Are air source heat pumps worth it in the UK?
There’s no denying that air source heat pumps are becoming a big part of the plan for how we heat homes in a zero-carbon future. In the first half of 2025 alone, there were more than 30,000 certified heat pump installations across the UK – up 12% year on year.
If you’re wondering whether they’re worth it, whether for your home now or in a few years, we’ll walk through how they work, what the benefits are and how we can provide a solution that’s right for your home.
What is an air source heat pump and how does it work?
An air source heat pump pulls warmth from the air outside, even in cold weather, and uses it to heat your home and your water. Because of the way the technology works, for each unit of electricity you put in, you typically get multiple units of heat out. That’s why they’re much more efficient than traditional boilers.
They are designed to work at quite low temperatures, down to -15 °C, so efficient in even the harshest of UK winters.
In addition to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (more on that below), new rules introduced in England now allow heat pumps to be fitted closer to property boundaries and increase permitted size without needing planning approval.
This year the government also announced it wants boiler manufacturers to move into heat pumps, which means the market is pushing in the direction of heat pumps, and more homeowners are taking notice.
What financial help or grants are available?
One of the big barriers to buying an air source heat pump is cost, but there is government help available. In England and Wales, if you meet the criteria, you can get up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing a heat pump with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Rather than paying for the whole system first and claiming back later, the grant is paid to your installer. So when you choose a certified installer (like us), we apply for the grant and deduct it from your final bill.
To qualify, you must own your home (this includes second homes or properties you rent out), and you must be replacing a fossil fuel heating system, e.g. gas, oil, LPG or electric heaters. The home must also have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and you have either already done or can show why you can’t do recommended insulation upgrades like loft or wall insulation.
In Scotland, grants range from £7,500 to £9,000 depending on circumstances. Northern Ireland doesn’t have a direct heat pump grant currently, but homeowners there may be able to access support for insulation or energy efficiency via NI Energy Advice.
How much can you save?
Savings depend heavily on the system you’re replacing, your electricity cost, how well your home is insulated, and how well the system is sized and installed.
If you’re replacing an older, inefficient gas or electric heating system, you could see substantial savings. The Energy Saving Trust claims that in a typical three-bedroom semi, switching to an air source heat pump might save you around £260 per year compared to an old, inefficient gas boiler.
In terms of carbon, replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump can cut your CO₂ emissions by roughly 1.9 tonnes per year. If replacing an oil boiler, the savings are even greater.
Air source heat pumps are often rated with a “Coefficient of Performance” (CoP). Many air source heat pumps operate in a CoP range of two to five, meaning for every one unit of electricity, they deliver between two and five units of heat (depending on conditions).
A complete green home energy solution
The most savings come when air source heat pumps work together with solar panels, a solar battery and an EV charger. This reduces what you need from the grid, cuts your bills, and gives you flexibility.
A complete renewable energy solution requires careful planning and quality installation – and we take care of it all. From your home survey to handling the grant paperwork, to final commissioning, we aim to make it simple, clear, and effective.
If you’re curious whether a heat pump might work for your home, contact us for a free survey.
