We look at air source heat pump costs, including typical installation and running costs and ways to save money via government grants.

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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

While the costs above are a good starting point, it's important to note that this does not include extra costs, such as upgrading pipework and insulation. Let's get into it.

Factors affecting your heat pump installation cost

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 of a heat pump installation. Let's get into it:

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

2. Insulation

• 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

3. The brand of heat pump

• 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

4. Performance and efficiency

A heat pump's efficiency is measured by something called the 'Coefficient of Performance (COP)'. 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

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.

6. Radiator upgrades

Having the right radiators is key to feeling the benefit of your ASHP. That's because 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

• This means that the water circulating through your radiators with a heat pump is much cooler than what a traditional boiler provides

• You may need 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.

Contact a local heat pump installer for help and advice

Does it feel like there's a lot to consider? Don't worry, you're not alone.

For help deciding on the right air source heat pump for your needs and budget, search for a certified heat pump installer near you using Checkatrade free mobile app.

Air source heat pump cost calculator

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Air source heat pump case study

Find out more about air source heat pumps in this case study:

Additional air source heat pump costs to consider

1. 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

2. Air source heat pump maintenance costs

• Air source heat pump servicing typically costs between £150 - £300 and is recommended annually

• 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:

• Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): 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

• ECO4 Scheme: Offers free grants for energy-saving measures such as insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations such as solar panels and heat pumps

2. Improve your home insulation

Making sure your home is well-insulated reduces the size and therefore the cost of the heat pump needed to keep your home warm.

3. Always check what's included in a quote

Not all quotes cover the same work, so it’s important to check exactly what’s included. A lower price might mean key elements are missing – leading to extra costs later.

• What's usually included in a quote: Heat pump supply and installation, Basic system setup and controls, Labour and commissioning

• What's not included: Electrical upgrades, removal of old systems, servicing and maintenance

4. Shop around

Request quotes from several heat pump installers to find a fair and competitive price.

Find a certified heat pump installer in your area

We recommend reaching out to certified installers when planning for an air source heat pump. Search your postcode to see the installers we've checked and reviewed near you.

Comparing ASHP costs with traditional heating systems

Wondering how does the cost of an ASHP compares to a traditional heating system? Or if 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

Is an air source heat pump worth it?

While the upfront cost can be high, financial support and ongoing savings can make an air source heat pump a smart investment.

Here's why an ASHP can be worth it for many homeowners:

• Lower running costs over time: Highly efficient systems can reduce your energy bills compared to traditional heating

• Government support available: Schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can help offset installation costs

• Energy-efficient: The Energy Saving Trust tells us heat pumps are more than three times more efficient than a gas or oil boiler

• Reduced carbon footprint: Uses renewable energy from the air, helping to cut household emissions

• Improved safety: No combustion means no risk of carbon monoxide or gas leaks

• Future-proof heating: As the UK moves away from fossil fuels, heat pumps are becoming a more common choice

That said, whether it’s right for you depends on your home, insulation levels, and budget.

That's why it's important to get tailored advice from a certified ASHP engineer before making a decision.

Find a certified heat pump installer near you

Search your postcode to find certified air source heat pump installers covering your local area with Checkatrade.

Why use Checkatrade to find air source heat pump services near you?

• Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work

• Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

ASHP cost checklist

• Choose right: Remember, an air-to-air ASHP will not provide hot water for your home - you will need an alternative source for this

• Think about insulation: An air-to-water ASHP will be most effective in a well-insulated home with appropriately sized radiators or underfloor heating

• Get expert advice: Speak to an air source heat pump engineer for practical guidance on what ASHP is right for your home

• Shop around: Get at least three quotes for fair, competitive pricing

• Hire a vetted professional with proven experience: Look for industry accreditations, such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC)

• Ask about extras: Check for hidden costs like VAT

• Check about cover: Will they offer a warranty on their work?

FAQs

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.

There are two main types of ASHPs:

• Air-to-air: Heats (and can cool) your home using warm air, but doesn’t provide hot water. They can also be used for cooling (air conditioning units)

• Air-to-water: Provides both heating and hot water via a water-based system

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.

What's the average cost of an air source heat pump in the UK in 2026?

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?

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.

Do air source heat pumps work in winter?

Yes, an ASHP will operate in winter temperatures 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.

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

Your ASHP unit should be installed 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?

Along with an annual service, it's worth checking the outdoor unit for blockages such as leaves or debris and cleaning the filters every few months. In the winter, it's wise to check for excessive water accumulation in the drip tray or drainage system to prevent freezing issues.

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?

A well-installed and properly maintained air source heat pump can make your property more attractive to buyers, particularly those looking for energy-efficient, low-carbon homes. It may also help future-proof your property as the UK moves away from fossil fuel heating.

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. 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. If maintained properly, SAHP systems last up to 20 years.

Are SAHP's easy to install?

Solar-assisted heat pumps 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. Just make sure the pumps aren't overshadowed by any trees to maximise sunlight absorption.

How do I find a reliable heat pump installer?

To find a reliable heat pump installer, look for:

• MCS certification: an internationally recognised quality and safety scheme for small-scale renewable energy technologies

• Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC): sets standards for consumer protection in the small-scale renewable energy sector

Search your postcode to find certified air source heat pump installers covering your local area with Checkatrade.

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