Chilly winters and mounting energy bills are prompting many UK homeowners to ask the following questions: Should I make the change now and get a heat pump?
If you have already started shopping around, then it’s also likely that you have encountered a maze of technical jargon, maddening price quotes, and various brands. So how are you ever supposed to make a smart choice?
In this guide, we will analyse heat pump costs in the UK for 2026 in detail, explain why prices differ, and provide a simple plan to compare providers and secure the best price for your home.
What Are Heat Pumps? A Simple Explanation
Consider a heat pump not as a generator but rather as a transporter of heat. Even when it’s cold outside, there is thermal energy in the air and in the ground.
The job of a heat pump is to grab that free heat and pump it back into your home, warming up your radiators, underfloor heating and water tanks.
The key benefit is that it’s efficient. When properly installed, a high-efficiency heat pump can supply 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of energy it consumes in operation. Therefore, a high-efficiency heat pump can save you a great deal of money compared to old gas boilers.
Types Of Heat Pumps
For UK homes, there are two big technologies, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and cost profile.
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
Air souce heat pumps are the most commonly installed system. An ASHP system, which is of the same size and look as an air conditioning unit, is installed in an exterior wall. It scavenges heat from the outside air.
They are typically easier and cheaper to install than ground source systems; thus, they are an excellent option for the semi-detached or single-family homes.
Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs)
These systems use subsurface pipes to extract low-grade heat that is constantly present in the ground, either through horizontal trenches or deep vertical boreholes.
They are more cost-effective year-round because the ground temperature remains constant; however, the initial outlay is costly because of the groundwork needed. GSHP systems work best for homes with large areas and high heating needs.
Cost Of Heat Pumps In The UK
The table below provides a comprehensive breakdown of the costs of installing a heat pump in an average UK home for 2026.
These are knowledgeable market averages; your quotes could differ based upon your property and heating needs:
| Cost Component | Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) | Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Heat Pump Unit And Kit |
£5,000 to £9,000 |
£8,000 to £12,000 |
The price varies by brand, model, and feature. |
|
Installation |
£3,000 to £5,000 |
£4,000 to £7,000 |
The cost does not include plumbing, electrical, and commissioning. Complexity significantly affects cost. |
|
Essential System Updates |
£1,000 to £4,000 |
£1,500 to £5,000 |
Includes potential upgrades such as larger radiators or new pipework and even underground heating. |
|
Groundworks |
Mostly not needed |
£7,000 to £15,000+ |
GSHP systems require trenching and digging in your backyard. |
|
Total Cost |
£9,000 to £18,000 |
£20,500 to £39,000+ |
This is the expected price you will have to pay your provider without a grant in 2026. |
Factors That Effect The Cost Of Heat Pumps
How come one house pays £10,000 and another £14,000 for a heat pump? There are several factors that influence the cost of heat pumps:
- The Heat Demand: The demand for heat is the largest factor that affects the cost of heat pumps. Installers measure the precise amount of heat required to keep your home warm. A well-insulated small home will require a smaller and cheaper heat pump system than a big draughty house.
- Type Of Emitters: Heat pumps operate more efficiently at lower flow temperatures. Homes that offer underfloor heating are perfect. If you have radiators, you may need to buy bigger ones, which raises the price.
- The Brand And Model: Quality premium brand products from manufacturers such as Vaillant, Nibe and Mitsubishi Electric are often pricier because they use the best technology and are known for being reliable with longer warranty periods.
- Complexity Of Installation: Do you have an old-fashioned fuse board? Do you have an easy access route for the pipes? Is the exterior unit location simple? Poor accessibility or additional electrical work will increase labour time and cost.
What Factors Influence Heat Pump Installation Cost?
Your final heat pump installation cost is tailored according to your property. Here are common key factors that influence the cost of installing a heat pump:
- The Age Of Your Home: If you have an old house, then you might need a larger heat pump and more insulation, which will increase the overall cost.
- Dimensions Of Your Home: The size and layout of your home are used to calculate the overall heat requirements, which in turn determine the system’s cost and power needs.
- Your Current Heating System: Compatibility is key. If your existing system does not align with your home’s heating requirement, it will need to be replaced with larger versions at an additional cost.
How Do I Know If My Home Is Suitable For A Heat Pump?
With the right design, most UK homes are suitable for heat pumps. The following key points will give you a clear idea to decide whether your home is suitable for a heat pump or not:
- Your Insulation: Good loft and cavity wall insulation is strongly recommended. This is because it reduces the size of the heat pump and saves energy.
