Commercial Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are the main route to low-carbon heating for most commercial buildings. We help you choose between air-to-air and air-to-water, then design, install and maintain the right system.
Efficient heating for a lower-carbon building.
A heat pump moves heat from the outside air into the building rather than burning fuel to create it. Because it moves heat, it can deliver several kilowatts of heat for every kilowatt of electricity it uses, which is a big part of why heat pumps are central to the UK’s plans for decarbonising buildings.
For commercial clients, heat pumps can reduce carbon emissions, support net zero and ESG commitments, improve EPC ratings and, depending on tariffs and existing plant, reduce running costs. Many systems also provide cooling.
Two different technologies for different jobs.
| Air-to-air heat pumps | Air-to-water (air source) heat pumps | |
|---|---|---|
| How heat is delivered | Warm or cool air through indoor units | Hot water to radiators, underfloor heating or air handling units |
| Cooling | Yes, as standard | Only with specific equipment and emitters |
| Hot water | No | Yes, with a cylinder |
| Typical uses | Offices, retail, hospitality, meeting rooms, server rooms | Buildings with wet heating systems, hot water demand, schools, care settings |
| Disruption | Usually lower, with small refrigerant pipes | Can involve emitter upgrades and plant room changes |
Many buildings benefit from a hybrid approach, such as VRF for offices and an air source heat pump for hot water.
What we look at before recommending a heat pump.
- Current heating system, fuel, age and running costs
- Heat loss of the building and how it’s used through the day and week
- Electrical supply capacity and any upgrade needed
- Emitters: whether existing radiators can work at lower flow temperatures
- Hot water demand and storage
- Outdoor plant space, noise and planning
- Funding routes, tax treatment and payback, which you should confirm with your accountant
Planning a commercial project?
Site surveys, written proposals and maintenance contracts across East Anglia.
Common questions
Are heat pumps suitable for commercial buildings?
Yes, for most building types. The right type and size depends on heat loss, use pattern, emitters and electrical capacity.
Do heat pumps work in winter?
Yes. Modern units are designed to keep heating efficiently through typical UK winters.
Can a heat pump cool as well as heat?
Air-to-air systems, including VRF, heat and cool as standard. Air-to-water systems generally focus on heating and hot water.
Are there grants for commercial heat pumps?
Funding schemes change regularly, and most current household grants don’t apply to commercial premises. Public sector bodies may have access to dedicated decarbonisation funding. Check the latest position before planning around a grant.
Commercial air conditioning and heat pumps across East Anglia
We work with businesses, public sector organisations, landlords and main contractors across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, from single-site offices to multi-site estates.
Tell us about your site.
Share a few details about the building, the work and your timescales. We’ll respond during working hours to arrange a call or site survey.
- 0330 520 2935
- info@anglianaircon.co.uk
- Mon–Fri, 8am–5.30pm
- Covering East Anglia