How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost in the UK?

Air source heat pumps cost, on average, between £6,000 and £12,000, including the full installation process and all the related work – but we appreciate that it is a broad pricing bracket, and it is important to understand the budget you might need!

The reason costs vary so widely is that air source heat pumps come in various sizes, functionalities and models. A lot depends on the layout and nature of your home, the types of heating facilities you already have in place, and how energy efficient your property is.

Today the Gas Worx Southampton team works through some of the cost factors and what is involved in supplying, fitting and implementing a fully functional air source heat pump system.

Average Costs to Install an Air Source Heat Pump

The first cost factor is the size of the air source heat pump you require. Smaller pumps of 5kW are more affordable than larger 16kW or 17kW models, and the appropriate size will vary with the floorplan and scale of your home and the area where you live.

As we have explained, the supply and installation process costs between £6,000 and £12,000. We recommend booking a complimentary, obligation-free home assessment and quotation to assess which models may be suitable and what they will likely cost.

Other optional works you may wish to incorporate into your project may cost as follows:

• • Upgrading your radiators to larger models: roughly £1,000 to £3,000 for up to ten radiators.
  • Installing underfloor heating: £5,000 to £15,000, depending on the number of rooms.
  • Updating older pipework throughout your heating system: around £2,000 on average.
  • Replacing cavity wall insulation or loft insulation: £500 to £1,000 for each insulation type.
  • Changing your floor insulation: between £1,000 and £5,000.

Of course, it may not be necessary to replace any other aspects of your heating, hot water supply or insulation, and you can pick and choose any additional work you would like to be completed at the same time.

However, older homes with low energy efficiency ratings may need upgrades to insulation or radiators where heat loss from the property is high and will affect the efficiency and long-term usage of a new air source heat pump – but these would require replacement in any case, with or without a boiler upgrade.

Other Air Source Heat Pump Cost Factors

The size of your property is a primary consideration since a bigger home with more radiators, rooms, and a larger floor plan will require a more powerful heating solution and, therefore, a larger heat pump.

Additional considerations we’ve looked at above include the insulation within the property, whether you decide to upgrade your radiators, and if you wish to fit underfloor heating.

Air source heat pumps are highly efficient, and most work optimally with radiators around two or three times larger than a small, conventional radiator system – in turn, this may make heating your home faster and help maintain the same ambient temperature for longer.

Your choice of heat pump is another cost element. Heat pumps come in various brands, and some cost more; we can recommend the most reputable brands and those with budget-friendly units.

Pumps that operate to a higher performance and efficiency rating are usually more expensive but may pay dividends in the long run.

Installing your air source heat pump in an ideal position with excellent airflow and plenty of sunlight can aid efficiency and increase the average air temperature drawn into the pump, so it’s also important to assess the positioning of the outdoor unit.

What Is Included in the Cost of Fitting an Air Source Heat Pump?

Our quotations are always detailed and show exactly which costs and services are included, with pricing breakdowns for transparency. You should expect your installation costs to cover the following:

• • Independent advice about the right type of heat pump, where to install it, and the size of pump required for your property.
  • The supply and installation of the air source heat pump unit.
  • Cabling and heating pipes and connecting your heat pump to your heating system.
  • Fitting internal control panels or thermostats to manage your heating and hot water.
  • Testing and commissioning to ensure the heat pump is working effectively and ready for use.

Installing a single-unit monobloc air source heat pump is normally the most straightforward option. The outdoor unit connects directly to your system, with an indoor thermostat or control panel, often with a control panel on the unit itself too.

A split pump can increase the cost and time required to fit your heat pump, but this option may be preferable where you have limited outdoor space since monobloc units are very large and may be unsuitable for smaller homes or those without a front or back garden.

Grants and Support Schemes to Reduce the Cost of Fitting an Air Source Heat Pump

Initiatives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) can help to offset the costs of upgrading to a low-carbon, efficient home heating solution. Homeowners can apply for up to £5,000 towards the price of a renewable air source heat pump, which is not means-tested and is open to all eligible applicants.

Eligibility criteria include:

• • Upgrading from an electric or fossil fuel-dependent heating system.
  • Having the work completed by a registered and approved installer.
  • Presenting a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

This scheme is open until 30^th March 2025, and the grant is paid directly to the installer and deducted from your payable balance.

There are proposals in place to look at financing options to encourage more homeowners to replace boilers and heating systems with high carbon emissions with more efficient and environmentally friendly options – we’ll be sure to share new announcements as they are made!

In the meantime, if you would like to evaluate the cost of upgrading your home heating system or assess the suitable air source heat pump models and the total installation cost, please book a call or consultation with Gas Worx for more detailed guidance.