Air Source Heat Pumps in the UK
Did you know that of all the heat pumps sold in the UK, air source heat pumps account for 87% of the market share? And it’s for very good reason too! These energy systems are a sustainable solution that helps lower annual energy bills while bringing us a step closer to achieving the UK’s ambitious Net Zero Target by 2050.
Are you already interested in getting an air source heat pump? We can help you take the first step by providing you with quotes from air source heat pump experts.
This free service speeds up the process of finding an installer and getting a heat pump for the best possible deal. And the best part? You’re under no obligation to accept any of the quotes you receive, so the choice is all yours.
What are air source heat pumps?
Air source heat pumps (also known as ASHPs) are a low-carbon technology that provide efficient heating and cooling solutions for homes in any climate. They do this by converting energy from the outside air into electricity.
How do air source heat pumps work?
ASHPs use the ambient air to heat up your home. They can be used for both hot water and space heating.
Heat from the outside air is gathered and absorbed into a loop with refrigerant fluid. After the heat is extracted from the air it passes through a compressor. The compressor does as it sounds; it compresses, which results in a higher temperature.
The heat exchanger transfers the heat through pipes to the needed locations such as radiators, underfloor heating systems, hot water circuits, or air conditioners in the house.
What are the advantages of an ASHP?
There are numerous benefits to using heat pumps, but here are the most important advantages of purchasing an air source heat pump are the following:
- Low Carbon Footprint: ASHPs are a low carbon emissions heating option, as they use the outside air to heat or cool homes at a highly efficient rate. For every 3-4 units of energy produced, only 1 unit of electricity is used.
- Money Saving: Switching to air source heat pumps can reduce your annual fuel bill by as much as £780, with larger savings for those switching from electric, coal, or LPG systems.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme: The £5,000 voucher from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available for the installation of air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, or biomass boilers. The scheme aims to encourage the adoption of low carbon heating technologies and runs until April 2025.
- Heating and Cooling: Depending on the model, ASHPs can be used for both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.
- Easy Installation: Air source heat pumps can be installed in as little as 2 days, without the need for digging like ground source heat pumps. They are suitable for both retrofits and new builds and can be cost-effective when combined with other building work.
- High SCOP: Air source heat pumps have a high seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP), making them efficient in both winter and summer, with a typical COP of 3.2 when the outside temperature is above 7°C.
- Space and Hot Water Heating: An ASHP can also heat water if the flow temperature is around 55°C. If it’s only for space heating, the flow temperature will be 35°C.
- Low Maintenance: Air source heat pumps require little maintenance. It should have annual servicing by a qualified heating engineer. While the occasional cleaning of filters and checking for leaks and refrigerant levels can be done by the homeowner.
- Long Lifespan: Air source heat pumps have a long lifespan, with proper maintenance, they can operate for up to 20 years and most have 5-year warranties. Some models are even capable of working efficiently for close to 25 years.
- Fuel Storage: No fuel storage is needed with ASHPs, because the fuel used is the outside air. That means no additional fees for fuel deliveries like with biomass or oil-fired boilers.
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What is the cost of air source heat pumps?
The starting cost of air source heat pumps are 50% cheaper than the cost of ground source heat pumps. ASHP prices range between £1,500 to £18,000, including installation. This wide range in price is due to the fact that the air source heat pump installation complexity varies and there are different types of air source heat pumps, brands, sizes, and performance efficiencies that all determine the price.
| ASHP System Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Air to water heat pump | £8,000 – £18,000 |
| Air to air heat pump | £1,500 – £3,500 |
Factors affecting air source heat pump costs.
While the prices we offer are estimates based on actual installations, it is difficult to predict your exact air source heat pump and running costs. These will vary depending on many factors. We’ve listed the main ones to account for below.
- The size of your home
- The brand of the pump
- The pump size
- The coefficient of performance of your pump
- Property heating demands
- Any home renovating costs
It’s important to keep in mind that when you receive a quote for the installation of an air source heat pump, the full cost should be included, including labor and auxiliary work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat Pumps
An air source heat pump is a low-carbon technology that extracts heat energy from the air, even when it is cold outside, and uses it to warm your home.
