Dimplex heat pump review 2026: Pricing, Pros & Cons
In this Dimplex heat pump review, we explain what the Dimplex EDGE and wider heat pump range cost, how efficient they are, what the warranty covers and which homes they suit. We also compare Dimplex with popular brands such as Vaillant, Mitsubishi, Daikin and Samsung.
We are EE Renewables Ltd, and air source heat pump installation is all we do. We fit heat pumps for homeowners and landlords across Greater London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff and the wider South of England and South Wales, so this review is based on what we see in real homes.
Dimplex heat pump review: At a Glance
Dimplex heat pumps are well engineered, mid to upper priced units from a long established heating company, with the newer EDGE range offering high temperature R290 performance. Here is everything you need to know at a glance.
| What you need to know | Dimplex air source heat pump |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Glen Dimplex Group, founded in 1973; UK base in Southampton |
| Range | Dimplex EDGE (newest R290 range) and earlier Dimplex air to water models |
| Sizes | Roughly 6kW to 16kW for typical homes |
| Refrigerant | R290 (natural propane) on the EDGE range |
| Maximum flow temperature | Up to around 75°C on the EDGE |
| Efficiency (SCOP) | Around 4.2 to 4.8 at 35°C flow; ErP rating A+++ at low temperature |
| Typical real world efficiency | Around 310% to 400% (3.1 to 4 units of heat per unit of electricity) |
| Unit price (supply only) | Roughly £4,000 to £7,500 depending on size |
| Typical installed cost before grant | Around £10,000 to £15,500 |
| Typical cost after £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant | Around £2,500 to £8,000 |
| Typical annual running cost | Around £780 to £1,050 for an average 3 bed home |
| Warranty | Up to around 7 years with approved installers and registration; check current terms |
| Trustpilot rating (Dimplex) | Mixed, and mostly about electric heaters and fires rather than heat pumps |
| Which? rating | No Which? brand score for Dimplex heat pumps |
| Noise | Roughly 55 to 62 dB(A) sound power; quiet mode available |
| Maintenance | One professional service a year recommended |
| Controls | Dimplex controller and app control with weather compensation |
| Best for | 3 to 4 bed houses, period homes keeping radiators, homes replacing storage heaters |
| Less ideal for | Very tight budgets, or buyers who want the biggest installer network |
On price, Dimplex sits a step above mid range brands like Ideal, Grant and Baxi and just below premium names like Viessmann, NIBE and Stiebel Eltron.
Are Dimplex heat pumps worth it?
Dimplex heat pumps are worth it for homeowners and landlords who want a well built, high temperature R290 heat pump from an established heating company, especially in homes that want to keep their existing radiators. They cost more than mid range brands, and the installer network is smaller than those of Vaillant or Mitsubishi, but the EDGE range is a strong all round performer.
The Dimplex EDGE is the company’s newest air source heat pump. It is a monobloc unit that uses natural R290 refrigerant and can reach water temperatures of up to around 75°C. That high temperature output puts it in competition with the Vaillant aroTHERM plus, Ideal Logic Air and Mitsubishi Ecodan R290.
EE Renewables Ltd only provides air source heat pump installation, and we cover Southern England, Greater London, South West England and South Wales, including London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff. If you would like to know whether a Dimplex heat pump suits your home, get in touch today for a heat pump quote tailored to your location.
Pros & Cons of Dimplex heat pumps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long established heating brand with UK base in Southampton | Smaller installer network than Vaillant, Worcester Bosch or Mitsubishi |
| EDGE range uses natural R290 refrigerant | Higher price than mid range brands like Ideal, Grant and Baxi |
| High flow temperatures (around 75°C) help keep existing radiators | Running at high temperatures lowers efficiency and raises bills |
| Strong efficiency figures at low temperatures | Fewer heat pump specific owner reviews to compare |
| Good fit for homes moving off electric storage heaters | Trustpilot feedback mostly relates to heaters and fires |
| Matching cylinders and controls available | Smaller range of sizes than some competitors |
| Decades of heat pump engineering in Europe | Less widely recognised for heat pumps than Daikin or NIBE |
Is a Dimplex Heat Pump Right For Your Property?
Choose Dimplex if…
- You want to keep as many original radiators as possible in an older home, such as a 1930s semi in Southampton or a Victorian terrace in Portsmouth.
- You are replacing electric storage heaters and want a whole house wet heating system.
- You want a natural R290 refrigerant and high temperature performance.
- You prefer a well known heating brand with a UK base in the South.
- You have an installer nearby with Dimplex experience.
Do Not Choose Dimplex If…
- Keeping upfront costs as low as possible is your main goal, where Ideal, Grant or budget brands may suit better.
