Categories Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps: How much do they cost in 2024?

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  • Expect to pay around £10,000 for an air source heat pump, which is the average cost.
  • A 10kW system is usually what you'll need for a three-bedroom house.
  • Your running costs will vary depending on the heat pump's design and how you use it.
  • You could save anywhere from £8 to £1,100 per year on your energy bills with a heat pump in a typical three-bedroom home.

Air source heat pumps are a smart way to heat your home, using the natural energy in the air outside. They work by extracting heat from the air and boosting it to a comfortable temperature. This makes your home more energy-efficient and can save you money on your heating bills.

There are two main types of air source heat pumps:

  • Air-to-water heat pumps work like a traditional boiler, using the heat from the air to warm up your central heating system.
  • Air-to-air heat pumps use fans to circulate warm air directly into your home. These are great for heating, but they can’t produce hot water.

How much do air source heat pumps cost?

The average cost of an air source heat pump is around £10,000. The price will depend on the size of the system you need. For example:

  • A three-bedroom house typically needs a 10kW system, which costs around £10,000.

  • A four-bedroom house needs a 13kW system, costing around £13,000.

  • A five-bedroom house needs a 15kW system, costing around £15,000.

The good news is that there are government grants available to help with the cost of installing a heat pump. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a £7,500 discount on heat pumps for homeowners in England and Wales.

The cost of an air source heat pump can range from £7,000 to £15,000, but the average price in the UK is between £4,200 and £6,500. The final price will depend on several factors, including the size of the heat pump, the size of your property, the type of property (new build or older), whether you need to change how heat is distributed in your home, and the cost of installation.

The cost of installing an air source heat pump can vary greatly, ranging from £2,000 to £20,000, depending on the company you choose and the specific needs of your home. While air source heat pumps are generally more expensive than other types of heat pumps, their environmental benefits often outweigh the higher cost.

Here are some factors that can influence the installation cost:

  • Insulation: If your home isn’t properly insulated, the heat pump will need to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, potentially increasing the installation cost.
  • Heat pump brand, performance, and efficiency: Higher-performance and more efficient heat pumps from certain brands can be more expensive.
  • Radiator upgrades: Air source heat pumps often require larger radiators to provide the same heat output as traditional heating systems, which can add to the overall cost.

Switching to a low-carbon technology like an air source heat pump can significantly reduce your energy bills, but the exact savings will depend on what you’re upgrading from. According to CheckaTrade, a typical three-bedroom home could see annual savings ranging from £8 to £1,100. Here’s a breakdown of potential savings based on the type of heating system you’re replacing:

Air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air and boosting it to a higher temperature for use in your home. There are two main types: air-to-water and air-to-air.

While air source heat pumps are generally more expensive than other types of heat pumps, their environmental benefits often outweigh the higher cost.

Installation costs can vary significantly, ranging from £2,000 to £20,000, depending on the company you choose and the specific needs of your home.

It’s important to note that air source heat pumps become slightly less efficient when temperatures drop below zero degrees Celsius. Their efficiency can decrease from 300% to 200% as they work harder to extract heat from the colder air.

If you plan to move within the next five years, an air source heat pump might not be the best investment, as you wouldn’t have enough time to realize the full return on your investment.

Contact us for more information or to request a free heat pump sizing.

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Categories Air Source Heat Pumps

The Top 9 Myths About Heat Pumps Debunked

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  • Heat pumps make about as much noise as a refrigerator
  • Heat pumps are 2.4 times more efficient than gas boilers during winter
  • You can get £7,500 off a heat pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

As it currently stands, only 3% of homes in the UK are equipped with heat pumps. However, this is expected to change in the near future due to the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This scheme aims to reduce the costs associated with heat pumps for households all across the country.

As heat pumps continue to gain popularity in the UK, there are some myths that have started to circulate. But don’t worry, we are here to debunk those myths and provide you with accurate information.

If you have any doubts or questions about heat pumps, we encourage you to check out our myth-busting points located further down the page. These points will help clarify any misconceptions you may have.

