Octopus Energy Heat Pump

Should You Get an Octopus Energy Heat Pump?

Octopus Energy are now one of the largest heat pump installers in the UK.

This isn’t a typical review.

It’s a full breakdown of how Octopus heat pump installs actually work, from first enquiry through to real-world performance.

Everything here is based on a detailed interview with the team behind Octopus heat pumps, alongside supporting data and real-world examples.

Part of a wider guide

This page is part of a broader guide to choosing a trusted heat pump installer.

If you want to understand what to look for before comparing companies, start here: How to Choose a Heat Pump Installer.

Or view the full shortlist here:
Trusted Heat Pump Installers (hub page)

Get the £100 Octopus heat pump referral

👉 https://tech.referrals.octopus.energy/ucMTeP8d

You’ll receive a £100 gift card when your installation completes. I receive the same.

Not ready yet? The full breakdown continues below.

Watch the full interview

Watch this interview with TJ Root from Octopus Energy on the Energy Unwrapped Podcast.

Octopus Heat Pumps: Quick Summary

Best for

• Standard UK homes
• Straightforward installs
• People who want a simple, end-to-end process

Strengths

• Competitive pricing through scale
• Clear, structured journey from quote to install
• Access to real-world performance data
• Proven, standardised design approach (typically ~50°C flow temperature)

Watch out for

• Early quotes can differ from final design after survey
• Standard approach may need adapting for more complex homes

Don’t want the detail? This is the short version. The full breakdown is below.

How the Octopus process works

Initial enquiry

The process usually starts online with a few basic details about your home.

Octopus may use existing data, including past energy usage, to generate an early estimate.

These early figures are only a starting point.

Remote assessment

Before visiting your home, Octopus may carry out a remote assessment using modelling and assumptions.

This helps provide a quick quote, but it’s not the final design.

Initial estimates can vary depending on assumptions around insulation, air tightness and how the home is used.

In-person survey

This is where things become more accurate.

A surveyor visits your home to:

• Measure each room
• Assess insulation and construction
• Check radiators and pipework
• Review space for the heat pump and cylinder

All heat pump installs must follow MCS design standards, so this step is essential.

Final design

This is the most important stage.

The final design will:

• Confirm heat loss (whole house and room by room)
• Size the heat pump correctly
• Identify radiator upgrades if needed
• Check pipework can handle required flow rates

Early estimates are often refined at this stage once real measurements are taken.

Design approach

Octopus have built their installs around a standardised approach.

This includes:

• Their own Cosy heat pump
• Repeatable system designs
• A focus on reducing upfront cost and complexity

Typical flow temperature

Octopus typically design systems around a flow temperature of around 50°C.

This is a deliberate balance between:

• upfront cost (fewer radiator upgrades)
• and efficiency (lower temperatures improve performance)

Lower flow temperatures are possible, but usually require more changes to radiators and higher upfront cost.

What this means in practice

• Faster installs
• Lower upfront costs
• More consistent outcomes

But also:

• Less flexibility for unusual properties
• A design approach that may need adjusting for more complex homes

Installation

Octopus handle the full installation process.

A typical install involves multiple trades:

• A lead installer (often with heating background)
• A plumber
• An electrician

This reflects the mix of heating, plumbing and electrical work involved in a heat pump install.

What gets installed

• Outdoor heat pump unit
• Hot water cylinder (if needed)
• Pipework changes
• Electrical upgrades where required

Noise and placement

The Cosy heat pump is designed to meet UK MCS noise limits.

In most cases, noise isn’t an issue, but placement still matters, especially near neighbours.

Performance & data

One of Octopus’ biggest strengths is access to real-world performance data.

They publish live data from thousands of installed systems here:
https://octopus.energy/cosy-heat-pump-performance/

You can also compare systems independently here:
https://heatpumpmonitor.org/

Why this matters

Most installers don’t show real performance data, Octopus do.

That means you can see how systems actually perform in real homes, not just lab conditions.

Costs & running

Octopus are known for competitive pricing, driven by:

• scale
• standardisation
• in-house processes

They also integrate closely with smart time of use tariffs.

I also wrote an article called Best Heat Pump Tariff that you may find useful.

Running costs in practice

Running costs depend on more than just efficiency.

How you run the system and which tariff you use can make a bigger difference than the headline COP figure.

A system with a slightly lower COP can still be cheaper to run if it makes better use of off-peak electricity.

My take

Octopus Energy are one of the easiest routes into a heat pump right now.

