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Energy Efficiency

Air Source Heat Pump Guide: Costs, Installation, and Benefits

Find out all you need to know about this low carbon heating alternative!

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There’s no denying that gas prices are higher than they’ve ever been. With little sign of them dropping, many people are deciding to switch their traditional gas boiler for an air source heat pump system to heat their homes.

An Air source heat pump gathers heat from the outside air (yes, even in cold weather) and uses that heat, along with some very cool technology, to transfer the warmth throughout your home. It works almost as an opposite refrigerator, and it’s one of the best ways to future-proof your home’s heating system as well as being a bit more environmentally friendly.

It can be an investment to make the switch from a traditional central heating system to an air source heat pump. However, it can have many benefits. So, if you’re considering making a change, here is some helpful information about air source heat pumps.

What is an Air Source Heat Pump and How Does It Work?

Heat pumps aren’t a new invention. They’ve actually been around for many years and are just one of multiple ways to heat your home. However, with energy bills soaring over recent months, they have made their way into the spotlight as a way to save money on your bills.

An air source heat pump, is a type of heat pump that absorbs heat from the air (yes, even in winter) and transfers that heat to water which is then pumped around your home via radiators or underfloor heating or stored in a hot water cylinder ready for washing up, taking showers, and running baths.

Everything around us contains heat in the form of thermal energy. This energy is always trying to flow from a warmer place to a colder place. Heat pumps utilise this natural flow of warmth, alongside some clever technology, to heat your home. 

Heat from the air is absorbed into a fluid (the refrigerant). This fluid then passes through a heat exchanger into the heat pump, which raises the temperature and then transfers that heat to water in your system. This water is then pumped throughout your home. Once the water has cooled again, it begins its journey anew – it’s pumped back out to the outside unit to be heated once more and pumped back through your heating system to keep things feeling toasty.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Types of Air Source Heat Pumps

There are two distinct types of air source heat pumps on the market: monobloc and split systems.

  • A monobloc system has all the necessary components in a single outdoor unit, with pipes that carry water to the central heating system and a hot water cylinder inside your home.
  • A split system separates the components between indoor and outdoor units.

Monobloc systems, the type we mainly sell, have plenty of excellent benefits. They are more compact and therefore easier to install than split systems are. Because of how compact they are, all of the components are located in one place and therefore boast improved performance in colder climates. Not only that but as there is no need for FGAS-approved refrigerant engineers to install this type of system, a monobloc heat pump will typically have lower installation costs than a split system will.

The Pros and Cons of Air Source Heat Pumps

  • Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps

    Air source heat pumps have multiple benefits that you might want to consider.

    Lower your energy bills

    Making the move to an air source heat pump means you could save some money on your heating bills as it doesn’t rely on gas. Although a heat pump uses electricity to run, the savings you can make overall outweigh the cost of running it. Unless you have other appliances that are gas-reliant, such as a stove or gas oven, you could wave goodbye to gas bills entirely.

    Help to minimise your carbon footprint

    Air source heat pumps are much more environmentally friendly compared to traditional gas or oil boilers and can help to reduce your home’s carbon footprint. 

    No more fuel deliveries

    If you currently have an oil or LPG heating system, you already know that organising fuel deliveries and storing the fuel can be a pain. Air source heat pumps don’t require any additional fuel so you don’t have to deal with anymore deliveries and can save storage space. 

    Future-proof your home

    Heat pumps are set to become an even more important part of the future of home heating. Installing one now will future-proof your home with the latest technology, setting you up for the big boiler switch in the next couple of decades.

    Eligible for grants

    The UK government is offering grants to those switching to heat pumps called the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. You can see up to £5,000 off the installation price of your air source heat pump if you apply!

  • Disadvantages of Air Source Heat Pumps

    When considering air source heat pumps for your home, it's essential to also understand the potential challenges.

    Initial cost

    Air source heat pumps tend to have a higher upfront cost when compared to traditional heating systems. However, this investment often pays off in the long run through energy savings and lower operating costs.