- You want the biggest possible network of engineers.
- You want a fully bundled app, tariff and installation package like Octopus Cosy 6 or Aira.
- Your home needs more than about 16kW of heat.
- You want plenty of heat pump specific owner reviews before buying.
How efficient are Dimplex heat pumps?
Dimplex heat pumps are highly efficient, with seasonal efficiency (SCOP) figures for the EDGE range of around 4.2 to 4.8 at a 35°C flow temperature. In everyday terms, a Dimplex EDGE can produce over 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses, compared with about 90% efficiency for a modern gas boiler and 100% for an electric storage heater.
SCOP and SPF in plain English
SCOP, or seasonal coefficient of performance, is the average efficiency measured in testing over a heating season. SPF, or seasonal performance factor, is what your heat pump actually achieves once it is fitted in your home. Your MCS installer estimates SPF during the design, and this real world figure is what shapes your bills.
How flow temperature affects a Dimplex heat pump
The hotter the water a heat pump sends to your radiators, the harder it works. The EDGE can reach around 75°C, which helps in older homes, but efficiency falls at higher temperatures. Here is a rough guide:
| Flow temperature | Typical efficiency (approx.) | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| 35°C (underfloor heating, large radiators) | 420% to 480% | Lowest running costs |
| 45°C (some upgraded radiators) | 340% to 390% | A good balance for most homes |
| 55°C (mostly original radiators) | 280% to 320% | Higher bills, still far cheaper than direct electric heating |
| 65°C to 75°C (hot water boosts, very cold days) | 210% to 250% | Use only when needed |
Well designed Dimplex systems in Southern England usually run at 45°C to 50°C and achieve real world efficiency of around 320% to 380%.
How Dimplex compares on efficiency
The Dimplex EDGE sits close to the Vaillant aroTHERM plus, Mitsubishi Ecodan R290 and Ideal Logic Air, all of which also use R290. Premium units like the Viessmann Vitocal 250 A, NIBE S2125 and Stiebel Eltron’s newest models can edge ahead at higher temperatures. Dimplex generally outperforms lower temperature R32 units from Baxi, Gree, Hisense and York when a home needs hotter radiators.
How the mild Southern climate helps
The milder climate in Southern England and South Wales gives every heat pump an easier job. Average winter temperatures in places like Southampton, Bournemouth, Brighton and Cardiff often sit around 5°C to 8°C, helping a Dimplex unit run efficiently across the year.
How much does a Dimplex heat pump cost?
A Dimplex heat pump costs around £10,000 to £15,500 fully installed before grants, and around £2,500 to £8,000 after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant. The unit alone usually costs £4,000 to £7,500. The rest covers the hot water cylinder, pipework, any radiator upgrades, controls, labour and MCS certification.
Dimplex heat pump pricing table
| Model (approx. output) | Typical home size | Unit price (supply only, approx.) | Installed cost before grant (approx.) | Installed cost after £7,500 BUS grant (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimplex EDGE 6kW to 8kW | Well insulated 2 to 3 bed home | £4,000 to £5,000 | £10,000 to £12,000 | £2,500 to £4,500 |
| Dimplex EDGE 10kW to 12kW | Average 3 to 4 bed house | £5,000 to £6,300 | £11,500 to £13,500 | £4,000 to £6,000 |
| Dimplex EDGE 14kW to 16kW | Larger 4 bed or older period home | £6,300 to £7,500 | £13,000 to £15,500 | £5,500 to £8,000 |
What affects your final installation cost
- Radiator upgrades. The EDGE’s high temperature output can reduce the number of upgrades, though some larger radiators may still be needed at £300 to £600 each.
- Hot water cylinder. A new heat pump cylinder usually costs £1,200 to £2,500 fitted.
- Replacing storage heaters. Homes moving from storage heaters need a full set of radiators and pipework, which can add £3,000 to £6,000.
- Location. Labour in central London is usually higher than in places like Winchester, Poole or Newport.
- Pipework. Old or narrow pipes may need upgrading.
Grants and tax savings
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives homeowners and landlords in England and Wales £7,500 off an air source heat pump, paid straight to your MCS certified installer. Heat pump installations also currently benefit from 0% VAT in Great Britain until March 2027.
How Dimplex pricing compares with other brands
Dimplex is usually priced a little above Ideal, Grant, Baxi and Worcester Bosch, and close to the Vaillant aroTHERM plus, Mitsubishi Ecodan and Daikin Altherma. Premium brands like Viessmann, NIBE and Stiebel Eltron often cost £1,000 to £3,000 more. Budget brands such as Midea, Gree, Haier and Hisense are cheaper, while the Octopus Cosy 6 and Aira offer bundled fixed prices.
