat pump’s COP. It is easiest to install during renovations but can also be retrofitted in some cases.

Aluminium radiators: Heat up faster than steel and can deliver more output per kilogram. They are a premium choice but can be worth it in key rooms.

Not necessarily. During our survey, we calculate the heat loss for every room and check whether each existing radiator can deliver enough heat at the design flow temperature. In our experience:

• About 30–40% of radiators in a typical home can stay as they are. • Another 30–40% need upsizing — usually to the next size up or to a double-panel. • Around 20–30% might benefit from a change of type (e.g., adding a fan-assisted unit in a small bathroom).

We include all necessary radiator upgrades in our fixed-price quote so there are no surprises.