Interactive Diagnostic Tool

Do I Need New Radiators for a Heat Pump?

Test your home's thermal characteristics in 30 seconds to discover whether you can keep your existing radiators, how many might need upsizing, and which heat pump technology fits your property best.

1. When was your property built?

2. What type of radiators do you currently have?

3. Glazing Status

🟡 Minor Upgrades Only: 80%–90% Radiators Retained

Your home can easily transition to a heat pump. You may only need to upsize 1 or 2 small single-panel radiators (Type 11) to compact double convector units (Type 22) in your largest living areas.

Recommended Flow Temp: 50°C – 55°C

Estimated Emitter Work: 1–2 Radiators (~£120 each)

Recommended Heat Pump Tech: Vaillant aroTHERM Plus (R290) or Mitsubishi Ecodan

Book a Full Room-by-Room Heat Loss & Radiator Survey

Connect with an accredited MCS heating design engineer to measure your home's exact heat loss and specify the optimal flow temperature.

How Radiator Sizing Physics Works

Traditional gas boilers blast water at 75°C for 20 minutes, turn off, and let rooms cool down. Heat pumps run continuously and gently at 45°C–55°C.

Radiator Type	Internal Construction	Heat Output @ 50°C Flow	Heat Pump Suitability
Type 11 (Single Convector)	1 front panel + 1 set of rear fins	~450 Watts / metre	Low Output Typically upgraded in colder rooms.
Type 21 (Double Panel Plus)	2 panels + 1 central layer of fins	~750 Watts / metre	Moderate Often acceptable in modern insulated rooms.
Type 22 (Double Convector)	2 panels + 2 internal fin rows	~1,100 Watts / metre	Recommended The Gold Standard: Delivers 2.4× heat output without taking extra wall space.
Underfloor Heating (UFH)	Embedded continuous pipework	Whole floor emits heat	Optimal Maximum SCOP: Runs at 35°C–40°C with peak seasonal efficiency (>5.0).