Baxi heat pump review 2026: Pricing, Pros & Cons
This Baxi heat pump review looks at the Auriga range, covering prices, efficiency, running costs, warranty and the types of home it suits best. We also show how Baxi compares with popular brands such as Vaillant, Mitsubishi, Daikin and Octopus.
We are EE Renewables Ltd, and air source heat pump installation is all we do. We fit heat pumps for homeowners and landlords across Greater London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff and the wider South of England and South Wales, so this review reflects real homes rather than sales brochures.
Baxi heat pump review: At a Glance
Baxi heat pumps are a sensible, affordable option from one of Britain’s oldest heating brands, best suited to typical family homes with reasonable insulation. Here is everything you need to know about the Baxi Auriga range in one table.
| What you need to know | Baxi Auriga heat pump |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Baxi Heating UK, part of BDR Thermea Group |
| Range | Baxi Auriga monobloc air source heat pumps |
| Sizes | Roughly 5kW to 16kW |
| Refrigerant | R32 on the core Auriga range |
| Maximum flow temperature | Up to around 60°C |
| Efficiency (SCOP) | Around 3.9 to 4.5 at 35°C flow; ErP rating A+++ at low temperature |
| Typical real world efficiency | Around 300% to 380% (3 to 3.8 units of heat per unit of electricity) |
| Unit price (supply only) | Roughly £2,800 to £5,500 depending on size |
| Typical installed cost before grant | Around £8,500 to £13,500 |
| Typical cost after £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant | Around £1,000 to £6,000 |
| Typical annual running cost | Around £800 to £1,100 for an average 3 bed home |
| Warranty | Up to 7 years when fitted and registered by a Baxi approved installer |
| Trustpilot rating (Baxi Heating UK) | Around 4.3 to 4.5 out of 5 at the time of writing |
| Which? rating | No full Which? brand score yet for Baxi heat pumps |
| Noise | Roughly 55 to 65 dB(A) sound power; silent mode available |
| Maintenance | One professional service a year recommended |
| Controls | Baxi controller with weather compensation and smart control options |
| Best for | 2 to 4 bed houses, bungalows, new builds, landlord properties |
| Less ideal for | Very large homes needing over 16kW, or homes that must keep small original radiators |
On price, Baxi sits alongside Ideal and Grant in the mid range, cheaper than premium brands like Viessmann and Stiebel Eltron, and a little dearer than budget options such as Midea and Hisense.
Are Baxi heat pumps worth it?
Baxi heat pumps are worth it for homeowners and landlords who want a well priced, reliable heat pump from a familiar British brand. They suit most typical homes very well, although they do not lead the market on efficiency or high temperature performance.
The Baxi Auriga is a monobloc heat pump, which means all the refrigerant is sealed inside the outdoor unit. This keeps installation simpler and helps Baxi keep prices competitive. Baxi also offers matching hot water cylinders and controls, so the whole system can come from one brand.
EE Renewables Ltd only provides air source heat pump installation, and we cover Southern England, Greater London, South West England and South Wales, including London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff. If you would like to know whether a Baxi heat pump suits your home, get in touch today for a heat pump quote tailored to your location.
Pros & Cons of Baxi heat pumps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Trusted British brand with over 150 years in heating | Lower maximum flow temperature (around 60°C) than R290 rivals like Vaillant and Ideal |
| Backed by BDR Thermea, a large European heating group | Uses R32 refrigerant, which has a higher climate impact than R290 |
| Competitive pricing, often among the cheaper big brands | Efficiency slightly behind Vaillant aroTHERM plus and Mitsubishi Ecodan R290 |
| Huge UK installer and engineer network | Smart app features are basic compared with Octopus Cosy 6 or Aira |
| Up to 7 year warranty with approved installers | Full warranty depends on registration and yearly servicing |
| Matching cylinders and controls from one brand | No Which? brand score yet |
| Good range of sizes for most family homes | Larger homes may outgrow the biggest model |
Is a Baxi Heat Pump Right For Your Property?
Choose Baxi if…
- You live in a typical 2 to 4 bed semi, terrace or detached house, the kind found across Reading, Southampton, Portsmouth and Bristol.
- You have a fairly modern or well insulated home where a lower flow temperature works well.
- You want a dependable heat pump at a competitive price.
- You are a landlord looking for a cost effective way to improve your EPC rating.
- You like the reassurance of a well known British brand with lots of local engineers.
Do Not Choose Baxi If…
- You want to keep small, original radiators in a draughty older home, where a higher temperature R290 unit from Vaillant, Ideal or Grant may suit better.
- Your home needs more than about 16kW of heat.
- You want the lowest climate impact refrigerant available.
- You want a fully bundled package with app and tariff included, like Octopus or Aira.
- You are not willing to book a yearly service, which can affect your warranty.
How efficient are Baxi heat pumps?
Baxi heat pumps are efficient, with seasonal efficiency (SCOP) figures of around 3.9 to 4.5 at a 35°C flow temperature. That means a Baxi Auriga can deliver roughly 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity it uses. A modern gas boiler, by comparison, is around 90% efficient at best.
