Heat Pump Costs & Grants
Complete breakdown of heat pump installation costs and how to access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
Air Source Heat Pump Costs
Heat Pump Unit
Outdoor unit that extracts heat from air. Price varies by output (kW) and brand.
Hot Water Cylinder
Heat pumps work at lower temperatures, so need a larger cylinder than a boiler.
Installation Labour
Typically 2-3 days work including pipework, electrics, and commissioning.
Radiator Upgrades
Some radiators may need upsizing. Not always required - installer will assess.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant
Most homeowners qualify for the full £7,500 grant, applied automatically by your installer.
Ground Source Heat Pump Costs
Heat Pump Unit
Indoor unit that converts ground heat. Generally more compact than air source.
Ground Works (Trenches)
Horizontal trenches at 1.2m deep. Needs 100-150m² of garden per 5kW output.
Ground Works (Borehole)
Vertical boreholes 90-150m deep. Required if garden space is limited.
Installation & Cylinder
Including hot water cylinder, connections, and commissioning.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant
Ground source heat pumps qualify for the same £7,500 grant as air source.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 towards heat pump installation. It's available until March 2028 and is applied automatically by your MCS certified installer.
Who's Eligible?
- Homeowners in England and Wales - Must own the property being upgraded
- Replacing fossil fuel heating - Gas, oil, or LPG boilers qualify
- Valid EPC - No outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations
- Using an MCS certified installer - All installers in our directory are MCS certified
Note: The grant increased from £5,000 to £7,500 in October 2023. New builds and properties that never had fossil fuel heating don't qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a heat pump worth it?
Yes, especially with the £7,500 grant. You'll save money vs oil/LPG immediately, and be protected from gas price rises. With a 20+ year lifespan, it's a solid investment.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Yes! Modern air source heat pumps work efficiently down to -20°C. They're used extensively in Scandinavia where winters are much colder than the UK.
Do I need to upgrade my radiators?
Not always. Many homes work fine with existing radiators. An MCS installer will do a room-by-room heat loss calculation to check. Underfloor heating is ideal but not required.
How long does installation take?
Air source: 2-3 days typically. Ground source: 3-5 days plus ground works (1-3 days for trenches, 2-5 days for boreholes).
What maintenance is needed?
Annual service recommended (£100-200). Heat pumps have fewer moving parts than boilers, so maintenance needs are lower.
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