Air source heat pump costs in the UK 2025

If you’re considering an air source heat pump, you’re probably keen to understand more about the costs. From installation expenses, extra costs to account for, and the possible long-term savings, there’s much to weigh up before you make the switch.

In this guide to air source heat pump costs, we share everything you need to know – including a comparison with other heating systems to help you make an informed choice for your home.

What is an air source heat pump?

An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a renewable heating system. It extracts heat from the outside air to provide heating and hot water for your home.

They are eco-friendly, energy efficient and help to reduce carbon emissions and your energy bills. In fact, the Energy Saving Trust tells us heat pumps are more than three times more efficient than a gas or oil boiler.

There are two main types of ASHPs:

• Air-to-air heat pumps: These systems transfer heat from the outside air into warm air to heat your home through a series of fan coil units, or blowers. They can also be used for cooling (air conditioning units). However, they don’t heat hot water, so you will still need a way to heat the water for your home
• Air-to-water heat pumps: These take heat from the outside air and turn it into a water-based heating system to heat your home and hot water

How much does an air source heat pump cost?

The upfront cost of a heat pump will vary depending on the system type, your home’s size, and the installation’s complexity.

On average, the supply and installation of an air source heat pump will cost between £3,000 and £15,000 depending on the system you choose:

• Air-to-air heat pump prices are normally around £3,000 for supply and installation
• Air-to-water heat pump costs are typically more expensive, costing an average of £15,000 for supply and installation

However, it’s important to note this does not include extra costs, such as upgrading pipework, insulation or radiators (sometimes necessary for older homes). There’s also the ongoing costs to consider. We’ll explore this in detail later in the article.

Could you be eligible for an air source heat pump grant?

Providing you meet eligibility criteria, you can apply for a grant of up to £7,500 via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to help towards the cost of replacing your fossil fuel heating system with a heat pump.

We’ll have more on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and other grants available later in the article.

Factors affecting heat pump installation costs

While many people want to know how much a heat pump costs to buy and install, these aren’t the only costs to consider. Several factors will influence the overall cost to install a heat pump.

1. The size of your property

Larger properties need more powerful heat pumps to maintain consistent heating across all rooms. These are more expensive to buy and install.

A certified installer will assess the heat load (in kW), which takes into account the square footage of your home, insulation, and heating demands.

For example, a well-insulated 3-bedroom home might need a 5kW ASHP, or a 7.5kW model if it’s poorly insulated.

Tip: If you live in a smaller property such as a flat or park home, consider an air-to-air ASHP, which is cheaper, and heats your home using a fan rather than radiators or underfloor heating.

2. Insulation

As we’ve touched upon above, a well-insulated, modern home can operate with a smaller, less expensive heat pump.

The better your home’s insulation, the less energy the heat pump needs in order to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Poorly insulated homes lose heat quickly, therefore the heat pump must work harder, which increases running costs.

Does your home need better insulation?

If you live in an older home, you may need to consider upgrading your insulation as part of the heat pump installation.

Cavity wall insulation could cost you in the region of £950 to £4,600 (depending on the property size). Meanwhile, upgrading your loft insulation costs between £654 and £1,206 (depending on the property size).

It’s worth noting that cavity wall insulation can only be used on houses that have cavity walls (which is most homes built post-1920). Other types of insulation are available.

Tip: You could be eligible for help with the cost of home insulation through the ECO4 Scheme.

3. The brand of heat pump

As you might imagine, heat pumps range from budget-friendly options to premium brands, which have a higher price tag.

A more expensive brand might offer better performance and longevity with advanced features and extended warranties.

It’s certainly worth doing your homework to balance the features and capabilities you need against your available budget.

4. Performance and efficiency

A heat pump’s efficiency is measured by something called the  ‘Coefficient of Performance (COP)’. In simple terms, this refers to how much heat it generates per unit of electricity used.

As an example, if your heat pump has a COP of 2.5, it will generate 2.5kW of heating capacity for every 1kW of electric power used.

A good heat pump COP is generally between 3.0 and 5.0.

• A heat pump with a higher COP will cost more initially, but it will deliver greater energy savings over time
• Conversely, lower-efficiency models will be cheaper to buy, but potentially more expensive to run

You may also see the lettering ‘SCOP‘, which stands for ‘Seasonal Coefficient of Performance‘. This accounts for seasonal variations. For instance, selecting a model with a good SCOP (3.5 or higher) helps to ensure better year-round performance.

