Comprehensive Guide to Air Source Heat Pumps in 2024

• An air source Heat Pump extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it to the inside to provide heating and hot water and acts in reverse for cooling purposes.
• On average, installing an air source heat pump costs around £8,750 to £14,050. Once installed, the running costs of the heat pump can be expected to reach a certain amount per year. However, heat pumps can reduce your heating bills by 10% to 40%.
• With the most recent update of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can save £7,500 on air source heat pump installation. 

By reading our article onair source heat pumps in the UK, you can gain valuable insights into their installation and running costs, and their energy-saving potential. Additionally, you can learn about the pros and cons of air source heat pumps, such as reducing carbon emissions and overall improved energy efficiency.

Has this sparked your interest in air source heat pumps? Save hours on searching for a professional installer on your own by completing our short 30-second form instead. We’ll provide up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from experienced heat pump installers near you. Click the button below to get started:

Get your best deal

Quickly compare 4 FREE quotes

• Quotes from local engineers
• Payment by finance available
• Save £7,500 with BUS grant

GET QUOTES NOW

It only takes 30 seconds

Optimise your home and save the planet

Call us to get quotes

We will get you the best deal

0330 808 0405

What are air source heat pumps?

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are a low-carbon technology that provides efficient heating and cooling solutions for homes in any climate.

Still, the question remains: How do air source heat pumps work? Well, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) transfer heat from the outside air using electricity to provide both heating and hot water in some models (air to water heat pumps) during the winter. However, they can reverse this process to offer cooling in the summer.

While generally considered environmentally friendly, their efficiency can decrease in very cold climates, and some models cannot directly heat hot water (air to air heat pumps).

Installing an ASHP can lead to lower utility bills and increased energy efficiency compared to conventional heating technologies. They can save you up to £340 annually compared to an old G-rated gas boiler.

Additionally, ASHPs are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides grants of up to £7,500 for those who meet the eligibility criteria. This scheme was launched by the UK government in May 2022 to encourage and support homeowners in England and Wales to afford the upfront costs of installing low-carbon heating systems.

Below, we offer an in-depth analysis of how air source heat pumps work.

How do air source heat pumps work?

Air source heat pumps work by absorbing heat from the outside air using refrigerant gas, which flows at -28°c to extract the heat from the air outside. The heat is then compressed and transferred to your heating system via a heat exchanger.

In cooling mode, the process is reversed to provide cooling. These pumps are highly efficient and capable of extracting heat even in sub-freezing temperatures, making them suitable for cold climates.

In the case of air to water heat pumps, for instance, heat is extracted from the outside air, following a similar process as described above, but transferring the heat from the outside air to water. This warm water travels through your home’s piping system, heating your home via radiators or underfloor heating.

Therefore, air source heat pumps effectively harness heat from the external environment which makes them a favourable choice for residences in colder regions, such as the UK.

What are the pros and cons of an ASHP?

There are many pros and cons to domestic air source heat pumps in the UK, and it’s important to be aware of them before investing:

Air source heat pump benefits:

• Low carbon footprint: ASHPs use outside air to heat or cool homes with high efficiency, using 1 unit of electricity for 3-4 units of heat.
• Save money on energy bills: Switching to air source heat pumps can reduce your annual fuel bill by as much as £1,100, with larger savings for those switching from electric, coal, or LPG systems.
• Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: You may be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which provides grants of up to £7,500 until April 2028.
• Can be used for heating and cooling: ASHPs can provide heating in winter and cooling in summer, depending on the model.
• Can be used for space heating and hot water: ASHPs can heat water and spaces, with flow temperatures of 55°C for hot water and 35°C for space heating.
• High Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP): ASHPs can boast efficiency ratings of up to 400% with a COP of 4.
• Easy installation process: ASHPs can be installed in 2 days, without digging like ground source heat pumps, suitable for retrofits and new builds.
• Low maintenance: ASHPs require annual servicing by a qualified heating engineer, with occasional filter cleaning and leak checks by the homeowner.
• Long lifespan: ASHPs can operate for up to 20 years with proper maintenance, and most have 5-year warranties.
• No fuel storage: ASHPs run on electricity, eliminating the need for fuel deliveries like biomass or oil-fired boilers.

