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Last updated: 27 March 2024

Air Source Heat Pump Installation in The UK: Complete Guide

Air source heat pump installation
  • An air source heat pump works by extracting heat from the air outside and transferring it into your home. It can be used for both heating and cooling purposes.
  • On average, it takes about 2-5 days to install a heat pump, depending on the complexity of the installation.
  • An air source heat pump installation will cost anywhere between £2,400 and £14,050.
  • Once installed, air source heat pumps require minimal checks and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

Looking to reap the benefits of a heat pump installation but have no clue where to start? You’ve come to the right place. In what follows, we give you a rundown of what an air source heat pump installation entails, so that you can know exactly what to expect and what you have to do to enjoy this renewable energy source. 

Simply put, there are 3 stages of installing a heat pump. These are: 

  • The pre-installation process: This involves onsite assessments of the suitability of your home for an air source heat pump installation. 
  • The installation itself: This is when the installation of indoor and outdoor units occurs.
  • The post-installation checks: At this stage, the installer checks that the heat pump functions optimally. This part also involves periodical maintenance and any potential repairs to your heat pump over its lifetime. 

With the UK government’s recent focus on encouraging energy-efficient heating systems and banning gas boilers, it makes sense to consider a heat pump installation. To make the most of your new air source heat pump system, you will need to find a reliable installer to work with. However, looking for a professional on your own can be a pain – after hours of googling, you might still come up empty-handed. 

Thankfully, with our help, you can avoid any stress and frustration. All you need to do is fill in our 30-second form and we’ll connect you with up to 4 local air source heat pump installers. They will reach out to you with quotes for their services and you can then easily compare figures to secure the best deal on an air source heat pump installation. All quotes are non-binding and completely free, so simply click below to get started now!

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How is a heat pump installed?

The process of installing a heat pump can be broken down into the following steps:

Air source heat pump installation process
  1. Choose the right installer for the job: First and foremost, you must carefully consider which installer you will work with. Make sure that you have done your due diligence and compared several professionals before committing to one. 
  2. The installer carries out onsite inspections: The installer conducts an inspection of your home to ensure that it’s suitable for your heat pump installation. 
  3. The installer removes your existing heating system: Before installing the air source heat pump, the installer will remove your old heating system. They are trained to safely remove old systems, such as gas boilers, and they dispose of it for you as part of the service. 
  4. The indoor and outdoor units are installed: While installing the outdoor unit, the installer will make sure to choose an area where there is ample airflow with minimal obstructions. The indoor units are also installed at this stage. 
  5. The units are connected to heat distributors: The indoor units are then connected to either radiators or underfloor heating. This allows you to make use of the energy generated by your air source heat pump.
  6. Remaining wiring and connections are completed: Depending on your home and the distance between the indoor and outdoor units, wiring will need to be done by drilling a hole in a wall. Your installer will then connect them using refrigerant lines and electrical wires.
  7. Final checks to ensure optimal functionality: To finalise the installation, the installer will make sure that the air source heat pump functions correctly and that it’s ready for use. 
Important: What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required before contacting a heat pump installer in the UK, especially if you plan to apply for a grant. EPCs tell you the energy efficiency of your property by rating it from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient) and can also indicate the expected heating costs and emissions of your property.

Air source heat pump installation diagram

Air source heat pump installation diagram

It’s important to note that this air source heat pump installation diagram doesn’t show that the initial installation process is the same whether you choose to install an air to air heat pump or an air to water heat pump. However, the indoor units vary depending on the type of air source heat pump and can either be connected to radiators, underfloor heating, or water storage tanks. 

Hybrid heat pumps and high temperature heat pumps are some other types of heat pump for homeowners with high heating demands. A hybrid heat pump uses both a heat pump and a boiler for heating and cooling. Therefore, the installation process might also involve installing a gas boiler, unless you have an existing one that is in good condition.

Some homeowners also prefer to pair a heat pump and solar panels can help keep costs low and improve sustainability.

