Air Source Heat Pumps Costs in the UK: 2025 Guide

We investigate air-source heat pump costs at a time when more people are seeking alternative energy. Air-source heat pumps are more efficient than fossil fuel options.

Air source heat pumps conserve energy and provide warmth and cooling for your home. The price range of heat pumps in the UK is between £2,400 to £14,050. Despite its high cost in the UK, air-source heat pumps can save up to £260 annually for years.

The technology may be modified to fit a broad range of property sizes and types due to its versatility.

If you’re thinking about installing an air source heat pumps, be sure to apply for the free boiler grant scheme, which contributes £7,500 towards the cost. Why not check your eligibility now? 

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy great home heating efficiency, a free air source heat pumps grant is a fine solution – but which one should you choose? There are plenty of options, and deciding which one to go with is easier said than done. Happily, we are here to help you to make the right decision and process simpler. As we provide the free installation of an air source heat pumps grant to eligible households under the government ECO4 scheme.

An Air Source Heat Pumps Costs

How much are UK heat pumps? An air source heat pump supply costs range from £2,400 to £12,350. Since they only heat and cool, air-to-air heat pumps are lower end of this price range. However, air-to-water heat pumps can supply hot water to your home via your central heating system.

Low UK air source heat pump prices compared to other options. Ground source heat pumps cost £16,200–£49,000, including installation. High-temperature air source heat pumps and hybrid systems cost more.

Air source heat pump installation costs vary by situation. Below is the average cost of installing an air-to-air or air-to-water heat pump.

How much is an air source heat pump?

Household size

 Technology type

Heat pump size

Average cost

1 bedroom

Air-to-Air Heat Pump

3kW

£2,400 – £6,200

1 bedroom

Air to Water Heat Pump

8kW

£8,400 – £11,150

2-3 bedrooms

Air-to-Air Heat Pump

4-5kW

£6,200 – £8,400

2-3 bedrooms

Air to Water Heat Pump

13kW

£10,000 – £12,000

4-5 bedrooms

Air-to-Air Heat Pump

10kW

£8,000+

4-5 bedrooms

Air to Water Heat Pump

16kW

£12,000+

Heat pumps in the UK are expensive compared to alternative technologies. Apply for grants like the ECO4 free boiler scheme to lower the cost of installing this renewable energy source for your home. This way, you can get a grant of up to £7,500.

The Running Costs of An Air-Source Heat Pump

Air-source heat pumps are more cost-effective than typical heating systems to operate. You’ll avoid splurging on energy expenses in the long term.

We estimated the annual running costs of an air-source heat pump to illustrate heat pump costs. We analysed the Coefficient of Performance (COP), average household heating needs, and UK energy costs to establish domestic heat pump operational expenses. The table below answers “How much does air source heating running cost?” for different home sizes:

Cost of running a heat pump

Household Size

Estimated Annual Energy Demand

Estimated Annual Running Costs

1 bedroom

8,000 kWh

£816

2-3 bedrooms

12,000 kWh

£1,132

4+ bedrooms

17,000 kWh

£1,793

Note that running expenses vary based on things such as home insulation level.

• Air source heat pumps are paired with underfloor heating or low-temperature flow radiators. An air-to-water connection makes heat pump underfloor heating more complicated for installation.

• Combining a heat pump and solar thermal panels for household hot water heating can lower power costs and carbon emissions.

Air Source Heat Pump Installation Costs

Installation of an air source heat pump costs £3,500 to £6,000 anywhere, excluding materials and heating. The cost depends on the type of air source heat pump you install, its complexity, the size of your home, and the installer’s labour charges.

Air source heat pump installation costs

Type of property

Duration

Installation cost (average)

2 bedroom semi-detached

2-3 days

£3,500 – £4,500

3-bedroom semi-detached

Installation

3 days

£4200 – £6,500

5 bedroom detached

3-5 days

£6,000 or higher

The average air source heat pump installation takes 2–5 days. This can be shorter, but the wiring and system commissioning generally take longer. Ductwork costs £10–£30 per foot (0.35 metres).

The more complicated the installation, the longer the technician will spend on your home, resulting in increased personnel prices. Air source heat pump installation is complicated by property size, infrastructure age, accessibility, and whether it needs intricate pipework, underfloor heating, an air-to-water unit, or other add-ons.

Savings With An Air-Source Heat Pump

While the cost of air-source heat pump installations can be high, your investment will pay off in time. Below, you can find a list of the savings you can anticipate after having installed an air-source heat pump for your home:

Air source heat pump savings

Energy System Being Replaced

Estimated Savings

Gas boiler (A-rated)

£550

Gas boiler (G-rated)

£1,400

Old oil boiler

£140

Old LPG boiler

£1,200

Old electric storage heaters

£2,500

New electric storage heaters

£1,500

What Determines Air Source Heat Pump Costs?

The following factors include how much heat pumps in the UK cost: 

1. Type of heat pump: A £2,400 to £8,800 air-to-air heat pump is less than an £8,750 to £14,050 air-to-water heat pump. As the difficulty of the installation varies by heat pump type, the contractor may spend more time fitting your air source heat pump, increasing installation costs.

2. COP: Performance Coefficient A heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its COP, which compares power input to output. The COP of an air-source heat pump is usually 2.5–3.5.

3. The heat pump’s size: British thermal units (BTUs) measure heat pump power or service capacity. A tonne of heat pump BTUs is about 12,000. However, air-source heat pumps cost more with increased power capacities. You should assess how much power your appliance needs to power your home.

4. If you qualify for heat pump grants, you can reduce the cost of installing this energy system in your house. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme might give you up to £7,500 to install an air source heat pump. These can reduce UK heat pump costs if eligible.

5. Maintenance expense: Labour charges are included in heat pump installation prices. The typical annual heat pump maintenance expense is £100–£200. Regular maintenance may seem expensive, but it will prevent major problems and keep your heat pump running well, saving you money over time.

To avoid surprises, consider these criteria when calculating air source heat pump costs. Consider all these factors when calculating the cost of installing one in your home.

Is An Air-Source Heat Pump The Right Choice for My Home?

An air-source heat pump can reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint. They consume less fuel than standard heating systems since they create energy from outside air and transmit heat into your home. This benefits your pocket and the environment.