Start with the production task: hot water, drying or steam. A heat pump is an option to assess, not an automatic replacement for a boiler.

What does a heat pump do?

A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from a lower-temperature source to a higher useful temperature. Its fit depends on source and demand conditions, operating overlap and total system cost. Understanding the task comes before knowing the refrigerant or machine type.

Look at the end use

  • Hot water: identify required temperature, flow, timing and hygiene conditions.
  • Drying: identify the product, moisture-removal task and air conditions; a humid-exhaust example is not a model for every dryer.
  • Steam: establish required state and whether steam directly serves the process or transfers heat through a heat exchanger. Do not change the specified utility without process review.

When to pause and collect evidence

Pause when required temperatures, flows or hours are unknown; when the source already has another use; or when hygiene, continuity, electricity supply or integration constraints are unresolved. A hot-water opportunity may cover only part of a factory’s steam demand. The current boiler may still serve other loads or backup duties.

Cost screening alone cannot establish operating reliability. Heat-pump screening here does not rank all boiler, storage or electrification options.

Read, measure, then screen

The IEA Heat Pump Monitor 2026 highlights industrial opportunities while noting integration needs and economics that are not always favourable. DOE Process Heating Systems provides broader system references (both checked 14 October 2026).

Next, read what to record from boiler and steam use or how to match heat and demand. If you already have the required inputs, use project screening below.

Sources and limits

This is an editorial learning guide, not a plant audit or a measured savings result. Site inputs remain unknown until supplied and checked. Detailed design, procurement, hygienic and pressure-equipment decisions require qualified review. Read our editorial principles.