States that the advantages to the UK domestic sector of using heat pumps for space heating are seldom realised because of problems such as control, insufficient heat output and ability to compete with other heating systems on cost. Discusses their use and makes a comparison with the commercial/industrial sector and, in particular, the advantages offered by variable-rate electricity tariffs and smart controls. Investigates the feasibility of adopting similar techniques for domestic heat pumps. Presents a computer simulation which shows that domestic heat pumps when used in conjunction with variable-rate electricity tariffs and smart controls can be cost-effective. States that further benefits that could accrue with the adoption of these methods include environmental advantages and more economical electricity generation.

KEYWORDS: UK, domestic, heat pumps, space heating, costs, feasibility, comparing, controls, tariffs, calculating, economics.