Last night’s discussion on The One Show highlighted a topic we’re already seeing momentum behind at BWC — heat pumps are no longer a future idea, they’re happening now.
We spoke to Ben Williams, Managing Director of BWC, about why more homeowners are choosing heat pumps when designing or renovating their homes, and why now is the moment to act.
“When clients come to us to design their dream home, they’re thinking long-term,” Ben explains. “They want homes that are efficient, sustainable, and future-ready — not systems they’ll need to replace again in a few years.”
Across Europe, this approach is already well established. In Norway, around two-thirds of homes use heat pumps, showing they work reliably even in extreme cold.
“Heat pumps extract heat from the air outside and use it to heat your home and water. Even in very cold temperatures, there’s still usable heat energy,” Ben says. “They’re extremely efficient — producing around three units of heat for every unit of electricity used.”
“For us, future-proofing is about getting the plumbing and heating system right from the very start,” Ben explains. “That means designing homes around low-temperature heating systems, so they’re ready to take a heat pump in the future without major upheaval or costly changes later on.”
Lower system temperatures allow heat pumps to run far more efficiently, while still delivering the same level of comfort throughout the home. “The lower the system temperature, the better the efficiency — as long as the temperature difference across the system remains right,” Ben adds. “It’s a smarter way to build now, so homes are genuinely ready for what’s coming next.”
“Yes — and that’s why people are choosing them,” Ben adds. “A well-designed system can reduce heating emissions by up to 70% and cut energy bills by 30–40%.”
Many BWC clients are pairing heat pumps with solar panels, resulting in fully electric homes with no gas supply and far more predictable energy costs.
“One of the biggest myths is that heat pumps aren’t suitable for most homes — that simply isn’t true,” Ben explains. “Most properties can accommodate one. You just need sensible design and proper installation.”
Modern heat pumps are also quiet, reliable, and require similar servicing to gas boilers when installed by qualified engineers.
“Right now, homeowners can access up to £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme,” Ben says. “That incentive changes the conversation. It won’t be around forever.”
“The reality is we will all have heat pumps eventually. Our clients are choosing to do it now — while the financial support is there and while they’re already investing in their homes.”
Thinking about future-proofing your home? Get in touch with us today.