SCOP and SPF in plain English
SCOP, short for seasonal coefficient of performance, is the average efficiency measured in testing across a heating season. SPF, or seasonal performance factor, is what your heat pump actually achieves once it is installed in your home. Your MCS installer will estimate your SPF during the design, and this is the figure that decides your bills.
How flow temperature affects a Baxi heat pump
The hotter the water a heat pump sends to your radiators, the harder it works. Baxi Auriga models reach up to around 60°C, which is fine for most homes with suitably sized radiators. Here is a rough guide:
| Flow temperature | Typical efficiency (approx.) | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| 35°C (underfloor heating, large radiators) | 390% to 450% | Lowest running costs |
| 45°C (some upgraded radiators) | 320% to 370% | A good balance for most homes |
| 55°C (mostly original radiators) | 260% to 300% | Higher bills, still cheaper than direct electric heating |
| 60°C (maximum output) | 220% to 260% | Best kept for hot water or very cold days |
Well designed Baxi systems we see across Southern England usually run at 45°C to 50°C and achieve real world efficiency of around 300% to 370%.
How Baxi’s efficiency compares
Baxi’s figures are respectable but sit a little behind the market leaders. The Vaillant aroTHERM plus can reach SCOP figures of around 5.0, and newer R290 models from Mitsubishi, Samsung and Ideal can work at higher temperatures with less loss of efficiency. Baxi is broadly level with LG Therma V and Hitachi Yutaki R32 models, and often more consistent in real homes than some budget imports from Gree or Haier.
Does the mild Southern climate help?
Yes, the milder weather in Southern England and South Wales gives any heat pump a helping hand. Average winter temperatures in places like Southampton, Brighton and Cardiff often sit around 5°C to 8°C, so a Baxi Auriga fitted here will usually run more efficiently over the year than the same unit in colder parts of the UK.
How much does a Baxi heat pump cost?
A Baxi heat pump costs around £8,500 to £13,500 fully installed before grants, and around £1,000 to £6,000 after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant. The unit alone usually costs £2,800 to £5,500, with the rest covering the hot water cylinder, pipework, radiator upgrades, controls, labour and MCS certification.
Baxi Auriga pricing table
| Model (approx. output) | Typical home size | Unit price (supply only, approx.) | Installed cost before grant (approx.) | Installed cost after £7,500 BUS grant (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baxi Auriga 5kW | Flat or well insulated 2 bed home | £2,800 to £3,300 | £8,500 to £10,000 | £1,000 to £2,500 |
| Baxi Auriga 8kW | Average 3 bed semi or terrace | £3,500 to £4,200 | £9,500 to £11,500 | £2,000 to £4,000 |
| Baxi Auriga 11kW | Larger 3 bed or 4 bed home | £4,200 to £4,900 | £10,500 to £12,500 | £3,000 to £5,000 |
| Baxi Auriga 16kW | Large 4 bed detached | £4,800 to £5,500 | £11,500 to £13,500 | £4,000 to £6,000 |
What affects your final installation cost
- Radiator upgrades. Because Baxi works best at lower flow temperatures, some homes need a few larger radiators, typically £300 to £600 each.
- Hot water cylinder. Homes with combi boilers usually need a new cylinder, around £1,200 to £2,500 fitted.
- Pipework. Old microbore pipes sometimes need replacing.
- Location. Labour in London often costs more than in towns like Basingstoke, Yeovil or Newport.
- Site access. A long pipe run between the outdoor unit and cylinder adds time and materials.
Grants and tax savings
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives homeowners and landlords in England and Wales £7,500 off an air source heat pump, paid straight to your MCS certified installer. Heat pump installations also currently benefit from 0% VAT in Great Britain until March 2027.
How Baxi pricing compares with other brands
Baxi is often one of the more affordable big name brands, priced close to Ideal, Grant and Worcester Bosch. Mitsubishi Ecodan and Daikin Altherma systems can cost a little more, while Viessmann, NIBE and Stiebel Eltron are usually £1,000 to £3,000 higher for a similar setup. Midea and Hisense may be cheaper to buy, and packaged deals such as the Octopus Cosy 6 or Aira use fixed bundle pricing that includes installation.
What are the running costs of a Baxi heat pump?
The running costs of a Baxi heat pump are typically around £800 to £1,100 a year for an average 3 bed home in Southern England on a standard electricity tariff. With a dedicated heat pump or time of use tariff, that can fall to around £550 to £750 a year.
A worked example for a typical 3 bed home
A typical 3 bed semi needs around 12,000 kWh of heat each year for heating and hot water. Assuming electricity at around 26p per kWh (close to current Ofgem price cap levels, which change every quarter), here is what a Baxi Auriga would cost to run:
| Real world efficiency (SPF) | Electricity used per year (approx.) | Yearly cost at 26p/kWh (approx.) | Yearly cost on a 17p/kWh heat pump tariff (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 (older radiators, higher flow temperature) | 4,000 kWh | £1,040 | £680 |
| 3.4 (typical well designed system) | 3,530 kWh | £920 | £600 |
| 3.8 (low flow temperature, good insulation) | 3,160 kWh | £820 | £540 |
The same home on a modern gas boiler would use about 13,300 kWh of gas, costing roughly £870 a year plus a gas standing charge of around £100 to £120. Once your gas supply is capped off, that standing charge disappears too.
