Deciding to upgrade your home’s heating system is a big decision. With the cost of energy increasing and a national drive towards more environmentally friendly solutions, air source heat pumps are something many homeowners in the UK are considering.
However, with a plethora of information, and occasionally misinformation, available, it can be challenging to determine where to start.
This guide clears up the confusion. We will give you clean, impartial information on costs and government grants, as well as a simple structure to compare your options.
What Is An Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump is an electrical device that extracts heat from the outside air (even when it’s cold) and raises its temperature to supply room heating. Take it as a refrigerator running in reverse.
Thermal energy is in the air, even on cold winter days. This energy is absorbed by a heat pump via a vapour-compression refrigeration cycle.
Then, a compressor heats it up and passes it to your central heating system (radiators, underfloor heating, and a hot water cylinder).
It is an extremely efficient process, providing 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity used, which means it is massively more efficient than a gas boiler.
Different Types Of Air Source Heat Pumps
Not all heat pumps are the same. Knowing the two primary types is your first step in selecting the correct system for your home:
Air-To-Water Heat Pumps
As the name suggests, air-to-water heat pumps extract heat from the air and pump it into a water-based system. They are compatible with your existing wet central heating system and can replace oil or gas boilers. They heat your radiators, underfloor heating and domestic hot water systems.
Air-To-Air Heat Pumps
These systems extract heat from the external air and blow warm air directly into your premises through fan coil units. These systems are designed exclusively for heating purposes and do not provide warm water. Although very effective for warming spaces, they aren’t as popular in UK homes looking to fully replace their boiler.
Costs Of Air Source Heat Pumps In The UK
The overall price is not just the unit; it’s a complete installation. Here is a simple breakdown of the costs of air source heat pumps in the UK:
| Cost Component | Typical Price Range | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Heat Pump Unit And Kit |
£5,000 to £9,000 |
The cost depends on the brand, model, and capacity. |
|
Installation |
£3,000 to £5,000 |
The cost does not include plumbing, electrical, and commissioning. Complexity significantly affects cost. |
|
Essential System Updates |
£1,000 to £4,000 |
Includes potential upgrades such as larger radiators or new pipework and even underground heating. |
|
Total Cost |
£8,000 to £16,500 |
This is the expected price you will have to pay your provider without a grant in 2026. |
Note: If you want to compare cost of heat pumps, see our guide: Compare Heat Pump Cost In 2026
Factors That Influence The Cost Of Air Source Heat Pumps
There are some factors that can influence the cost of air source heat pumps:
- Property Size And Insulation: A large or less well-insulated home will need a bigger, more powerful (and costly) heat pump and perhaps upgrades to radiators.
- Heat Pump Make And Model: The model and brand of the air source heat pumps influence the overall cost. If you go with premium brands such as Mitsubishi or Vaillant, you will have to pay a premium price.
- Complexity Of Installation: Is your fuse board modern? How much free room do you have for a hot water cylinder? Easy installations are less expensive than work that needs major electrical upgrades or intricate plumbing.
- Heater Emitter Replacement: Old, small radiators often won’t deliver heat effectively at the lower flow temperatures of a heat pump. Replacing some or all the radiators can increase the overall cost.
- Location And Installer: The cost of labour varies depending on the part of the UK you live in.
Advantages Of Air Source Heat Pumps
Besides the environmental benefits, there are some practical advantages of air source heat pumps:
- High Efficiency And Low Running Costs: An efficient system will greatly reduce your carbon footprint and, depending on your tariff, can also save you a lot of money in comparison to oil, LPG or electric heating.
- Future-Proof Your Home: The boiler phase-out is due by 2035, so replacing your outdated heating system can remove any future regulatory concerns and can even add value to your property.
- Cooling Feature: A few models can also provide a cool blast of air during the summer, which is an increasingly useful feature for warmer UK summers.
- Longevity: A reliable air source heat pump can provide service for 15 to 20 years or more.
- Safety: No danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, as there is no open flame.