On the other hand, if you already have a good understanding of heat pumps and want to take the next step, simply fill out our form with a few details. Our certified suppliers will then be in touch with you, providing free quotes for your consideration.

Rest assured, we have all the information you need about these handy devices right here.

Myth #1: “Heat pumps are too noisy.”

Modern heat pumps have come a long way since they first entered the market. Initially, they were known for being big, bulky, and noisy. However, thanks to years of innovation, today’s heat pumps are compact, energy efficient, and produce minimal noise.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, heat pumps generate approximately the same amount of noise as a refrigerator. This humming sound is caused by the fan of the pump, which draws air into the system. If the components of the heat pump are not installed correctly, you may experience increased noise levels. To avoid this, it is recommended to have your heat pump installed by a certified engineer.

If you reside in a block of flats and have an outdoor unit mounted on your wall, you are more likely to notice the noise. However, ground source heat pumps are more commonly used in such buildings, allowing you to easily avoid this issue.

In the event that you do notice an excessive amount of noise, it could indicate a problem with the heat pump that requires attention.

Myth #2: “Heat pumps aren’t suitable for most homes.”

Heat pumps can be installed in various types of properties, including detached houses, high-rise flats, modern homes, and old farmhouses, despite the circulating myth. However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind before installing a heat pump in your home:

Garden Space: If you have garden space available, you can opt for a ground source heat pump. However, if you don’t have garden space, an air source heat pump can be a suitable alternative. It can be mounted on an external wall.

Planning Permission: Before installing a heat pump, it is crucial to check whether you need planning permission from your local authority. This is especially important if you live in a conservation area or a listed building.

Insulation: It is essential to ensure that your home is well insulated before installing any type of heat pump. Having proper wall and roof insulation is the minimum requirement.

Currently, only 3% of homes in the UK have a heat pump installed. However, the government has ambitious plans to install 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028.

If you want to learn more about heat pumps and determine if they are suitable for your home, you can refer to the helpful guide titled “Is Your Home Suitable for a Heat Pump?”

Myth #3: “Heat pumps aren’t efficient during cold winters.”

Heat pumps are highly efficient, with an efficiency rate of 300%. This means that for every unit of electricity they consume, they generate three units of energy. In comparison, electric boilers are only 100% efficient, making them four times less efficient than heat pumps. The best gas boilers can achieve 98% efficiency. It is important to note that heat pumps may experience a decrease in efficiency of around 20% during the winter due to cold weather conditions. However, even with this decrease, they are still at least 2.4 times more efficient than gas boilers during the winter.

Myth #4: “The upfront cost of heat pumps is too expensive.”

Installing a heat pump can come with a significant upfront cost. On average, an air source heat pump typically costs around £10,000, while a ground source heat pump starts at around £13,000. However, it is expected that these prices will decrease over time. To make the upfront cost more affordable, there are several government heat pump grants available.

One such grant is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, previously known as the Clean Heat Grant. This scheme is in effect from April 2022 until 2028 and provides homeowners in England and Wales with £7,500 towards the installation of a new air or ground source heat pump. These grants aim to support homeowners in transitioning to more sustainable heating options.

Myth #5: “Heat pumps only work with underfloor heating.”

Before we address this misconception, it is important to note that heat pumps have a longer heating time compared to traditional boilers. This is because heat pumps operate at a lower temperature, typically around 35-40°C, while boilers operate at 60-65°C. As a result, heat pumps require a larger surface area to achieve the same temperature level. They work best when connected to an underfloor heating system, although they can also function well with radiators. It is worth mentioning that in order to maintain a comfortable temperature, the radiators installed should be larger than usual to increase the surface area. As a general rule, radiators for heat pumps should be approximately two and a half times larger than standard radiators to provide the same heat output as a gas boiler. Additionally, it may be necessary for the average UK home to replace about one-third of its existing radiators with larger ones to accommodate a heat pump.

Myth #6: “Heat pumps take up a lot of space.”