    Noise level

    While generally quieter than when they first were developed, air source heat pumps are known to produce some noise during operation. Manufacturers are continually improving designs to minimise noise.

    Installation complexity

    Installation can be more complex when compared to classic heating methods. However, when using a installer, it should be a smooth process.

Is an air source heat pump right for you?

Air source heat pumps are suitable for many types of homes and are the most common type of domestic heat pump but there are some things to keep in mind when thinking of installing an air pump. 

Do you have the space?

You will need a location outside your home to install your air pump. This needs to be in an open space to allow for good air flow so if you have a very small garden, you may want to consider how much room you’d be willing to sacrifice. 

How is your home currently heated?

Most homes in the UK use radiators or underfloor heating to circulate hot water. If you don’t currently have radiators or underfloor heating, you will need to decide if installing them is an option for you. Although this is an opportunity to make sure the system is fully optimised for your new heat pump, it will come with higher installation costs. Although you will save more money in the long run.

Do you have a hot water cylinder?

A standard heat pump doesn’t provide hot water on demand like a combi boiler does, so you will need a way of storing the hot water for when you need it. If you already have one, great! You might not need to replace it. But if you rely on a combi boiler, you will probably need to find a spot to install the cylinder. 

The size of hot water cylinder required will depend on the amount of hot water that your household uses, but they can usually be fitted inside any cupboard around 80x80cm.

Shop our range of hot water cylinders and boilers if you don’t currently have one installed.

Air source heat pump guide

Other considerations before buying an air source heat pump

There are some other things to keep in mind before you buy your air source heat pump. 

Air source heat pumps can fall under permitted development, meaning you don’t need to apply for planning permission anymore (although this depends on where you live so make sure you check), but they do need to meet MCS020 standards. 

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Air Source Heat Pump Costs: What You Need to Know

As we’ve mentioned, switching to a heat pump is a bit of an investment. You can expect a good quality, well-designed air source heat pump system to cost around £5,000 for the unit. Installation in a home that is approximately 250m2 can cost somewhere in the region of £11,500. 

It sounds like a lot but this price includes:

  • A bespoke-designed pipe system, tailored to the property.
  • Installation schematics.
  • MCS support, required to access government grants.
  • The ASHP, domestic hot water cylinder, buffer tank, circulation pumps and all of the connecting brassware for the components.

It is possible to reduce the initial cost of installing an air source heating system by applying for government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers a voucher of £5000 to help pay off a chunk of the cost upfront.

Will an Air Source Heat Pump Save Me Money on My Energy Bills?

Heat pumps are more efficient than other heating systems because the amount of heat they produce is more than the amount of electricity they use. An air source heat pump will typically save you between £6,000 - 7,000 over its lifetime, compared to a gas boiler. It’s worth noting that how much you save will depend on the size of your system as well as the age of the system you’re replacing.

  • Gas boiler - £1,302 yearly cost
  • Oil boiler - £1,104 yearly cost
  • Electric boiler - £3,504 yearly cost
  • Biomass boiler - £1,131 yearly cost

If you’re ready to take the plunge and make the switch to a new, more efficient heating system, browse our range of air source heat pumps to find your new eco-friendly alternative to your old gas boiler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an air source heat pump with my existing radiators?

Yes, air source heat pumps can often be integrated with existing radiators. However, since heat pumps operate at lower temperatures than traditional boilers, your radiators may need to be larger or supplemented with underfloor heating to achieve the desired warmth.

How long do air source heat pumps last?

Air source heat pumps have a typical lifespan of 15 to 20 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Regular servicing can help ensure that your system operates efficiently throughout its lifespan, providing reliable heating for many years.

Do air source heat pumps require a lot of maintenance?

Air source heat pumps require minimal maintenance compared to other heating systems. Regular checks, typically once a year, are recommended to ensure the system is running efficiently. This includes cleaning filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting the system for any potential issues.

Can an air source heat pump work in cold weather?

Yes, modern air source heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even in cold weather. They can extract heat from the air at temperatures as low as -15°C or lower. While their efficiency may decrease in extreme cold, they can still provide adequate heating, and supplementary heating can be used if necessary.

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