Air Source Heat Pumps
The most popular renewable heating solution in the UK. Extract heat from outside air to efficiently heat your home and hot water.
What is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a renewable heating system that extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it into your home. Even when it's cold outside, heat pumps can extract energy from the air - they work efficiently down to -20°C.
Unlike traditional gas or oil boilers that burn fuel to generate heat, heat pumps move heat from one place to another. This makes them incredibly efficient - for every 1 kW of electricity used, they typically generate 3-4 kW of heat (a 300-400% efficiency rating).
The outdoor unit contains a fan, evaporator coil, and compressor. It absorbs heat from the air, which is then compressed to increase its temperature. This heat is transferred indoors via a heat exchanger to warm your radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water cylinder.
Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps
Lower Running Costs
Save up to £1,000/year compared to oil or electric heating. Even compared to gas, you can save money, especially with the £7,500 grant.
Reduce Carbon Emissions
Cut your home's carbon footprint by up to 75%. Heat pumps use renewable energy from the air, not fossil fuels.
Heating & Cooling
Many air source heat pumps can reverse operation to provide cooling in summer, giving you year-round comfort.
Low Maintenance
Fewer moving parts than boilers mean lower maintenance requirements. Annual servicing costs £100-200.
Safe & Reliable
No combustion means no carbon monoxide risk. Heat pumps have a 20-25 year lifespan with proper maintenance.
Future Proof
With gas boilers banned in new builds from 2025, heat pumps are the heating system of the future.
Air Source Heat Pump Costs
Total installation costs typically range from £10,000-£18,000 before the grant. With the £7,500 BUS grant, your out-of-pocket cost is £2,500-£10,500.
Is an Air Source Heat Pump Right for Your Home?
Best for:
- • Properties with good insulation (cavity walls, loft insulation)
- • Homes replacing oil, LPG, or electric heating
- • Properties with space for an outdoor unit (similar size to air con unit)
- • Homes with existing radiators or underfloor heating
- • Properties without access to mains gas
Considerations:
- • Slightly less efficient than ground source heat pumps
- • Outdoor unit may require planning permission (though usually exempt)
- • May need radiator upgrades if existing ones are too small
- • Requires adequate outdoor space away from boundaries
Ready to Install an Air Source Heat Pump?
Find MCS certified installers in your area who specialize in air source heat pump installations.