Air source heat pumps perform exceptionally well, able to work at over 400% efficiency. Because they use a renewable, natural source of heat, they produce far fewer CO2 emissions than fossil fuel heaters. They also have comparatively low running costs.
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the air outside your home and absorb it into a liquid. This liquid then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump, which increases the temperature and transfers the heat to cool air or water. Finally, the heat is sent to your radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water tank.
Yes! Anyone replacing their gas or oil boiler with a low carbon heating system (such as heat pumps) can apply for a £5,000 grant from the government.
Air source heat pumps can work productively in temperatures as low as -25.
Yes, air source heat pumps are an energy efficient heat source when designed to full MCS Standards.
Air source pumps are generally quieter than fossil fuel boilers; they are around the same decimal as an air conditioner. When we install your unit, we will make sure it isn’t placed anywhere that could disturb you or your neighbours.
Yes. An air source heat pump will usually be able to provide all the heating and hot water you need. In addition, they are typically more efficient than a gas boiler, saving you money on your heating bills.
Compared to boilers, air source heat pumps are very safe. The refrigerant is completely sealed and kept outside the home, and there is no risk of carbon monoxide leaks. The worst you can expect is a breakdown or water leak.
Heat from air source heat pumps can be used for heating your home via radiators or underfloor heating, as well as for hot water.
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What are the running costs?
When it comes to the running costs of a heat pump, the system size and efficiency will naturally play a huge part. The bigger the size, the more energy it will generate, and the more expensive it will be to run.
The efficiency of the system is equally as important to consider. Air source heat pump performance is said to be more efficient in warmer climates, however, this does not mean they are not cost-effective during the UK’s cold weather. They generally start to function slightly worse in temperatures lower than 0°C. Fortunately, the UK winters typically do not drop far below 0°C.
Moreover, your home’s insulation and your own energy needs will also impact the running costs. To begin with, your home should be well-insulated to get the most out of your heating system. Additionally, how much heating you require will also determine how much you spend on your bills.
Financing a heat pump system with a grant
If you decide to buy an air source heat pump, you may be eligible to receive some government support in the form of a heat pump grant.
There are two beneficial grants you may apply for:
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (formerly known as the Clean Heat Grant). It replaced the now-expired Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). In this scheme, you may be eligible for up to £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump.
5% VAT reduction on energy-saving products, which includes air source heat pumps, solar panels and more.
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What are the running costs?
| England, Scotland & Wales | Northern Ireland | |||
| Fuel bill savings | Carbon savings | Fuel bill savings | Carbon savings | |
| Old (G-rated) Gas boiler | £590 | 2,800kg | £1,500 | 2,600kg |
| Old electric storage heaters | £1,500 | 2,000kg | £1,590 | 2,500kg |
| Old (G-rated) Oil boiler | £295 | 4,300kg | £1,000 | 4,100kg |
| Old (G-rated) LPG boiler | £780 | 3,200kg | £1,400 | 3,000kg |
*Based on EnergySavingTrust fuel and carbon data from February 2023
How can I prepare my home for an ASHP?
Before you take the step of buying a domestic air source heat pump, there are a few things to prepare to make sure you have a successful ASHP installation that maximises how much you save.
✓ Ensure there is adequate space: Air source heat pumps need some space for the outdoor module, which is placed either on a wall or directly on the ground. What is important, is that the system needs some space around it in order to create a good flow of air.
✓ Have sufficient insulation: It is important to add proper wall and loft insulation and draught-proofing to the home to reach the highest level of efficiency for your air source heat pump.
✓ Get an Energy Performance Certificate: Before you can connect with a certified heat pump installer, the energy efficiency of your home has to be rated so that the installer may suggest the most efficient options for your home. This is done by obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC for short:
How can I prepare my home for an ASHP?
✓ Consider your current heating system: If your current heating system runs on electricity or coal, switching to an ASHP will result in faster cost savings. Also consider that an air-to-water heat pump is more efficient when used with underfloor heating or warm air heating, as it requires lower water temperatures.
✓ Explore potential ways to complement your ASHP: Combining your ASHP with other building work, a boiler, solar panel heating or other renewable energy options can help reduce the running cost, save on energy use, reduce your carbon footprint, and even provide backup energy.
✓ Ask your heat pump installer the right questions: This ensures you’re finding the right installer with the right qualifications.
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