Remote heat pumps: Exploring the UK's heat pump strategy

450K annual installations by 2030. That’s the target for heat pump installations in the government’s Warm Homes Plan

28.05.2026

450K annual installations by 2030. That’s the target for heat pump installations in the government’s Warm Homes Plan.

If the industry is to achieve this goal, there must be an understanding of common, easy to overcome challenges, like aesthetics, that may be holding homeowners back, particularly when looking at heritage buildings and older housing stock.

With this understanding should come a greater consideration and awareness of remote positioning in the UK’s installation strategy. Equipping installers with the right innovations and knowledge to install these systems effectively, and to confidently quote for these solutions, will keep the UK’s green transition from faltering.

Overcoming aesthetics

125K installations were recorded in 2025, up 27% on 2024¹, according to the Heat Pump Association. The word on heat pumps being a successful source of low-carbon heating is obviously catching. But the ambition of 450K by 2030 is still distant – and reduced from the previous goal of 600K per year by 2028.

So, why the difference?

Kerb appeal is one hurdle. For some homeowners, there is the simple concern of a heat pump unit detracting from the attractiveness of a property, despite the advantage of it providing cost-effective heating. There may also be more restrictions and further considerations for certain properties, such as those near conservation areas as well.

Another issue is the non-universal application of the standard heat pump set up. Usually, a heat pump requires enough outdoor space next to the property to ensure adequate air flow for the system. Noise could also be considered another barrier to heat pump installations. However, with innovation this is becoming less of an issue, with many operating at similar levels to a refrigerator. More heat pump units are also being designed be smaller and work vertically.

But the challenges of aesthetics and air flow cannot be overcome alone with these advancements. Instead, the industry needs to be more flexible with heat pump positioning and offer an alternative solution: remote heat pumps.

Rise of the remote heat pump

Remote heat pumps work the same as heat pumps located next to a property, but the outdoor unit is located further away. For example, at the end of a garden or alongside a garage. Specialist underground pipework is then necessary to transfer heat from the heat pump to the house. Installers are then faced with the challenge of how to efficiently transfer heat to the property.

This is where pre-insulated pipework comes in, providing a dedicated underground pipe system for heat transfer from the heat pump to the property. These engineered systems minimise heat loss, protect against environmental damage and, most importantly for installers, are straightforward in their installation.

Because the role of the installer cannot be overlooked if we’re to achieve 450K annual installations. It’s important these innovative solutions offer installers a practical solution that can be installed without specialist tooling or extensive training.

How they work

Pre-insulated pipework offers a specialist solution for underground heat transfer. These are pipes that consist of a carrier pipe, insulation, and an outer casing. Solutions are available with either PU foam or PEX foam sheet insulation. For remote heat pump applications, PEX solutions are most frequently selected due to their higher flexibility and ease of installation.

Another important factor is material reliability, polymer pipework is corrosion resistant, a significant advantage compared to alternative materials. This provides the homeowner with a high level of protection against any potential underground damage that would necessitate costly groundwork to be remedied.

Innovations like REHAU’s RAUVITHERM can be installed without specialist tools by using male BSP screw fittings for connections, creating even more simplicity and ease for installers.

Looking to the future

The benefits of low carbon heating should be available to as many homeowners as possible. Remote heat pumps allow this to be a reality, even for homeowners with potential aesthetic and noise concerns. Installers don’t have to be put off from quoting if a homeowner can’t have or doesn’t want a heat pump close to their house but can instead offer to install the system further away, thanks to pre-insulated pipework that will connect the heat pump to the property.

Remote heat pumps used in conjunction with this specialist solution is a best-case scenario for all involved. Homeowners can be confident in the energy and cost savings heat pumps bring, and installers can be confident in delivering a system that will stand the test of time.