Heat pumps have various external components, including outdoor units, pipes, and underground loops (only for ground source). However, they do not occupy a significant amount of space. In fact, the average size of a heat pump is comparable to that of a gas boiler. Typically, the outside unit of a heat pump is approximately two feet tall, one foot deep, and around 2.5 feet wide. In contrast, the smallest boiler manufactured by Worcester Bosch measures approximately 2.2 feet in height, 0.9 feet in depth, and 1.2 feet in width.

Regarding the pipes, air source heat pumps have their pipes running from the unit through the external wall, remaining hidden from view. While it is true that radiators need to be larger for a heat pump to function effectively, this issue can be avoided by choosing an underfloor heating system.

Myth #7: “Heat pumps are expensive to run.”

Switching from a fossil-fuel boiler to a heat pump can result in cost savings instead of additional expenses. In fact, by making this transition, you can save £4,340 over the lifetime of the heat pump, as opposed to sticking with a gas boiler.

The cost savings are primarily attributed to the escalating prices of fossil fuels, which are projected to rise further in the future.

It is important to note that the actual amount of money you can save will vary depending on the level of insulation in your house and whether you utilize underfloor heating or standard-size radiators.

Myth #8: “Heat pumps need to stay on all the time.”

This misconception likely originated from individuals who have experienced heat pumps in houses that are poorly insulated. When heat pumps are used in houses with inadequate or outdated insulation that needs to be replaced, the building is unable to effectively retain heat. As a result, some people may need to run their heat pumps all day.

This situation is not limited to heat pumps, as houses with boilers can also quickly heat poorly insulated buildings temporarily. In contrast, heat pumps gradually warm a house, resulting in a longer heating process. Therefore, if a home lacks proper insulation, the gradual increase in heat provided by heat pumps may not be very effective.

Essentially, if your walls, roof, and windows are properly insulated, there is no need to run your heat pumps for extended periods to maintain warmth.

Myth #9: “Heat pumps are high maintenance.”

Heat pumps are generally low-maintenance devices, contrary to the claim mentioned earlier. To maintain your heat pump, it is important to regularly clean it and ensure unobstructed airflow. For optimal condition, we suggest using our user-friendly maintenance checklist.

Servicing is only required every few years for heat pumps, but this may vary depending on the warranty terms of your specific system. With proper care, a heat pump can last up to 20 years, which is longer than the average lifespan of a boiler, typically 15 years.

Summary

Heat pumps are predicted to become more prevalent in UK homes in the future, becoming essential household items. Furthermore, with the UK government offering financial assistance, people from different backgrounds will be able to afford this cost-effective technology.

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Categories Air Source Heat Pumps

Heat Pump Costs UK 2024

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Heat pumps offer an efficient and renewable solution to replace traditional gas and oil boilers in most homes. Proper preparation is essential, and the government is incentivizing homeowners with subsidies to encourage the adoption of this eco-friendly technology.

Given the impending ban on gas boilers, it’s prudent to explore the best alternative available, especially while the government provides discounts. This guide provides comprehensive information on the costs associated with various heat pump options, enabling you to determine the most suitable type for your home.

Heat pumps offer an efficient and renewable solution to replace traditional gas and oil boilers in most homes. Proper preparation is essential, and the government is incentivizing homeowners with subsidies to encourage the adoption of this eco-friendly technology.

Given the impending ban on gas boilers, it’s prudent to explore the best alternative available, especially while the government provides discounts. This guide provides comprehensive information on the costs associated with various heat pump options, enabling you to determine the most suitable type for your home.

 

How much does a heat pump cost?

Property SizeTwo BedroomThree BedroomFour BedroomFive Bedroom
Air source heat pump size5kW10kW13kW16kW
Air source heat pump cost£7,000£10,000£13,000£15,000

These costs are a general rough idea and don’t reflect exactly what you’ll pay. Heat pump installations are always priced on a case-by-case basis.

On average, an air source heat pump for a three-bedroom house is priced at £10,000.

Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can potentially reduce the cost of an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump by £7,500.