5. Room temperature

Your personal heating preferences can also influence air source heat pump costs.

If you want higher room temperatures, the heat pump will have to work harder, potentially meaning that you need to opt for a larger or more efficient system.

As a rough guide, most homes in the UK will set their home heating between 18-21°C, which aligns with average heat pump capacities.

If you want higher temperatures (22°C or above) you may need a more powerful system, which will cost more to buy and run.

6. Radiator upgrades

Having the right radiators is key to feeling the benefit of your ASHP, and here’s why:

The flow temperature is the temperature of the water that flows from your heating system into your radiators.

• A traditional boiler heats water to a high temperature, usually around 70-80°C
• An ASHP works at a lower temperature, typically around 35-55°C

Without getting too lost in the technical details, this means that the water circulating through your radiators with a heat pump is much cooler than what a traditional boiler provides.

In practical terms, this means it’s often necessary to upgrade your radiators to larger ones or install more of them to provide enough surface area to heat the room effectively.

As a guide, if you were to upgrade ten of your radiators to larger ones, you’d be looking at around £3,000.

Tip: An air-to-water ASHP is well suited to underfloor heating due to the large heat transfer surface area. Find out more about the cost of underfloor heating.

Contact a local heat pump installer for help and advice

If this feels like a lot to consider, don’t worry, you’re not alone. For help deciding on the best air source heat pump for your needs and budget, search for a certified heat pump installer near you with Checkatrade.

Air source heat pump running costs

The ongoing running costs of an air source heat pump depends on several factors:

• The Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the heat pump – i.e. how much heat it generates per unit of energy used and how it’s used
• The required room temperature – Higher temperatures will typically generate higher running costs
• The temperature of the heat source – Efficiency will increase if the pump is installed in an area with lots of sunlight and a good airflow
• Whether you have appropriately sized radiators
• Your energy tariff
• The type of heat pump you install

Due to the number of variables, it’s hard to provide a specific figure for running costs. However, it’s worth noting a well-insulated home will help to ensure the efficiency of your heat pump and lower your energy bills.

Maintenance costs

Air source heat pump servicing typically costs between £150 – £300 and is recommended annually. However, many providers will offer a heat pump service plan which works out slightly cheaper.

How to save on air source heat pump installation costs

1. Apply for available air source heat pump grants

Several government schemes are available to help with air source heat pump costs in a bid to make UK homes more energy efficient.

• The Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Providing you meet eligibility criteria, you can apply for a grant toward the cost of an air source heat pump of up to £7,500 via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).

• ECO4 Scheme

ECO4 offers free grants for energy-saving measures such as insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations such as solar panels and heat pumps. Again, eligibility criteria apply.

For more information about these schemes and others, check out our green grants cost guide.

2. Improve your home insulation

As we covered earlier, ensuring your home is well-insulated reduces the size and therefore the cost of the heat pump needed to keep your home warm.

3. Shop around

Request quotes from several heat pump installers to find a fair and competitive price. Be cautious of cheap quotes for heat pump installation and look for industry accreditations. This includes the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).

Find a certified heat pump installer in your area

We recommend reaching out to certified local installers when planning for an air source heat pump. Search your postcode to find local installers you can trust.

Comparing ASHP costs with traditional heating systems

As this guide highlights, cost is a major deciding factor. So, how does the cost of an ASHP compare to a traditional heating system? Is an air source heat pump cheaper to run than a gas boiler?

In theory, the efficiency of heat pumps means they should be cheaper to run than most other fuel types. But looking at air source heat pump costs, it’s worth remembering:

• Installation costs could be subsidised by the government (if eligibility criteria are met)
• Greater energy efficiency should lead to cheaper energy bills ongoing
• Maintenance costs are minimal
• With fluctuating energy prices, heat pumps offer greater long-term stability

*An air to air ASHP will not provide hot water for your home – you will need an alternative source for this

**An air to water ASHP will be most effective in a well-insulated home with appropriately sized radiators or underfloor heating

Is an air source heat pump worth it?

All things considered, yes, heat pumps can be expensive to buy and install. However, it’s worth checking your eligibility for a government grant to help reduce this.

Taking a long-term view, heat pumps are likely to save you money, as outlined above, but the benefits are not just financial.