What are the running costs of a Dimplex heat pump?
The running costs of a Dimplex heat pump are typically around £780 to £1,050 a year for an average 3 bed home in Southern England on a standard electricity tariff. On a dedicated heat pump or time of use tariff, this can fall to around £510 to £680 a year.
A worked example for a typical 3 bed home
A typical 3 bed home needs around 12,000 kWh of heat a year for heating and hot water. Assuming electricity at around 26p per kWh (close to current Ofgem price cap levels, which change every quarter), here is what a Dimplex EDGE would cost to run:
| Real world efficiency (SPF) | Electricity used per year (approx.) | Yearly cost at 26p/kWh (approx.) | Yearly cost on a 17p/kWh heat pump tariff (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 (older radiators, higher flow temperature) | 3,750 kWh | £980 | £640 |
| 3.6 (typical well designed system) | 3,330 kWh | £870 | £570 |
| 4.0 (low flow temperature, good insulation) | 3,000 kWh | £780 | £510 |
How this compares with gas and storage heaters
The same home on a modern gas boiler would use around 13,300 kWh of gas, costing roughly £870 a year plus a gas standing charge of around £100 to £120. Homes heated by electric storage heaters on an Economy 7 tariff often pay far more, typically around £2,000 to £2,500 a year for the same amount of heat, because every unit of heat needs a full unit of electricity. Switching from storage heaters to a Dimplex heat pump could cut heating bills by more than half.
Tips to lower your running costs
- Use weather compensation. It lowers water temperatures on milder days, which is most of the year in the South.
- Keep it low and steady. Heat pumps work best holding a constant temperature.
- Pick a heat pump tariff. Octopus, OVO, EDF and others offer cheaper rates at set times.
- Add solar PV. Solar panels can cover much of your hot water need in spring and summer.
Integrated systems like the Octopus Cosy 6 and Aira automate bill savings through their apps and tariffs. A well set up Dimplex system can deliver very similar results through good design and sensible controls.
What warranty comes with a Dimplex heat pump?
The warranty that comes with a Dimplex heat pump is typically up to around 7 years when the system is fitted by an approved installer, registered with Dimplex and serviced every year. Standard cover is shorter if those conditions are not met, so always check the exact terms on your quote.
How to keep your Dimplex warranty valid
- Use an MCS certified installer who is approved or trained by Dimplex.
- Register the heat pump with Dimplex within the time limit in the warranty terms.
- Book a professional service every 12 months and keep the paperwork.
- Use genuine Dimplex parts for any repairs.
How Dimplex’s warranty compares
| Brand | Typical maximum heat pump warranty (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Dimplex EDGE | Up to around 7 years; check current terms |
| Vaillant aroTHERM plus | Up to 10 years via approved installers |
| Mitsubishi Ecodan | Up to 7 years via accredited installers |
| Daikin Altherma | Up to 7 years via Stand By Me registration |
| Ideal Logic Air | Up to 7 years |
| Viessmann Vitocal | Up to 10 years via approved installers |
| Aira | 15 year package cover including installation |
Dimplex’s warranty is in line with most major brands, though Vaillant, Viessmann and Aira offer longer headline cover. Your MCS installer should also give you a separate workmanship warranty. At EE Renewables, we explain both clearly on every quote.
Which property types are Dimplex heat pumps best suited for?
Dimplex heat pumps are best suited for 3 to 4 bed houses, older homes that want to keep existing radiators, and properties moving away from electric storage heaters. The EDGE’s high temperature output makes it a flexible choice for many of the older homes found across Southern England.
| Property type | How well a Dimplex heat pump suits it | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 3 bed semi detached (1930s to 1970s) | Excellent | Usually a 10kW or 12kW model; fewer radiator upgrades thanks to high flow temperatures |
| Victorian or Edwardian terrace | Very good | High temperature output helps with solid walls and smaller radiators |
| Home with electric storage heaters | Very good | Needs a new wet heating system, but bills can fall dramatically |
| Bungalow | Very good | Space for the outdoor unit and simple pipe runs |
| Large 4 bed detached | Good | The largest models may be needed; check heat loss carefully |
| Modern new build | Good | Works very well, but a cheaper unit may be enough |
| Rental property (landlords) | Good | Strong EPC improvement, especially for storage heater flats and houses |
| Upper floor flats and listed buildings | Limited | Planning, space and noise rules can rule out outdoor units |
Homes with electric storage heaters
Dimplex is the UK’s best known storage heater brand, and thousands of homes in Southern England still rely on them, particularly older flats, bungalows and rural homes off the gas grid. Moving from storage heaters to a heat pump means adding radiators and pipework, but it can cut bills by more than half and give much more even, controllable warmth.