Considering that, over 20 years, an air source heat pump typically saves £4,340 more than a gas boiler, the financial advantage is now firmly in favor of air source heat pumps.

For personalized, cost-free quotes on a heat pump installation tailored to your home, simply complete this brief form with your details. Our installers will then reach out to you promptly.

 

 

Heat pump running costs

For a three-bedroom household, the annual operational expenses of an air source heat pump, on average, are approximately £1,048. However, these costs can vary considerably based on your location within the UK.

 
Heating MethodEfficiency(%)Annual energy use (kWh)Cost (p/kWh)Annual bill
Gas Boiler9511,5006.89£792
Heat Pump3003,83327.35£1,048
Oil Boiler9211,87511.14£1,337
Electric Boiler10010,92527.35£1,641

While the ground temperature remains consistent throughout the year, the efficiency of your air source heat pump is subject to fluctuations in air temperature.

Currently, the annual cost of operating a gas boiler in an average three-bedroom home is around £800, slightly less than a typical heat pump. However, this balance is expected to shift. With the UK’s shift away from fossil fuels, gas prices are likely to rise, while the cost of electricity is anticipated to decrease when the government eliminates green levies that artificially inflate its price.

Residents in the southern regions may already experience lower running costs for a heat pump compared to a gas boiler, owing to the generally warmer climate. Additionally, your operational expenses might decrease if your heat pump has an efficiency rating higher than 300% or if your insulation surpasses the average standard.

The 20-year cost of a gas boiler vs an air source heat pump

The 20 year cost of a gas boiler vs an air source heat pump

Are there any grants for heat pumps?

Take advantage of various government grants available in the UK for heat pumps.

Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, homeowners in England and Wales can benefit from a £7,500 reduction on the cost of air, ground, or water source heat pumps.

Low-income households and individuals receiving specific benefits in England, Scotland, and Wales may qualify for a heat pump through the ECO4 scheme.

In Scotland, eligible households can explore options through Warmer Homes Scotland and the Home Energy Scotland Loan, while some residents in Wales may access the government’s Nest scheme. Additionally, check our guide to air source heat pumps in Scotland for more details.

To discover further opportunities, inquire with your local authority about potential funding from the Home Upgrade Grant. If your home isn’t connected to the gas grid and your local authority has received funding, you might be eligible for a heat pump grant.

For comprehensive details, refer to the complete guide on heat pump grants.

 

Heat pump service costs

Ensuring regular heat pump maintenance checks are conducted can extend the lifespan of your machine, providing warmth and hot water for a minimum of 20 years.

It’s advisable to have a professional service your heat pump every one or two years, depending on the warranty terms and conditions. This service typically incurs a cost of around £150. To explore cost-saving options, inquire with your installer or the manufacturer about the possibility of including regular maintenance in your initial purchase.

Prior to installation, request your installer to document any routine maintenance checks you should perform. This checklist may involve simple tasks such as clearing leaves, dust, or snow from the heat pump’s fans and cleaning the filter.

By ensuring your heat pump functions efficiently, you can save money in the long run. If you’re able to manage these tasks independently, it comes at no additional cost.

In addition to regular maintenance checks, consider protecting your heat pump system by acquiring a cover for the outside unit. This cover serves as a shield against extreme weather conditions and sea spray, contributing to the overall longevity of your heat pump.

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Categories Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar

Can You Power A Heat Pump With Solar Panels?

Solar PV Installer

Heat pumps offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel boilers, utilizing the ambient warmth from the air, ground, or water and relying on electricity for operation.

Given that electricity from the grid may not always originate from renewable sources, you might be contemplating the possibility of powering your heat pump with solar panels.

We have conducted an investigation into the feasibility of this approach, including an assessment of the associated costs, the potential requirement for a storage battery, and the projected timeframe for achieving cost parity in a system incorporating both a heat pump and solar panels.

Can you use solar panels to power a heat pump?

Certainly, it is possible to integrate your air source or ground source heat pump with solar panels to enhance the eco-friendliness of your heating and hot water system.

