If you’re weighing up a heat pump for your home in central Scotland, you’ve probably noticed that advice varies a lot depending on who’s giving it — and that some will tell you your home needs to be super insulated first. In a recent talk at the BE-ST International Retrofit Conference, Chris Carus shared his views on who is best placed to get a heat pump and in what kind of building.

Chris recorded his talk for a wider audience here.

Chris delivered a clear core message: you do not need an expensive deep retrofit before installing a heat pump. Instead, good design determines whether a heat pump works well and saves you money. You need an accurate heat loss survey, correctly sized radiators, and low flow temperatures. When you pair good design with the right moment—like moving house or replacing a dying boiler—the numbers often add up.

He also mapped out where most Scottish homeowners sit on the technology adoption curve. Crucially, independent advice—not installer sales pitches or outdated academic papers—will give people the confidence to make the switch.

If you are considering a heat pump, this video offers our honest view of the current landscape. Want advice tailored to your home? Loco Home provides independent guidance with zero obligation to buy. Call or enquire.