Are you considering switching to a more eco-friendly heating system? You’re not alone. With energy prices fluctuating and the UK’s race towards net-zero targets, more and more homeowners are looking at air source heat pumps.
But first, let’s address the crucial question: how much does installing an air source heat pump actually cost? This guide will cover all aspects of air source heat pump installation costs in the UK.
What Is An Air Source Heat Pump?
To put it simply, an air source heat pump (ASHP) is a type of heating system that pulls in warm air from outside (even when the temperature is low) and distributes the warmth throughout your home.
Rather than burning fuel to generate heat, it moves heat from one place to another, which makes it very efficient. It frequently produces three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.
For eco-friendly households who want to reduce their carbon footprint and dependence on gas boilers, air source heat pumps are a future-proof option that is becoming increasingly popular all over the UK.
Types Of Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps aren’t all the same. The best kind for your home will depend on your existing system and your requirements. Here are the two primary types you will see:
Air-To-Water Heat Pumps
Air-to-water heat pumps are the type that are most commonly installed in the UK. They extract heat from the air and transfer it into a water-based system.
This means they can fuel your wet central heating system, power your radiators and underfloor heating, and heat the water. If you are replacing a conventional gas or boiler system, air-to-water is probably the type of system that will make the most sense for you.
Air-To-Air Heat Pumps
These systems collect heat from the outside and directly push it into your home through fan units, much like how an AC works.
They are great at producing space heat but normally would not produce domestic hot water. Air-to-air heat pumps are cheaper and easier to install but not as common in homes that already use a wet radiator system.
Cost Of Air Source Heat Pumps In The UK
Let’s talk numbers. The cost of an air source heat pump is not just the unit’s price; it covers the cost of installation, labour, and everything else.
Prices can vary widely depending on the specifics of your home, but here is a rough sense of what you might pay:
| Component | Typical Cost Range | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Air Source Heat Pump Unit |
£5,000 to 10,000 |
The price depends on the brand, model, and size |
|
Installation Labour And Materials |
£2,000 to £4,000 |
The overall price comes with commissioning, pipework and electric work |
|
Additional System Components |
£1,000 to £3,000 |
It includes a hot water cylinder or some additional controls |
|
Potential Home Upgrades |
£1,000 to £5,000+ |
Include radiator upgrades, insulation improvements or plumbing work |
|
Total Estimated Installation Cost |
£9,000 to £14,000 |
The total cost before any subsidies or rebates |
Quick Facts:
- Installation Cost: £9,000 to £22,000 before financial support.
- System Longevity: Designed to operate efficiently for 15 to 20 years.
- Core Benefit: An eco-friendly system that generates multiple units of heat for each unit of electricity.
- Government Grants: Qualifies for a £7,500 grant via the Boiler Upgrade System.
Factors That Influence The Cost Of Air Source Heat Pump Installation
There are several variables that contribute to the overall cost of air source heat pump installation. Here are some contributing factors:
1. Size Of Your Property
The size (in kW) of the air source heat pump you need will depend on the size of your property and its heat demand. For instance, a small, well-insulated home may only require 5 kW, while a large, poorly insulated house could need at least 16 kW. The bigger the size of the air source heat pump, the more costly it will be.
2. Insulation
Insulation is crucial. Air source heat pumps work efficiently in well-insulated homes. If your loft, walls and floors are badly insulated, the heat pump will need to work harder, and you may even need a larger, more expensive model to keep your home warm.
So to reduce the overall cost of air source heat pump installation, first invest in insulation, which will ultimately allow you to buy a smaller and cheaper heat pump.
3. Desired Room Temperature
If you are used to a very warm indoor temperature (for instance, more than 23ºC), the system will have to run at a higher temperature. This translates to less efficiency and means you will need a stronger or specifically made system to maintain your desired temperature.
4. Brand And Model
As with many appliances, you pay for reputation, reliability and efficiency. Similarly, expensive brands of heat pumps such as Vaillant, Nibe or Mitsubishi Electric usually have a higher price tag; however, these typically offer better long-term value with extended warranties and longer life.