However, to utilize solar energy for powering your heat pump during the night, it would be necessary to have a storage battery. Without a storage battery, reliance on electricity from the grid would be inevitable for heating your home after dark.

Can you fully power a heat pump with solar panels?

You have the option to utilize solar panels to power your heat pump, provided that the system is sufficiently large to meet your electricity requirements.

Nevertheless, fully powering a heat pump with solar panels can be challenging since you also need to cater to the energy needs of the rest of your home.

For instance, if a 4 kW solar panel system is suitable for your property without a heat pump, you would require a system of more than double this capacity to fulfill the energy demands of a heat pump.

Moreover, winter presents additional challenges as the reduced sunlight may not be adequate to supply the necessary power for your heat pump. Consequently, you may only be able to partially supplement the energy supply to your heat pump during the colder months.

As long as you remain connected to the grid, there is no need to be concerned about your heat pump running out of power. However, you may still be susceptible to high electricity prices.

One alternative to consider is a solar thermal system, which harnesses sunlight to heat your water instead of generating electricity. This can help alleviate the water-heating load on your heat pump, reducing the amount of power required.

By lessening the load on your heat pump, you can potentially reduce the size of the solar panel system needed.

How many solar panels do you need to power an air source heat pump?

House sizeHeat pump sizeElectricity requiredNumber of solar panels
3 bedrooms5 kW25 kWh20
4 bedrooms10 kW60 kWh40
5+ bedrooms16 kW80 kWh62

The table provided illustrates various sizes of heat pumps and the corresponding number of solar panels required, based on the size of your residence.

Determining the necessary quantity of solar panels involves calculating the amount of energy essential for your heat pump to effectively heat your home.

In a typical UK household heated by a gas boiler, approximately 12,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of gas are consumed annually. However, heat pumps exhibit significantly higher efficiency.

While a typical gas boiler operates at an efficiency rating of 95%, heat pumps generally achieve around 300% efficiency.

Consequently, heating your home with a heat pump would necessitate roughly 4,000 kWh, a requirement that can be fulfilled by a 5.25 kW solar panel system. Nonetheless, you would still need to rely on the grid to power the remaining electricity usage in your home.

Should you aspire to power both your residence and heat pump with solar energy, a larger solar panel system would be essential. It is important to verify that you have adequate roof space—approximately two square metres per panel—to accommodate the necessary system.

How much does an air source heat pump with solar panels cost?

Size of heat pumpCost of heat pumpCost of solar panelsTotal costTotal cost with BUS
5 kW£10,000£14,935£24,935£17,435
10 kW£13,000£29,87039,870£32,370
16 kW£15,000£47,949£62,949£55,449

The average cost of air source heat pumps is £10,000, but this amount decreases to £2,500 with the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme. However, it is important to note that this scheme is only intended to cover 60,000 homes within its initial three years, so it is advisable to promptly verify your eligibility.

For a 4.2 kW solar panel system, the cost amounts to £9,433, resulting in a total expense of £11,933 after factoring in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme discount.

This total may not be sufficient to power both your heat pump and your household, necessitating the installation of either a larger solar panel system or a storage battery.

Typically, a storage battery carries a price tag of around £4,500 and necessitates replacement after approximately 12.5 years. In comparison, a heat pump boasts a lifespan of 20 years, while solar panels typically endure for at least 25 years.

Consequently, the overall expenditure on solar batteries is estimated to be around £9,000, on average.

Do you also need a storage battery to power an air source heat pump?

You may operate an air source heat pump without a storage battery, but having one can be advantageous.

By possessing a storage battery, you have the capability to store a portion or all of the energy produced by your solar panels throughout the day.

This stored energy can subsequently be utilized during the night to operate your heat pump once your solar panel system has ceased generating electricity for the day.

Is your home suitable for a heat pump and solar panels?

In the majority of cases, your residence will be appropriate for the installation of a heat pump and solar panels, as neither usually necessitate planning permission.