Top Air Source Heat Pumps At A Glance
Here is a quick overview of the top air source heat pumps:
| Brand And Model | Key Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan |
Market leader and proven reliability |
Homeowners looking for a reliable brand |
|
Vaillant aroTherm Plus |
High efficiency (SCOP) and works well with other Vaillant products. |
This product is ideal for people who value maximum efficiency and seek smart home compatibility |
|
Daikin Altherma 3 |
Works great in low temperatures |
Homes in colder regions of the UK |
|
NIBE F2040 |
Premium Swedish engineering with very quiet operation |
Buyers looking for the quietest model |
|
Grant Aerona3 |
Competitive pricing, built for the UK weather |
Cost-conscious purchasers in need of a strong, cost-effective programme |
If you want to find the best air source heat pump, use ComparedExperts, as we have multiple air source heat pump providers, and we will help you compare multiple brands and find the best one.
How To Choose The Best Air Source Heat Pump?
Choosing air source heat pump providers is not as easy as it seems. Here is a simple process you can follow:
- Get A Professsional Heat Loss Survey: This is unequivocally the first action you need to take to find the best air source heat pump. A professional installer will determine the precise heating requirements of your home. Without knowing the size, estimating the heating requirements can lead to inefficiency and higher costs.
- Pay Attention TO SCOP, Not Just The Brand: The Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) is the measure of efficiency. The higher the SCOP, the lower the running costs. Compare the SCOP value of shortlisted models to find the best air source heat pump.
- Look At Noise Levels: Look at the decibel rating of the outdoor unit, particularly if it is to be located near a boundary.
- Get A Premium Installer: The highest quality heat pump installed poorly will not do its job. Choose an MCS-certified installer with solid references.
- Compare Detailed Quotes: You should get at least three detailed quotes. ComparedExperts can help you with this; we compare the top air source heat pump providers and give you detailed quotes so you can compare and make the best choice.
Top Considerations For Comparing Air Source Heat Pumps
Use the comparison checklist to find the best air source heat pumps:
- Efficiency (SCOP Rating): The higher the number, the better for your bills.
- Warranty Length And Coverage: Compare the warranty coverage and duration from different heat pump providers and choose the one that offers the longest warranty and offers a lot of coverage.
- Outdoor Unit Size And Dimensions: Take into account the dimensions of the outdoor units so that they can fit in the space you have allocated.
- Smart Features And Controls: App controls and weather compensation are nice features that can help with optimisation.
- After-Sales Service: Please enquire about the after-sales service from your provider to understand the services they offer once the installation is complete.
Find The Best Air Source Heat Pump Providers With ComparedExperts
ComparedExperts is here to simplify the process. You don’t have to spend hours researching and approaching installers; we will put you in touch with a trusted network of certified air source heat pump installers operating throughout the UK.
All you have to do is tell us about your project, and we will do all the hard work and match you with a reputable heat pump provider.
Can I Get A Grant For Air Source Heat Pump Installation?
Yes, most UK homeowners can. The main scheme is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). It offers an upfront grant of £7,500 for installing an air source heat pump. The key criteria are:
- You own a home in England or Wales
- Your property must have an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) without any outstanding insulation recommendations.
- The installation is carried out by an MCS-accredited installer.
How Can I Get The Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
You can’t apply for the grant yourself. The process is installer-led:
- Contact A Professional: Find an MCS-accredited heat pump installer with ComparedExperts.
- Get A Quote: The heat pump provider will come to your home and provide you with a comprehensive quote for the heat pump system.
- Application Process: The MCS-accredited installer will submit a BUS grant application on your behalf.
- Installation And Payment: You pay the installer the sale price, they get the work done and then claim back the grant from the scheme.
FAQs
Most homes with a proper design are suitable for air source heat pumps. All you need is proper insulation and a heat loss calculation to correctly size the system.
For a standard air-to-water system, expect the physical installation to take 3–5 days to complete. The entire process from start to finish usually takes several weeks.
It depends; some radiators may be adequate, others may need upgrading. This is determined by the heat loss survey. If your old radiators are outdated, they will force the heat pump to work harder, reducing efficiency.