How long does it take to install a heat pump?

It can take between 2 to 5 days to complete an air source heat pump installation. The exact duration will vary depending on whether any complications occur during the installation process. 

While the process can be quite lengthy, you won’t notice huge disruptions to the comfort of your home. This is because the installer will mostly be working outside the house to fit your heat pump.

Is there maintenance needed afterwards?

Yes, there is some maintenance involved after a heat pump installation. Fortunately, it won’t need too much attention. Just make sure that a professional carries out periodical checks to ensure that the appliance is operating properly. This way, you avoid any additional repair costs and can maintain the 25-year lifespan of your air source heat pump.

How much does an air source heat pump installation cost?

The cost of installing an air source heat pump ranges anywhere from £2,400 to £14,050. Whether the cost of your heat pump installation will be on the lower or higher end of this price range will depend on several factors such as the size of the pump, its type, and the complexity of the installation. 

For instance, an air to air heat pump will cost you less than an air to water heat pump, as the systems themselves are more expensive and the installation process is more complex for air to water heat pumps. The air source heat pump costs vary per type. However, air source heat pump underfloor heating is only possible through the latter, so it has certain advantages that come with the cost.

Air Source Heat Pump Installation Cost

Total Cost: £2,400 – £14,050

Time taken for Installation: 2-5 days

Lifespan of an Air Source Heat Pump: Up to 25 years

As you can see, installing a heat pump is really expensive. Thankfully, there are some ways to lessen the financial burden of investing in an air source heat pump. For instance, you can apply for an air source heat pump grant, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and receive financial assistance with your air source heat pump installation.

You can also pair this investment with similar home improvement projects to potentially lower your total installation costs. However, one of the best ways to avoid overspending on your air source heat pump installation is to find the professional with the lowest installation costs. 

No clue where to get started? Don’t worry – we’re here to help you. Simply fill in our 30-second form and we’ll have up to 4 heat pump installers in your area reach out to you with quotes for their services. Then, just compare the information you receive to decide which installer you want to work with and secure the best deal for your home. Click below to request free, non-binding quotes today!

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Can you DIY air source heat pump installation?

Don't diy air source heat pump installation

It’s not advisable to install an air source heat pump on your own if you lack the proper experience. Not only do you risk injury or damage to your heat pump, but removing your old heating system safely is extremely important and something that should not be done alone. 

At the same time, if you do the air source heat pump installation yourself, you might face some financial repercussions. For instance, the warranty for your appliance may not cover any damage that occurs without a professional installation. What is more, you might not be eligible for certain heat pump grants if the installation is not carried out by an expert.

By working with a certified installer, you avoid any potential issues and you ensure that your air source heat pump installation is carried out safely and with the highest quality standards. So, if you were wondering how to install a heat pump, the answer is: With the help of a heat pump installer.

How to choose the right air source heat pump installer?

The surest way to find the right installer for the job is to compare several installers and check their qualifications, customer reviews, and service costs. Finding all this crucial information on your own can be a tedious chore involving hours of research.

So, why not let us help you avoid wasting your precious time and energy? We work with a broad network of reputable specialists and can put you in touch with them in no time. Just fill in our 30-second form to request quotes for an air source heat pump installation, and we’ll connect you with up to 4 local installers

Then, all that’s left is to choose the installer that meets all your requirements and to compare prices so that you can secure the best deal for your home. Simply click below to request free, no-obligation quotes today

Get your best deal
Quickly compare 4 FREE quotes
  • Quotes from local engineers
  • Payment by finance available
  • Save £7,500 with BUS grant
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Optimise your home and save the planet
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Call us to get quotes
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Valli Vishnubhotla
Written by Valli Vishnubhotla, Content Writer

Valli has been writing well researched articles about renewable energy, sustainability and green technologies for GreenMatch since 2017. Her work has been published in various media such as Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Canadian Geographic, uSwitch, and eCycle.

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