However, if your property lacks accessible roof space, the installation of a solar panel system may not be feasible. Furthermore, if your residence is designated as a listed building or situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it may be necessary to request planning permission.

Insufficient roof space is also a crucial consideration, particularly in light of the substantial energy requirements of heat pumps.

Summary

Combining your heat pump with solar panels is a highly sensible choice from an environmental perspective, provided it is within your budget.

This approach allows for a reduction in emissions, enables the majority of your home’s heating requirements to be powered by solar energy, and eliminates the need to replace your heat pump and solar panel system for 20 years or more.

If you meet the criteria for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, investing in a heat pump and solar panel system also makes complete financial sense.

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Categories Air Source Heat Pumps

Heat Pump Grants – Boiler Upgrade Scheme

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If you’re considering changing the way you heat your home and hot water, you might be thinking about a new renewable, low carbon option. One of the best options on the market at the moment are heat pumps. Not only are they much more beneficial for our environment, but right now they are also eligible for government grant support.

Installing a heat pump, whether it’s an air source or ground source pump, can be quite a costly job. The units are currently more expensive than a boiler and the installation can include a lot of work on your property (especially if you’re consider a ground source heat pump cost, as a large area of ground needs to be excavated). There may also be additional costs to replace radiators, improve your home’s insulation, or simply switch out pipes and connections. These could be necessary to make sure a heat pump will run efficiently.

The government has been forming various grants in the past few years to support and incentivise homeowners to replace their fossil fuel heating systems with renewable energy options. Their wider aim is to reduce carbon emissions in the UK and bring the country to a net-zero output by 2050.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) formerly The Clean Heat Grant

Opening: 23rd May 2022
Closing: 2025

BUS Scheme – What is it

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been created to fund the installation of renewable heating solutions in place of gas boilers. It’s open to all homeowners  and will offer a one-off grant payment to successful applicants.

The scheme has evolved as a replacement for the Renewable Heat Incentive, which closed to new applicants at the end of March. The BUS was originally known as The Clean Heat Grant, but has since undergone changes and has been adapted to account for industry and consumer feedback.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will open to applications on 23rd May, but will accept applications for any low carbon heating systems that have been installed on or after the 1st April.

Payments

From Monday 23 October 2023, installers will be able to apply for the newly increased grant amounts, the grants available are based on technology types as shown below:

  • air source heat pumps: £7,500
  • ground source heat pumps: £7,500
  • biomass boilers: £5,000

It should be noted, however, that biomass boilers are only eligible if they are installed in rural locations and in properties which are not connected to the gas grid.

Requirements

To be eligible for this scheme you must:

  • Live in England or Wales.
  • Own your own property.
  • Be replacing a fossil fuel system such an oil, gas or direct electric boiler.
  • Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), to prove your home is capable of running a heat pump efficiently. If your certificate shows any recommendation for further works, these must be completed prior to the installation (this includes things like insulation for lofts/cavity walls).

Funding is not available:

  • For new build properties (unless you’re building your own home).
  • To replace an existing low carbon heating system.

If you’re claiming other energy upgrade funding, such as for windows or insulation, you can still apply for this scheme.

How it works

To benefit from this scheme, you must do the following:

  1. Find a certified MCS* installer to carry out your installation. They can quote and advise if the installation at your property will qualify for the grant.
  2. Once you agree a quote for the work, the installer can then apply directly for the grant.
  3. Ofgem will then contact you, to confirm that your installer is acting on your behalf and that the grant can be processed.

How to Apply

This scheme is a bit different to others, as there is no need for you to apply directly. Applications will be done by the certified contractor that you choose to undertake your installation.

It is this contractor who then deducts the grant amount from the cost of your bill and then claims back the funding directly. Meaning you will benefit from the reduced cost of the installation, without having to apply for the grant or wait to be paid back.

All applications will we dealt with by Ofgem as the official administrators of the scheme. For further details of their processes you can visit their website.

*MCS is an internationally recognised quality assurance scheme supported by the UK government Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). MCS certifies both products and installation companies to help ensure that products are installed to a high standard.

Sources

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