As one of the most energy-efficient heating systems in the UK, domestic heat pump installations are on the rise.

Using renewable energy, an ASHP significantly reduces your home’s carbon footprint and removes the risk of dangerous gases being emitted (as can be the case with a gas boiler).

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

* Eligibility and T&Cs apply

Find a certified heat pump installer near you

With this information in mind, we recommend contacting a local heat pump specialist to discuss your heating needs. They can help to recommend the best solution for your home in line with your available budget. With the benefit of their expert advice, you can be sure of making the best choice for you and your home.

Search your postcode to find certified air source heat pump installers near you with Checkatrade.

FAQs

Are air source heat pumps worth the high cost?

The high cost of air source heat pump installations is often deemed a problem for many homeowners, especially when compared to a new gas boiler installation. However, the real benefit comes from carbon-free emissions and the significant reduction of ongoing energy bills.

How do I find a reliable heat pump installer?

Look for MCS certification – an internationally recognised quality and safety scheme for small-scale renewable energy technologies or association with Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) – a self-regulatory initiative that sets standards for consumer protection in the small-scale renewable energy sector.

What’s the average cost of an air source heat pump in the UK in 2025?

On average, the supply and installation of an air source heat pump will cost between £3,000 and £15,000. This does not include extra costs such as upgrading home insulation and radiators.

Do I need to keep my old heaters and furnace after I install an air source heat pump?

It depends on the type you install.

An air-to-air heat pump will heat your home but not the hot water, so you’ll need a heat source for this.

An air-to-water heat pump should heat your home and water, but you may want a backup/top up for winter.

While an ASHP provides energy-efficient heat, it might not be sufficient by itself when the temperatures drop – you may need a backup for colder days.

Do air source heat pumps work in winter?

An ASHP will work in the winter months. As a general rule, heat pumps will operate down to -20 °C, but the efficiency of the unit will reduce in freezing conditions. This is because the unit will require more electricity to extract heat from the outside air.

If the ASHP doesn’t cover the home’s complete heating/hot water requirements over winter, you will need a backup option, e.g. a gas boiler, electric immersion heater, or electric boiler.

Where’s the best place to install an air source heat pump?

South-facing or direct sunlight is not a priority for the unit, but it should be on flat ground and have a good airflow. Space around the unit is essential for maintenance access. There’s plenty more information about this in our air source heat pump planning guide.

How long does the air source heat pump take to install?

On average, it takes three days to install. A ductless system (that does not require air pipes) can be installed in one day. These use devices similar to bathroom wall fans to blow air.

How long will an air source heat pump last?

If you maintain it properly, your heat pump could last 15 to 20 years.

What maintenance does an air source heat pump require?

Every few months, it’s worth checking the outdoor unit for blockages such as leaves or debris and cleaning/replacing the filters. In the winter, it’s wise to check for excessive water accumulation in the drip tray or drainage system to prevent freezing issues. A professional service is recommended every year.

How can I get the best out of my air source heat pump?

Your house should be well insulated with appropriately sized radiators to get the most out of your air source heat pump.

Will an air source heat pump affect my property’s value?

An air source heat pump unit should be considered a functional piece of the home’s heating/hot water system. So just as maybe ten years ago, if a property had a brand new gas combi boiler installed, that would appeal to buyers of a property as something that didn’t need upgrading for the next 10-20 years.

What is a Solar Assisted Heat Pump? (SAHP)

An SAHP system works by absorbing atmospheric heat via an external source. The heat it collects turns into energy used for hot water. They’re great for reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills. And, unlike other solar hot water systems, they give you hot water regardless of whether the sun is out.

How do I maintain a SAHP unit?

Solar Assisted Heat Pumps require little upkeep and only need cleaning every few months. The heat pump element will need a regular service to keep it in good working order and it’s also worth making sure the pumps aren’t overshadowed by any trees to maximise sunlight absorption. If maintained properly, SAHP systems last up to 20 years.

Are SAHP’s easy to install?

Solar Assisted Heat Pumps are worth considering alongside Heat Pumps and Solar PV systems to meet your home’s energy demands. They take around a day to install and can be put almost anywhere, as long as the maximum pipe length between the body of the unit and the extra evaporator is no longer than 15 metres.

Search your postcode to find certified air source heat pump installers near you with Checkatrade.