A note for landlords
The government has proposed that privately rented homes in England and Wales should reach EPC band C by 2030. Rental homes heated by storage heaters often have low EPC ratings, so a Dimplex heat pump can make a big difference. Landlords can claim the £7,500 BUS grant too, as long as the property meets the scheme rules.
How noisy are Dimplex heat pumps?
Dimplex heat pumps are quiet, with sound power levels for the EDGE range of roughly 55 to 62 dB(A) depending on size and workload. From a few metres away, most people describe the sound as a low hum, similar to a fridge.
What the noise figures mean
The datasheet figure is sound power, which is the noise at the unit itself. What you and your neighbours hear is sound pressure, and that drops quickly with distance. Under the MCS planning standard, noise at a neighbour’s nearest window must stay at or below 42 dB(A) for permitted development, about the level of a quiet library.
Quiet mode and placement
The EDGE includes a quiet mode that reduces fan and compressor speed at set times, such as overnight. Good placement matters too. In tight terraced streets in London, Brighton and Portsmouth, we avoid fitting units under bedroom windows or in enclosed corners where sound echoes.
How Dimplex compares on noise
The Vaillant aroTHERM plus, Samsung EHS Mono R290 and Stiebel Eltron’s newest units are among the quietest available, with Daikin Altherma 3 and Hitachi Yutaki also known for low noise. The Dimplex EDGE sits close to this group and is generally quieter than budget units from Gree, Haier and Midea. It is also a big step on from older generation Dimplex and York designs, which were noticeably louder.
What maintenance and servicing do Dimplex heat pumps need?
Dimplex heat pumps need one professional service a year, plus a few simple checks you can do yourself. An annual service typically costs around £120 to £200 in Southern England. As a sealed monobloc unit, the EDGE has no gas safety check and fewer parts to wear out than a boiler.
What a yearly service includes
- Inspecting the outdoor unit’s fan, coil and electrical connections
- Checking system pressure and topping up if needed
- Cleaning the strainer and magnetic filters
- Checking frost protection settings
- Reviewing flow temperatures, weather compensation and schedules
- Testing the hot water cylinder and safety valves
- Recording the service to keep your warranty valid
Simple checks you can do yourself
- Keep leaves, snow and plants at least 30cm clear of the outdoor unit.
- Check the pressure gauge every few months.
- Make sure nothing blocks airflow at the front of the unit.
- Look out for alerts on the controller or app.
Engineer support and parts
With its UK base in Southampton, Dimplex has good access to parts and technical support across the South. Its network of heat pump installers is smaller than those behind Worcester Bosch, Baxi, Ideal or Mitsubishi, so it is worth choosing an installer with direct Dimplex experience.
Lifespan and long term reliability
A well maintained air source heat pump usually lasts 15 to 20 years, compared with around 10 to 15 years for many gas boilers and 15 to 20 years for storage heaters. The EDGE is a newer range, so long term UK data is still building, but Glen Dimplex’s decades of heat pump production in Europe is reassuring, much like the long track records of NIBE and Daikin.
What do Dimplex heat pump ratings and reviews say?
Dimplex heat pump ratings and reviews are limited, because most of Dimplex’s Trustpilot feedback relates to electric fires, heaters and customer service rather than heat pumps. Which? has not published a brand score for Dimplex heat pumps, so installer feedback carries more weight for now.
Trustpilot
Dimplex has a sizeable number of Trustpilot reviews, but the vast majority cover electric fires, panel heaters and storage heaters. The feedback that does mention Dimplex heat pumps tends to follow a few themes:
- Positive: reliable heat output, good build quality and helpful technical support from the UK team.
- Negative: fewer installers to choose from and occasional delays arranging engineer visits.
By comparison, Octopus Energy and Aira have thousands of heat pump related Trustpilot reviews from direct customers, and Vaillant, Worcester Bosch and Ideal have large heating focused review bases.
Which?
Which? reviews many Dimplex electric heaters, but it has not published a brand score for Dimplex heat pumps. Which? only scores heat pump brands where enough owners respond to its surveys, and Mitsubishi, Vaillant, Daikin and Samsung have featured because of their large UK installed base. Which? also points out that installation quality strongly affects how happy owners are.
What this means for you
Ratings are a useful starting point, but the biggest factor in your experience is how well the heat pump is designed and fitted. Choose an MCS certified installer with strong local reviews and ask to see examples of their past Dimplex installations.
What does installing a Dimplex heat pump involve?
