The future of home heating. Air source heat pumps extract renewable energy from the air outside - even in cold weather - to heat your home and hot water efficiently.
An air source heat pump (ASHP) works like a refrigerator in reverse. It absorbs heat from the outside air - even when temperatures are as low as -25°C - and uses it to heat your home and hot water.
For every unit of electricity an ASHP uses, it typically produces 3-4 units of heat, making it significantly more efficient than traditional gas or electric heating. This efficiency is measured as the Coefficient of Performance (COP).
For every 1kW of electricity, generate 3-4kW of heat.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant available for eligible properties.
No gas combustion means no carbon emissions from your home.
The technology is proven and reliable - it's the same principle used in your fridge and air conditioning systems worldwide.
A fan draws air over an evaporator containing cold refrigerant, absorbing heat from the air.
A compressor increases the pressure of the refrigerant, significantly raising its temperature.
The hot refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger, transferring warmth to your heating system.
Warm water circulates through radiators or underfloor heating to warm your home.
Heat pumps work best in well-insulated properties. Here's what makes an ideal installation.
Heat pumps work most efficiently in well-insulated homes. We may recommend loft or cavity wall insulation first to maximise efficiency and comfort.
You'll need space outside for the heat pump unit - typically about 1m x 1m. It should be positioned away from neighbours due to the fan noise (similar to an air conditioning unit).
Heat pumps work best with larger radiators or underfloor heating, as they produce lower temperature heat than boilers. We'll assess your current system during the survey.
Not sure if a heat pump is right for you? Our free survey includes a full assessment of your property's suitability.
Significant financial support is available to help with the cost of installing an air source heat pump.
£7,500 government grant towards air source heat pump installation. Available for most homeowners in England and Wales.
If you receive certain benefits, you may qualify for fully-funded or heavily subsidised installation through government schemes.
Heat pumps qualify for 0% VAT (reduced from 5%), saving you hundreds of pounds on installation costs.
With the £7,500 BUS grant, a typical air source heat pump installation can cost from around £4,000-£6,000 after funding - comparable to a new gas boiler.
Heat pumps are an excellent choice for many homes, but there are some important factors to understand.
Heat pumps work at 35-55°C vs 70°C for boilers. Your home heats more gradually but maintains consistent warmth.
Some radiators may need upgrading to larger sizes. Underfloor heating is ideal if you're renovating.
The outdoor unit produces a low hum (40-50 decibels) - similar to a fridge. Positioning is important near neighbours.
Your electricity bill will increase, but your gas bill will disappear. Overall running costs are typically similar to gas.
A typical air source heat pump installation costs £10,000-£15,000 before grants. With the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, you could pay as little as £4,000-£6,000. Costs vary depending on the size of your home and any additional work needed (e.g., radiator upgrades).
Yes! Modern air source heat pumps work efficiently down to -25°C. Even in freezing weather, there's still heat energy in the air that the pump can extract. Efficiency does decrease in very cold weather, but they remain effective throughout UK winters.
Running costs are typically similar to or slightly lower than a gas boiler, depending on your electricity tariff and how well-insulated your home is. With a time-of-use tariff (charging at cheap overnight rates), savings can be significant. The main benefits are the £7,500 grant, 0% VAT, and future-proofing as gas prices rise and become subject to carbon taxes.
Most domestic air source heat pump installations are permitted development and don't require planning permission. However, there are noise limits and positioning requirements. Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may need approval. We'll advise you during the survey process.
Yes, air source heat pumps can heat your domestic hot water as well as your home. They typically work with a hot water cylinder (you may need to install one if you currently have a combi boiler). Some systems include a built-in immersion heater for occasional boost heating.
Find out if you qualify for a £7,500 grant towards your heat pump installation.
