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Air Source Heat Pump Installation in the UK: The Full Guide
- An air source heat pump installation takes between 2 – 5 days to complete. The process can take more or less time depending on the complexity of the installation.
- The total cost of an air source heat pump installation is between £2,400 and £14,050. The costs will be lower for an air to air heat pump than for an air to water heat pump.
- Once installed, air source heat pumps require little to no maintenance, but it’s advisable to have your air source heat pump checked by a professional once every 2 – 3 years.
If you want to join the thousands of homeowners in the UK who have switched to renewable energy and reaped its benefits, then you will want to know the ins and outs of the heat pump installation process. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything there is to know about an air source heat pump installation.
As you will see below, installing heat pumps in the UK is not exactly cheap. So, to avoid exorbitant expenses, you will need to find a heat pump installer with the lowest service costs on the market. After a long day’s work, doing this tedious research is the last thing you’d want to do. So, why not let us help you get started in just 30 seconds?
By filling in our short form, we can put you in touch with up to 4 local installers vetted by us. They’ll reach out to you with quotes for their services, which you can then easily compare to secure the best deal for your air source heat pump installation. All quotes are non-binding and completely free!
- Quotes from local installers
- Payment by finance available
- Save £7,500 with BUS grant
How is a heat pump installed?
Installing an air source heat pump is a fairly straightforward process. Put simply, these are the steps involved in a heat pump installation:
- Picking a reliable installer to work with: The first step in a successful air source heat pump installation is finding the right professional for the job.
- The initial inspection takes place: Before the actual installation, the installer will assess whether an air source heat pump is suitable for your property. At this stage, they will also determine the power output you’ll need from a heat pump to keep your home warm.
- Your old heating system is removed: To make space for your air source heat pump, the installer will remove your existing heating system and dispose of it safely.
- The outdoor unit is fitted: The air source heat pump unit is installed outside. It is either bolted to the ground or mounted on brackets on one of the external walls of your home.
- The indoor units are installed: The inside units are then connected to heat exchangers, so that you can use the energy generated by your heat pump. If you’re getting an air to water heat pump, then this is also the moment when the water storage tank is installed.
- Wiring and connections are completed: The indoor and outdoor units are connected via wires. To do this, the installer drills a hole in the wall. At the same time, the water storage tank is connected to radiators, underfloor heating, and through pipes if you’re having an air to water heat pump installed.
- Final tests are carried out: The installer runs a series of checks to ensure that the air source heat pump installation has been successful. You are now ready to use your new heat pump.
Air source heat pump installation diagram
For a simple explanation of how to install an air source heat pump, you can consult the diagram below:
How long does it take to install a heat pump system?
It can take anywhere between 2 – 5 days to install an air source heat pump. However, it’s good to know that there are several factors that can make the process last longer.
The primary contributor to the duration of the installation is the type of heat pump you choose. An air to air heat pump can be installed fairly quickly, whereas an air to water heat pump also requires the addition of a water storage tank, which takes more time to install. If you happen to already have one, it can stay in place and make the installation process quicker.
Depending on your situation, the installation may require more complex work, making the process last longer. However, the installer should be able to determine exactly how long your air source heat pump installation will take when conducting the initial assessment of your home.
Does a heat pump need maintenance after installation?
Yes, a heat pump does require some maintenance once installed. However, this is minimal and you can go quite long in between checks. Ideally, you’ll have your air source heat pump serviced once every 2 – 3 years to ensure that it can operate efficiently for the entire duration of its lifespan (which on average ranges from 15 – 20 years with the proper care).
The main thing you will need to check for is any debris that could affect the airflow of the external unit of your heat pump. Thankfully, this is a simple task that you can attend to yourself by periodically inspecting and cleaning your air source heat pump.
Air source heat pump installation cost in the UK
How much an air source heat pump costs in the UK depends primarily on the kind of heat pump you choose and how high the installation costs you’re being charged are. To get an idea of how much you will spend on your air source heat pump, we’ve provided estimates of the current supply and installation costs below:
| Air Source Heat Pump Installation Costs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Source Heat Pump Type | Estimated Supply Costs | Estimated Installation Costs | Estimated Total Cost |
| Air to air | £2,050 – £7,100 | £350 – £1,700 | £2,400 – £8,400 |
| Air to water | £8,400 – £12,350 | £350 – £1,700 | £8,750 – £14,050 |
As you can see, air source heat pumps are quite the investment. If these costs are too much for you to shoulder by yourself, you’ll be glad to know that there is some financial assistance available in the UK. For instance, by applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can receive up to £7,500 to install an air source heat pump.
In addition, you can avoid mounting costs and secure the best deal for your home by comparing several heat pump installation quotes. Instead of reaching out to installers yourself, let us put you in touch with up to 4 reliable professionals in your area. All you have to do is click below to fill in our 30-second form to receive free, no-obligation quotes!
- Quotes from local installers
- Payment by finance available
- Save £7,500 with BUS grant
Is a DIY air source heat pump installation possible?
In theory, it’s possible to install your air source heat pump yourself if you have the proper qualifications. However, even with some experience, you risk injuring yourself or damaging your heat pump unit.
There are also some additional downsides to potentially installing a heat pump yourself. For example, any damage you cause to your appliance may not be covered by your warranty. Or, you might not be able to receive a heat pump grant without professional installation.
So, to avoid any complications, it’s best to work with a seasoned professional. They can provide a safe and high-quality heat pump installation, which ensures that you can fully enjoy your new air source heat pump for years to come.
How do I find the right installer for my household?
If you’ve decided to install an air source heat pump, you’ll want to find the best installer for the job. Checking qualifications, labour costs, and customer reviews is one way to find a professional that meets all your requirements. However, doing so on your own can take hours, if not days of seemingly endless browsing.
Fortunately, we can help you avoid the hassle and find a trusted expert to work with in no time. All you have to do is fill in our 30-second form and we’ll connect you with up to 4 heat pump installers from our network. They will offer you quotes for their services, which you can easily compare to secure the best deal for your home.
Simply click below to request free, non-binding quotes for an air source heat pump installation now!
- Quotes from local installers
- Payment by finance available
- Save £7,500 with BUS grant
Frequently asked questions
Sabria is a writer committed to making even the most complex information about sustainability and energy efficiency easily accessible to homeowners looking to make greener choices. With a background in literary studies, she has a wealth of experience when it comes to academic research and writing.