Blog>Cost Guides>Heat pump servicing and repair cost
Last updated: 31 March 2023
Heat pump servicing and repair cost
Heat pumps are a great way to save money on your energy bills, especially if you regularly maintain them. But how much should you budget for heat pump servicing costs? And what does the typical heat pump repair cost?
We’re big fans of heat pumps – whether that be air source heat pumps or ground source heat pumps. Not only will they help to reduce your energy bills, but they’re a clean way of heating the home which is great for the planet too. But how much does heat pump servicing cost? And how hefty is the typical heat pump repair cost?
Here, we’ll break down what you can expect to pay for heat pump servicing and repairs. That way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether heat pumps are right for your home. Or, if you already have one, you’ll know what to budget for your next heat pump service!
Heat pump maintenance cost
To adequately maintain your heat pump, you’ll need to regularly service it and fork out on any repairs that need doing. Here are the typical costs you’ll be looking at.
| Item | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air source heat pump (ASHP) service cost | £150 | £300 | £200 |
| Ground source heat pump (GSHP) service cost | £200 | £350 | £250 |
| ASHP/GSHP repair cost | £150 (i.e. electrical connection issue) | £2,000 (i.e. new compressor) | £500 (i.e. new fan) |
| Heat pump technician minimum callout charge | - | - | £100 |
| Heat pump technician hourly rate | - | - | £40 |
| Last updated: September 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
How much does heat pump servicing cost?
Your heat pump servicing cost will depend on a number of factors, including your location and your technician’s hourly rate. However, one of the main variables will be whether you have an air source heat pump or a ground source heat pump.
So, how much does it cost to service a heat pump in the UK?
Air source heat pump servicing costs
An air source heat pump collects and uses energy from the outside air to heat the air inside a building. On average, you can expect to pay between £150 - £300 to get your air source heat pump serviced.
Here’s what a service will typically include:
An electrical safety check
Check thermostat operation
General visual inspection of the unit
Refrigerant refill (if required)
Check for leaks/pressures
Cleaning filters and coils
Check all large components such as the compressor, fan, and pump
Lubricate moving parts
Replacement of any small parts (i.e. seals/gaskets) as per the manufacturer’s guidelines
Ground source heat pump servicing cost
A ground source heat pump absorbs solar energy from the ground and transfers it to water, which in turn heats your home and hot water. The typical ground source heat pump servicing cost will range on average from £200 - £350. This makes servicing a ground source heat pump around £50 more expensive than servicing an air source heat pump.
Wondering why ground source heat pumps cost more to service? Well, it’s because your service will include all the same checks that it would if you had an air source heat pump. But your technician will also need to carry out a few additional checks:
Check antifreeze concentration in ground loop circuit
Check flow and return temperatures in ground loop circuit
Check pressure in ground loop circuit
How often do air source and ground source heat pumps need servicing?
We’d recommend servicing your heat pump once a year, before the winter cold hits. That way, you’ll:
Have peace of mind
Be able to catch any issues before they become worse
Maintain the manufacturer’s warranty
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Air source heat pump service plan
Most heat pump manufacturers will need you to have a service plan in place to validate your warranty. A service plan is where you pay a regular fee, usually per month, in return for an annual service.
An air source heat pump service plan will typically cost between £10 and £20 per month, depending on the level of servicing you’re after. Some companies will only sell you a service plan if you have their own heat pumps installed.
Ground source heat pump service plan
A ground source heat pump service plan works in the same way as one for an air source heat pump. However, it will typically be a little more expensive.
Expect to spend up to £25 per month on a ground source heat pump service plan.
How much does heat pump repair cost?
It’s hard to put an exact figure on how much a heat pump repair will cost. It will typically vary depending on a number of factors, including:
What the issue is with your heat pump
Whether any parts need replacing (and which ones)
Your technician’s hourly rate
Any callout fees (these may be higher if it’s an emergency callout)
That said, you can expect a minimum callout charge of £100, and the average heat pump technician hourly rate is £40.
How much does it cost to fix a heat pump?
When it comes to the cost to fix a heat pump, figures vary wildly. Costs could be anywhere from £150 (i.e. electrical connection issue) - £2,000 (i.e. new compressor), depending on what the issue is.
The average heat pump repair cost is around £500 (i.e. new fan).
Heat pump compressor replacement cost
A heat pump compressor replacement is one of the priciest repairs you’ll come across. This will typically set you back around £2,000.
At the other end of the scale, you could pay £150 to resolve an electrical connection issue.
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How much does a heat pump replacement cost?
If your heat pump is beyond repair, you’ll need to look into a replacement.
The average air source heat pump cost is between £2,500 and £13,000 for supply and installation, depending on the type you choose. Meanwhile, the average ground source heat pump cost is between £6,000 and £11,000.
If you’re replacing an existing heat pump, costs will usually be slightly lower, especially if your fixtures and amenities are in good condition – that way, you’ll just need to connect and plug in the new heat pump, rather than deal with the surrounding infrastructure.
How many years does a heat pump last?
Luckily, heat pumps are long-lasting, so you shouldn’t have to replace them often. A modern heat pump should have a lifespan of around 20 to 25 years.
How much does it cost to run a heat pump?
Last but not least, you may well be wondering how much it costs to run a heat pump. Aside from servicing and repair costs, it’s important to consider the cost of the energy itself.
The cost of running a heat pump can vary hugely depending on a number of factors. These include:
Your insulation
Whether the system is paired with low-temperature flow radiators or underfloor heating
Whether or not the system is used for domestic hot water heating
Heat pump servicing and repair cost key takeaways
Make sure to service your heat pump every year
Consider a service plan to spread out your service costs and validate your warranty
Modern heat pumps shouldn’t need replacing until they’re around 20 to 25 years old
Switching to a heat pump is a great way to lower your energy bills
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job