The best air source heat pumps for older homes (2026)
For an older home that keeps its radiators, look for a high maximum flow temperature and a strong SCOP at 55°C. The LG Therma V R290 Monobloc 12kW reaches 75°C, with a SCOP of 3.86 at 55°C.
Get 3 free quotes from local MCS installersTakes 60 seconds, no obligation.Ranked: top 12 models
| # | Model | Size | Max flow temp (SCOP at 55°C) | Sound power | Installed price (before grant) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LG Therma V R290 Monobloc 12kW | 12 kW | 75°C (3.86) | 49 dB(A) | Price on quote |
| 2 | LG Therma V R290 Monobloc 9kW | 9 kW | 75°C (3.75) | 50 dB(A) | Price on quote |
| 3 | NIBE S2125-12 | 12 kW | 75°C (3.71) | 49 dB(A) | Price on quote |
| 4 | Vaillant aroTHERM plus 12kW | 12 kW | 75°C (3.63) | 60 dB(A) | £11,000 - £16,000 |
| 5 | NIBE S2125-8 | 8 kW | 75°C (3.59) | 49 dB(A) | Price on quote |
| 6 | Panasonic Aquarea L Series 9kW | 9 kW | 75°C (3.57) | 54 dB(A) | Price on quote |
| 7 | Panasonic Aquarea T-CAP M Series 12kW | 12 kW | 75°C (3.55) | 53 dB(A) | Price on quote |
| 8 | Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan R290 8.5kW | 8.5 kW | 75°C (3.51) | 54 dB(A) | £9,000 - £13,000 |
| 9 | Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan R290 10kW | 10 kW | 75°C (3.48) | 55 dB(A) | £10,000 - £14,000 |
| 10 | Vaillant aroTHERM plus 7kW | 7 kW | 75°C (3.39) | 55 dB(A) | £10,000 - £14,000 |
| 11 | Worcester Bosch Compress 5800i AW 7kW | 7 kW | 75°C (3.29) | 42 dB(A) | £9,000 - £13,500 |
| 12 | Daikin Altherma 3 H HT 14kW | 14 kW | 70°C (3.54) | 54 dB(A) | £10,000 - £14,000 |
SCOP and sound power from MCS product listings and manufacturer data; maximum flow temperature as the maker publishes it. Installed prices are modelled before the grant; your quote depends on your home. Last checked 2026-10-20.
What to look for
- A higher maximum flow temperature lets a heat pump work with smaller existing radiators on the coldest days, often avoiding a full radiator upgrade.
- Running hot costs efficiency, so the SCOP at 55°C is the number to compare for these homes, not the 35°C headline.
- Insulation and a few larger radiators usually pay back: they let any model run cooler and cheaper.
Compare the leaders head to head
LG Therma V vs NIBE S2125SCOP, sound, price and warranty side by sideLG Therma V vs Vaillant aroTHERM plusSCOP, sound, price and warranty side by sideLG Therma V vs Panasonic AquareaSCOP, sound, price and warranty side by sideNIBE S2125 vs Vaillant aroTHERM plusSCOP, sound, price and warranty side by sideNIBE S2125 vs Panasonic AquareaSCOP, sound, price and warranty side by sideVaillant aroTHERM plus vs Panasonic AquareaSCOP, sound, price and warranty side by side
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