5. Radiator Upgrades
Conventional radiators are typically those designed for high-temperature gas boiler systems. Low-temperature suits heat pumps very well. To get the same amount of warmth, you will have to put in larger radiators or switch to underfloor heating, which increases the overall heat pump installation cost.
6. Performance And Efficiency
The Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of an air source heat pump indicates its annual efficiency. A unit with a higher SCOP is pricier to purchase initially but will be far cheaper to run over its lifetime and result in lower energy bills.
Cost Of Top Air Source Heat Pump Brands
Here is the cost of some of the top brands of air source heat pumps:
| Brand | Model | Estimated Unit Cost | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vaillant |
aroTHERM plus |
£4,000 to £5,500 |
Silent operation and a well-known British brand |
|
Nibe |
F2040 |
£4,900 to £12,000+ |
Efficient and durable design for harsh weather conditions |
|
Mitsubishi Electric |
Ecodan |
£3,000 to £5,500 |
Industry-leader, reliable and great range of models |
|
Daikin |
Altherma 3 |
£2,000 to £9,000 |
Innovative technology and strong global reputation |
|
Samsung |
EHS Mono |
£3,000 to £4,000 |
Competitive pricing and good efficiency ratings |
Finding the perfect air source heat pump for your home is not an easy task, but with ComparedExperts you can get multiple quotes from various reputable air source heat pump providers and choose the one that matches your requirements.
Air Source Heat Pump Running Costs And Maintenance
It is important for you to know what the running and maintenance costs of air source heat pump would be:
Running Costs Per Year
A well-installed air source heat pump can be cheaper to run than a gas boiler. Even though the cost per unit is higher, a good heat pump consumes 3 to 4 times less energy.
With an air source heat pump, expect £700 to £1,200 per year for heating and hot water for a typical 3-bedroom house. Using an off-peak electricity tariff can further mitigate the cost.
Servicing And Maintenance Costs
An annual service from certified technicians is essential. It is usually about £100 to £200, and it covers checking refrigerant levels, cleaning filters, and ensuring optimal performance. This act maintains efficiency, prevents costly repairs and keeps your warranty valid.
The Final Verdict: While the upfront air source heat pump installation costs are higher compared to other systems, but in the long-term you are saving on running and maintenance costs
How To Reduce The Cost Of Air Source Heat Pump Installation
Here are some of the ways to reduce the overall cost of air source heat pump installation:
Improve Your Home Insulation
This is one of the best things you can do to reduce the cost of air source heat pump installation. By draught-proofing, insulating your loft, and filling your cavity walls, you can decrease the amount of heat that escapes from your home. This implies that you can purchase a smaller, more affordable heat pump and incur lower operating costs.
Apply For Available Grants
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government grant which will provide £7,500 towards the cost of an air source heat pump installation. The rebate is paid directly to your accredited heat pump installer upon the completion of your heat pump installation.
You will need to hire an MCS-accredited installer in order to be eligible. Make sure to check the latest government pages for eligibility and any further changes to the scheme.
Request Multiple Quotes
Never accept the very first quote you receive. Services and quality prices can differ between installers. When you receive three or more detailed quotes from ComparedExperts, you can compare the price, the equipment and their warranty terms. This way, you can get good value as well as a quality installation.
How Much Do Air Source Heat Pumps Cost Compared To Traditional Heating?
When you are considering a new heating system, it is important to think beyond the installation cost. You have to take into account the total cost of the unit, the upfront price, running costs, long-term value and government grants.