Installing a Dimplex heat pump usually takes 2 to 5 days for a home with existing radiators, or around 1 to 2 weeks for a home moving from storage heaters that needs a full new heating system. Most homes do not need planning permission.
The installation process step by step
- Home survey. An MCS certified installer checks each room, your insulation, windows, radiators and where the outdoor unit could go.
- System design and quote. You receive a quote with the recommended Dimplex model, cylinder, any radiator changes and the expected efficiency.
- BUS grant application. Your installer applies for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for you.
- Installation. The old boiler or storage heaters are removed, and the outdoor unit, cylinder, pipework and radiators are fitted.
- Commissioning. The system is filled, tested and set up with weather compensation and schedules.
- Handover. You get your MCS certificate, warranty registration and a walk through of the controls.
Planning permission in Southern England and South Wales
In England, most air source heat pumps count as permitted development. The rule that units must sit at least 1 metre from a boundary was removed in 2025, making installation easier in small gardens in London, Brighton and Southampton. Units must still meet MCS noise limits, and flats, listed buildings and some conservation areas may need permission. Wales has its own permitted development rules, so homes in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport should have this checked during the survey.
Why the installer matters as much as the brand
Whether you choose Dimplex, NIBE, Viessmann or Panasonic, a careful heat loss survey, correct sizing and sensible flow temperatures are what keep your home warm and your bills low. The EDGE’s high temperature ability is helpful, but it should be a safety net rather than a reason to skip proper radiator sizing.
What controls and smart features do Dimplex heat pumps have?
Dimplex heat pumps come with a dedicated controller offering weather compensation, heating and hot water schedules and a quiet mode, with app control available on compatible models. The controls are straightforward and well suited to everyday use, though they are less feature rich than the apps from tech led rivals.
Key control features
- Weather compensation. Adjusts water temperature to the outdoor weather, one of the easiest ways to keep bills down.
- Scheduling. Separate timings for heating and hot water.
- Quiet mode. Reduces noise at night or set times.
- App control. Change settings remotely on compatible models.
- Legionella protection. Periodically heats stored water to a higher temperature to keep it safe.
How Dimplex’s controls compare
The Octopus Cosy 6 and Aira are built around polished apps with live efficiency data and smart tariff integration. Mitsubishi’s MELCloud, Daikin’s Onecta and Samsung’s SmartThings are also more mature for home heating. Dimplex focuses on simple, reliable controls, which suit homeowners and landlords who want to set things up once and leave them alone.
Ready to get a free air source heat pump quote from EE Renewables?
Getting a free air source heat pump quote from EE Renewables is quick, simple and comes with no obligation. Our MCS certified team will survey your home, work out exactly what size heat pump you need and show you the real cost, including the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
Request your free heat pump quote today and find out how much you could save with a heat pump tailored to your home and location.
EE Renewables Ltd only provides air source heat pump installation, so it is all we focus on. We help homeowners and landlords across Southern England, Greater London, South West England and South Wales, including London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff. Whether you are replacing a gas boiler or old storage heaters, and whether a Dimplex heat pump or another brand suits your home best, we will give you honest, independent advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant if I am replacing storage heaters?
Yes, you can usually get the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant when replacing electric storage heaters with a heat pump, as long as your property meets the other scheme rules, such as having a valid EPC. The grant is not limited to homes replacing gas or oil boilers. Your MCS installer will confirm eligibility and apply for the £7,500 on your behalf.
Do Dimplex heat pumps work in freezing weather?
Yes, Dimplex heat pumps work in freezing weather and are designed to keep heating homes in outdoor temperatures well below zero, down to around minus 20°C or lower depending on the model. The unit runs short defrost cycles to clear ice from the outdoor coil, which is normal. In Southern England, temperatures rarely drop below minus 5°C.
Is the R290 refrigerant in Dimplex heat pumps safe?
Yes, the R290 refrigerant in Dimplex heat pumps is safe when installed correctly. R290 is propane, and only a small amount is sealed inside the outdoor unit, never inside your home. Installers follow set clearance zones around the unit, so its position near doors, windows and drains is checked during the survey.
Can I keep my gas boiler alongside a Dimplex heat pump?
You can keep a gas boiler alongside a heat pump in a hybrid setup, but you would not be eligible for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. The BUS grant requires the heat pump to fully replace your existing heating system. A correctly sized Dimplex heat pump is designed to heat your home on its own.
Does a Dimplex heat pump add value to my home?
A Dimplex heat pump can add value to your home by improving its EPC rating and lowering running costs for future buyers. Research from property and energy groups has suggested homes with better EPC ratings can sell for several percent more. Homes moving from storage heaters often see the biggest EPC jump.