Air source heat pump disadvantages:

• Lower heat output: ASHPs produce less heat than oil or gas boilers, requiring larger radiators for the same space heating.
• Well-insulated home: ASHPs need a well-insulated home to work effectively.
• Lower efficiency below 0°C: ASHPs lose efficiency below 0°C due to outside air, with heat output decreasing as temperature drops.
• Lower savings with cheap mains gas: ASHPs may not offer significant savings if mains gas is cheap, but the UK is shifting towards heat pumps, and incentives will increase.
• Noisy operation: ASHPs can be somewhat noisy, comparable to an air conditioner or light to heavy rain.

What types of air source heat pumps are there?

There are two types of air source heat pumps. The main distinction between the two is how they distribute their heat: through air or water.

Air to air heat pumps

Air to air heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air and transfer it directly into your home usually via a ventilation fan system. Moreover, on average, they have a price range of between £2,400 – £8,800, including supply and installation costs, potentially breaking even in 6–12 years.

These heat pumps use significantly less energy than conventional heating systems and can switch from heating to cooling, acting as an air conditioner in summer and a heating source in winter. They are sustainable, efficient, and affordable, with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, making them more affordable than air to water heat pump counterparts.

:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Air to water heat pumps

Air to water heat pumps, on the other hand, differ from air to air heat pumps in that they take heat from the outside air and transfer it to a wet central heating system, normally through radiators or underfloor heating. The heat they produce can be used for both central heating and domestic hot water if combined with a hot water storage tank.

On average, an air to water heat pump, including installation, costs between £8,750–£14,050 with projected running costs of £717.93–£1,380.67 for a 3-bedroom house with a COP of 4. Typically, these heat pumps can pay for themselves in 5–10 years.

While it is true that air to water heat pumps are pricier than their air to air counterparts, they are known for exceptional efficiency (up to 400% under optimal conditions), they last 10–15 years, offering central heating, underfloor heating, and hot water without a separate system. While air to air pumps excel in cooling and cost-effectiveness, air to water pumps provide a more comprehensive heating solution.

:

1

2

3

4

5

6

In addition, hybrid heat pumps are ideal for homeowners with high heating demands, as they combine both a heat pump and a boiler for heating and cooling, switching between them based on the season and temperature. To determine the best air source heat pump for your home, it is best to seek an assessment and quote from a heating engineer.

Finding a trustworthy heat pump expert on your own can drag on for days. It’s much easier to find one with our help. Simply fill out a 30-second form, and we’ll connect you with up to 4 vetted heat pump installers. You can then compare their quotes with no obligation, making the process quick and easy. Click below to get started!

Get your best deal

Quickly compare 4 FREE quotes

• Quotes from local engineers
• Payment by finance available
• Save £7,500 with BUS grant

GET QUOTES NOW

It only takes 30 seconds

Optimise your home and save the planet

Call us to get quotes

We will get you the best deal

0330 808 0405

Air source heat pump efficiency

According to the latest data air source heat pumps are 300% efficient, with air to water heat pumps being 200% to 400% on average and air to air heat pumps being 300% efficient.

What is the cost of air source heat pumps?

ASHP prices range between £2,400 – £21,550, including installation. Air to air heat pumps will cost you around £2,400 – £8,800 and air to water heat pumps cost anywhere between £8,750 – £14,050.

Air source heat pump costs are 50% cheaper than the cost of ground source heat pumps. This wide range in price is because 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.

Air source heat pump average costASHP system typeAverage priceAvg yearly savingsAir to water heat pump£8,750 – £14,050£45 – £440Air to air heat pump£2,400 – £8,800£750 – £950

These prices are estimates based on the current market rates in 2024. For a more accurate price, you should always get quotes from multiple installers.

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: Larger homes necessitate bigger heat pumps, which come with a higher price tag. Opting for a more powerful heat pump can result in substantial savings on installation, energy, and maintenance costs.
• The brand of the pump: The choice of heat pump brand impacts costs, with some brands being pricier but potentially offering higher quality and efficiency. Researching different brands and models helps find a suitable option that aligns with both needs and budget.
• The pump size: While larger heat pumps are more expensive, they may be essential for adequate heating.
• The CoP of your pump: Higher CoP signifies greater efficiency, though more efficient heat pumps tend to be costlier and less common.
• Property heating demands: Consider the heating demands of your property, influenced by factors like climate, insulation, and occupancy. A heat pump that is too small may struggle to maintain comfort in harsh weather, while an oversized one can be inefficient and lead to additional installation expenses.
• Any home renovating costs: Installation of ductwork, if not already present, can significantly increase heat pump installation costs, ranging from £250 to £12,000 depending on home size. Ductless mini-split systems are an alternative for smaller homes, eliminating additional ductwork expenses.

