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

• 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.

Air source heat pump installation costs

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.

Air source heat pump savings

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:

• Gas boiler: £8 to £385
• Electric heater: £830 to £1,100
• Oil boiler: £15 to £455
• LPG boiler: £50 to £460
• Coal: £1,100

Summary

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.