- Available Space: You need outdoor space with good airflow for the installation of the external unit.
- Your Heating Expectations: Understand your heating needs; heat pumps work best when running constantly at a lower temperature, rather than providing rapid heating like an old boiler.
- Your EPC: An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required for the government grant, and it must not have any unresolved insulation recommendations.
How Do I Know If My Home Is Suitable For A Heat Pump?
When you understand how to compare, a realistic comparison plan gives you the solution for your heat pump installation. But we understand that dealing with the process (calling heat pump suppliers, scheduling estimates and understanding different quotes) can frustrate a homeowner.
And it’s where ComparedExperts turns a hectic chore into an easy and stress-free job. Here is a clear plan that we use to find the best heat pump suppliers for our clients:
Get Multiple Detailed Quotes
Strive for a minimum of three estimates from various accredited heat pump providers. Each quote should include a lump sum that outlines the heat pump model, any additional costs, and the labour required.
With ComparedExperts: Instead of hours of calling and researching heat pump installers yourself, you fill out an easy form. We will automatically pair your project with a maximum of four of our accredited heat pump suppliers. You get custom quotes to your inbox that allow you to save a lot of time.
Compare Like-For-Like
Don’t just compare the final price. The labour and installation costs may make the end price same, but the products will differ if one quote is for a premium brand and the other for an economical model. Therefore, compare like for like.
With ComparedExperts: You will have all your quotes in one place, making like-for-like comparisons simple. You can quickly view the items side by side, including their specifications, warranties, and costs. Such a comparison will make it easier for you to select the package that comes in your budget.
Ask The Right Questions
For each provider, prepare some key questions such as ‘How long have they been installing?’, ‘Do they have references from jobs done locally?’ and ‘How will they cope with grant paperwork?’
With ComparedExperts: We have a network of reliable, certified heat pump providers that understand these professional enquiries. So you won’t need to ask them; they will address all your questions before signing the contract.
Trust Your Instincts
Pay close attention to your interactions. Were the providers well-informed, and did they ask you good questions about your home? Were they responsive? The key to finding the best provider is to have a good understanding of the provider from the beginning. If you feel something is off, just move on to the next provider.
With ComparedExperts: We only introduce you to trusted heat pump suppliers. We provide you with all the necessary information, so all you have to do is review it thoroughly and choose a provider that fits your needs.
Find The Best Heat Pump Providers In UK With ComparedExperts Today
The process of researching heat pump providers and managing multiple quotes is time-consuming. This is where ComparedExperts comes in; our job is to make the process of finding the right heat pump suppliers as easy as possible.
Find the top-rated heat pump providers in the UK that match your business needs with ComparedExperts today.
Can I Get A Grant To Install A Heat Pump?
Yes, in England and Wales, the primary course of government funding is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). It offers a big initial reduction in installation costs but has some specific eligibility requirements:
To qualify, you need to:
- Have your own home in England and Wales.
- Must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your home that is less than 10 years old, with no outstanding recommendations for insulation.
- Hire an installer who is accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
- Replace a fossil fuel system, such as gas, oil, or an old, inefficient electric boiler.
You won’t qualify if you:
- You are installing a heat pump in a new-build property.
- Already received government support for a heat pump or biomass boiler from another scheme.
- Use the heat pump for a second home or property you don’t live in most of the year.
How Does The Boiler Upgrade Scheme Work?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is intended to be simple for all eligible homeowners. You do not apply for the grant or get cash; instead, the whole process is managed by your MCS-certified installer.
Here is how it works, step by step:
- You will receive a quote from an MCS-certified installer for a heat pump that meets the scheme’s criteria.
- The installer is the one who applies for the grant on your behalf. They will check that you are eligible, and the first thing they do is assess your EPC.
- Once the grant is approved, the installer will deduct £7,500 for an air-source or ground-source heat pump directly from your final bill.
- You will pay the installer the remaining discounted balance.
- The installer then claims the grant money back from the scheme.
FAQs
Most jobs would take 3 to 5 days for a basic air source heat pump install with just some radiator upgrades. On the other hand, ground source heat pump installations are more complex and take up to 2 to 3 weeks.
Very little. You may only need to perform an annual inspection (like clearing leaves from the outdoor unit) and have a professional servicing every 2 years.
Most homes with a suitable design are generally suited for heat pumps. The important things are insulation, outdoor unit space and your current heating system that will determine how much a heat pump can perform.