Typically, the running costs of air source heat pumps range from £585 to £1,700 and they largely depend on the system size and efficiency. The bigger the size, the more energy it will generate, and the more expensive it will be to run. 

The running costs also depend on whether you choose an air to air or an air to water heat pump.

Running costs of an air source heat pumpHeat pump type1 bedroom2-3 bedrooms4+ bedroomsAir to air£650–£850£750–£950£850–£1050Air to water£585 – £685£900 – £1,045£1,325 – £1,550

Air source heat pump performance is said to be more efficient in warmer climates but remains cost-effective in the UK’s typical winter temperatures, which rarely drop below 0°C. Home insulation and personal energy needs also influence running costs, with well-insulated homes maximizing heating system efficiency and reducing bills.

However, it’s important to consider that when purchasing an air source heat pump, you might qualify for government support via a heat pump grant.

There are two main grants available: the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers up to £7,500 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump, and a 5% VAT reduction on energy-saving products, including air source heat pumps and solar panels.

For further information on the various grants and schemes available, please visit our dedicated page on heat pump grants.

To finance your air source heat pump affordably, consider obtaining up to 4 quotes from different installers, reducing the risk of overpaying. GreenMatch simplifies this process by offering you up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from trusted local installers after answering a few brief questions about your heating needs, saving you hours of time and effort.

Get your best deal

Quickly compare 4 FREE quotes

• Quotes from local engineers
• Payment by finance available
• Save £7,500 with BUS grant

GET QUOTES NOW

It only takes 30 seconds

Optimise your home and save the planet

Call us to get quotes

We will get you the best deal

0330 808 0405

Is an air source heat pump something for your household?

In summary, an air source heat pump system is a suitable choice for your home and offers the following benefits:

• Environmental friendliness: Provide efficient and eco-friendly heating and cooling.
• Versatility: Suitable for various applications, including residential use.
• Cost-effectiveness: Easier and more affordable installation compared to ground source heat pumps.
• No land excavation: Installation does not require digging up land, reducing upfront costs.
• Energy efficiency: Outperform traditional boiler systems in terms of efficiency.
• Financial incentives: Eligible for grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering up to £7,500 off installation costs.
• Comparable costs: Installation cost is equivalent to that of a new boiler, ensuring budget-friendly options for homeowners.

If an air source heat is something you are considering after reading our guide, luckily here, at GreenMatch, we are ready to assist you by offering up to 4 free and non-binding quotes. This allows you to easily connect with our reliable network of suppliers who can help you through the process, saving hours of your time that could have been wasted searching for professionals on your own.

To get started, just click the button below and answer some short questions about your heating situation.

Get your best deal

Quickly compare 4 FREE quotes

• Quotes from local engineers
• Payment by finance available
• Save £7,500 with BUS grant

GET QUOTES NOW

It only takes 30 seconds

Optimise your home and save the planet

Call us to get quotes

We will get you the best deal

0330 808 0405

Frequently Asked Questions

There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to consider when it comes to heat pumps. They have the potential to significantly decrease your home’s carbon footprint, and lower your energy bills while requiring little maintenance.

Yes, air source heat pumps can save you up to £440 compared to traditional heating systems. Exactly how much you can save with an air source heat pump depends on its coefficient of performance (CoP).

The running costs of air source heat pumps can range from £585 – £1,550 a year and they largely depend on the system size and current gas prices. However, many more factors contribute to the running cost of air source heat pumps.

You can expect to pay anywhere between £2,400 – £21,550 for the cost of an air source heat pump, including installation costs. However, the price ultimately depends on what type of air source heat pump you’re looking to install. Air-to-water heat pumps tend to cost more than air-to-air heat pumps.

Air source heat pumps can still provide heating during the winter months in the UK, however, their efficiency may decrease due to the fact that they lose efficiency below 0°C as they rely on the outside air.