Here is a clear comparison to make it easier for you to understand how much air source heat pumps cost as compared to traditional heating systems:
| Heating System | Typical Installation Cost (Before Grant) | Annual Running Cost (3-Bedroom Home) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
New Gas Boiler |
£2,500 to £4,500 |
£900 to £1,500+ |
Cheaper cost up front, quick installation and familiar technology |
|
Oil Boiler |
£3,000 to £5,500+ |
£1,200 to £2,000+ |
Effective off-grid heating solution |
|
Air Source Heat Pump |
£9,000 to £22,000 |
£700 to £1,200 |
Low running costs, eligible for a £7,500 BUS grant and low carbon emission |
|
Electric Storage Heaters |
£500 to £1,500 (per room) |
£1,500 to £2,500+ |
Very low installation cost |
The Bottom Line: If you only look at the initial invoice, a traditional boiler appears cheaper. But when you consider the £7,500 BUS grant, it reduces the overall costs of air source heat pump installation and makes it a better option than other traditional heating systems.
Air Source Vs Ground Source: A Clear Comparison
Choosing between an air source heat pump (ASHP) and a ground source heat pump (GSHP) mainly comes down to budgetary considerations. Here is a clear breakdown:
| Factor | Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) | Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) |
|---|---|---|
|
Installation Cost |
£9,000 to £22,000 |
£15,000 to £35,000+ |
|
Key Cost Driver |
Unit and indoor system upgrades |
Major groundworks (trenches and boreholes) |
|
Space Required |
Small external wall space |
Large land for trenches |
|
Efficiency |
High (SCOP 3.0 to 4.0) |
Very High (SCOP 4.0 to 5.0) |
|
Best For |
Most homes |
New builds or properties with plenty of land |
Final Verdict: An air source heat pump (ASHP) is the practical choice for most homes, offering a strong balance of lower initial cost and great efficiency.
Is An Air Source Heat Pump Worth The Money?
That’s a question only you can answer, but for many the answer is yes. Consider these points:
- Long-Term Bill Savings: Electricity is pricier on a per-unit basis than gas, but the high efficiency of a heat pump means you are using significantly fewer units of electricity. This will lead to long-term bill savings.
- Less carbon footprint: With air-source heat pumps, you will decrease your home’s output of CO₂, which is great for the environment.
- Future-Proof Your Home: With the UK turning away from fossil fuels, a heat pump installation adds value to your home for decades.
- Government Incentives: Government grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) make the initial installation price acceptable.
For a well-insulated home, with the BUS grant applied, a heat pump can seem like an environmentally and financially responsible solution.
How To Find Top Air Source Heat Pump Providers
Choosing the right air source heat pump installer is just as important as choosing the unit. Here are some signs of a great provider:
- MCS Certification: This credential is non-negotiable. It is, after all, the industry standard for quality, and you need it to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant.
- Experience and Reviews: Search for installers who have been around for a while. Read reviews on Google and other trusted sources.
- Thorough Survey And Quote: A reputable air source heat pump provider won’t settle for anything less than a comprehensive site survey before offering a detailed quote.
- Clear Communication: They need to be able to communicate clearly about the process, costs and necessary paperwork.
Find The Best Air Source Heat Pump Providers With ComparedExperts
Searching for a reputable air source heat pump provider can be both challenging and time-consuming. This is where ComparedExperts makes the process easier. We have a network of quality air source heat pump providers.
All you have to do is just list down your requirements, and then it’s our job to match you with the best air source heat pump providers.
What Is The Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is an England and Wales government incentive to assist homeowners in the transition to low-carbon heating. It gives you a grant of £7,500 for installing a heat pump.
To Qualify:
- You must own a home in England or Wales.
- Get your heat pump installed by an MCS-certified installer.
- You must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
How It Works:
Here is how the scheme works:
- You hire an MCS-accredited installer.
- They install the heat pump at your property.
- Once installed, the installer applies for the grant.
- If the grant is approved, £7,500 is deducted from your total heat pump installation bill.
FAQs
Most heat pump units manufactured today are incredibly quiet. Now most units need to adhere to noise regulations, and your installer should install the outdoor unit in such a way that it doesn’t create unnecessary noise.
Not necessarily; some radiators may be acceptable, but an installer will do a heat loss calculation to determine which ones need upgrading to perform efficiently on lower flow temperatures.
No, if you self-install, you will not qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and will void most manufacturer warranties. Installing a heat pump involves complex tasks related to gas, electrical, and plumbing work, which should be carried out by trained professionals.