Their approach is built around standardisation, scale and real-world data, which works well for a large number of homes.

If your home is fairly standard, they’re hard to ignore.

But standardisation has limits.

If your home is more complex, or needs a more tailored design, it’s worth looking more closely at how the system will be specified.

Octopus Heat Pump FAQ

Is the Octopus heat pump any good?

For most standard UK homes, yes. Octopus focus on a consistent, well-tested approach to design and installation, backed by real-world performance data from thousands of systems. Their strength is combining a clear process, competitive pricing and ongoing optimisation, rather than highly bespoke designs for every property.

How much does an Octopus heat pump cost?

Costs vary depending on the home, but Octopus are generally positioned as one of the more competitive options in the market due to their scale and standardised installs. The final price depends on factors like radiator upgrades, cylinder requirements and any electrical work needed.

How much does it cost to install an Octopus heat pump?

Installation costs depend on the property and system design. A straightforward install with minimal changes will be cheaper, while homes needing radiator upgrades, pipework changes or a new cylinder will cost more. Government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can significantly reduce the upfront cost.

How does an Octopus heat pump work?

It works like any air source heat pump, extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it into your home. The key difference is how it runs, delivering lower temperature heat more steadily over longer periods, rather than short bursts of high heat like a gas boiler.

Are Octopus heat pumps noisy?

In most cases, no. The Cosy heat pump meets UK MCS noise limits, and most customers report that noise isn’t an issue. However, it is a different type of sound compared to a boiler, so some people notice it more at first. Good placement helps minimise any impact.

How long does an Octopus heat pump installation take?

The physical installation typically takes a few days, depending on the complexity of the job. The overall process, including quote, survey and scheduling, can take longer, especially during busy periods.

Do Octopus heat pumps require maintenance?

Maintenance is relatively low. Octopus offer an optional service plan, but there is no strict annual servicing requirement tied to the warranty. Because they can monitor system performance remotely, issues can often be identified without regular manual checks.

Does an Octopus heat pump include new radiators?

Not always. Existing radiators are assessed during the survey. If they are large enough to work efficiently at lower temperatures, they can stay. If not, some radiators may need upgrading as part of the install.

Why are Octopus heat pump quotes sometimes higher than others?

Early quotes are based on assumptions about insulation, air tightness and usage. These can vary between installers. Octopus design to MCS standards, which include specific indoor temperatures and conditions, so initial estimates can appear higher but are often refined after the in-person survey.

What flow temperature do Octopus heat pumps use?

Octopus typically design systems around a flow temperature of around 50°C. This balances upfront cost and efficiency. Lower temperatures can improve efficiency, but usually require more radiator upgrades and higher installation costs.

Do Octopus heat pumps work with existing pipework?

In many cases, yes. Existing pipework is assessed during the survey and used where possible. However, some systems may need upgrades if the pipework cannot handle the higher flow rates required by a heat pump.

Do you need a hot water cylinder with an Octopus heat pump?

Yes, heat pumps generally require a hot water cylinder to store heated water. This is different from combi boiler systems, which produce hot water on demand.

Can you keep your existing hot water cylinder?

Often, yes. Octopus will check whether your current cylinder is suitable. In many cases it can be reused, depending on its size, condition and compatibility with the system.

Do you have to be an Octopus Energy customer?

No. You can have an Octopus heat pump installed without being an Octopus Energy customer, and you are free to choose or change your energy supplier afterwards.

What warranty do Octopus heat pumps come with?

The standard warranty is typically around eight years. This covers the heat pump itself, giving reassurance over the long-term reliability of the system.

Do Octopus heat pumps need servicing every year?

There is no strict requirement for annual servicing to maintain the warranty. However, Octopus offer an optional service plan if you prefer regular checks and maintenance.

Can you run an Octopus heat pump like a normal heating system?

Yes. While heat pumps are most efficient when running steadily, you can still run them in a way that suits your lifestyle. Some people use time-of-use tariffs to preheat and coast, while others prioritise constant comfort and run them more like a traditional system.

Are Octopus heat pumps suitable for older homes?

Yes, but it depends on the property. Older homes may need more upgrades, such as larger radiators or improved insulation, to get the best performance. A proper survey is key to understanding what’s required.

Are Octopus heat pumps worth it compared to other installers?

They offer a strong balance of price, process and performance, especially for standard homes. However, for more complex properties, it’s worth comparing how different installers approach system design before making a decision.