Tips to lower your running costs
- Use weather compensation. It lowers the water temperature on milder days, which is most of the year in the South.
- Keep it low and steady. Heat pumps work best holding a constant temperature rather than switching on and off.
- Pick a heat pump tariff. Octopus, OVO, EDF and other suppliers offer cheaper rates at set times.
- Pair with solar PV. Daytime solar power can cover much of your hot water in spring and summer.
Because Baxi runs best at lower flow temperatures, a careful radiator check during the survey makes a big difference to running costs. Integrated systems like the Octopus Cosy 6 and Aira lean on smart apps to fine tune bills, but a well set up Baxi can deliver very similar savings.
What warranty comes with a Baxi heat pump?
The warranty that comes with a Baxi heat pump is up to 7 years when installed by a Baxi approved installer and registered with Baxi after installation. If those conditions are not met, the standard cover is shorter, so always check the exact terms on your quote.
How to keep your Baxi warranty valid
- Choose an MCS certified installer who is approved by Baxi.
- Register the heat pump with Baxi within the time limit in the warranty terms.
- Book a professional service every 12 months and keep the paperwork.
- Make sure any repairs use genuine Baxi parts.
How Baxi’s warranty compares
| Brand | Typical maximum heat pump warranty (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Baxi Auriga | Up to 7 years |
| Vaillant aroTHERM plus | Up to 10 years via approved installers |
| Mitsubishi Ecodan | Up to 7 years via accredited installers |
| Daikin Altherma | Up to 7 years via Stand By Me registration |
| Ideal Logic Air | Up to 7 years |
| Grant Aerona | Up to 7 years |
| Aira | 15 year package cover including installation |
Baxi’s warranty is in line with most major brands, though Vaillant and Aira currently offer longer headline cover. Your MCS installer should also provide a separate workmanship warranty. At EE Renewables, we spell out both on every quote.
Which property types are Baxi heat pumps best suited for?
Baxi heat pumps are best suited for typical 2 to 4 bed houses, bungalows and newer homes with reasonable insulation. Because the Auriga works best at moderate flow temperatures, it shines in properties that are already fairly energy efficient or are being upgraded alongside the heat pump.
| Property type | How well a Baxi heat pump suits it | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Modern new build (post 2000) | Excellent | Good insulation means a small, low cost unit and low bills |
| 3 bed semi detached (1930s to 1970s) | Very good | Usually the 8kW or 11kW model; some radiator upgrades likely |
| Bungalow | Very good | Plenty of space for the outdoor unit and simple pipe runs |
| Rental property (landlords) | Very good | An affordable way to improve EPC ratings |
| Large 4 bed detached | Good | Check heat loss carefully; the 16kW model may be needed |
| Victorian or Edwardian terrace | Fair | Solid walls and small radiators may suit a higher temperature R290 unit better |
| Ground floor flat with outside space | Fair | The 5kW model can work if there is room outside |
| Upper floor flats and listed buildings | Limited | Space, planning and noise rules can rule out most outdoor units |
A note for landlords
The government has proposed that privately rented homes in England and Wales should reach EPC band C by 2030. Baxi’s lower upfront cost makes it an attractive option for landlords with several properties, and the £7,500 BUS grant is available for rental homes that meet the scheme rules.
Swapping a Baxi boiler for a Baxi heat pump
Many homes across London, Kent, Sussex and Hampshire have a Baxi combi boiler, so staying with the same name can feel reassuring. That is a reasonable choice, but brand familiarity should not be the deciding factor. A Mitsubishi, Samsung, Daikin or Panasonic unit could be an equally good fit. A proper room by room heat loss survey matters far more than the logo on the box.
How noisy are Baxi heat pumps?
Baxi heat pumps are fairly quiet, with sound power levels of roughly 55 to 65 dB(A) depending on the model and how hard it is working. From a few metres away, most people compare the noise to a fridge or a soft fan hum.
What the noise figures mean
The figure on the datasheet is sound power, the noise the unit makes at its source. What you and your neighbours actually hear is sound pressure, which drops off quickly with distance. Under the MCS planning standard, noise at the nearest neighbour’s window must be 42 dB(A) or lower for permitted development, about the level of a quiet library.
Silent mode and good placement
The Auriga has a silent or night mode that reduces fan and compressor speed at set times. Where the unit goes matters just as much. We avoid placing units under bedroom windows or in tight corners where sound bounces off walls, which is especially important in close knit London, Brighton and Bristol streets.
How Baxi compares on noise
The Vaillant aroTHERM plus and Samsung EHS Mono R290 are widely seen as among the quietest heat pumps around, and Daikin Altherma 3 and Hitachi Yutaki units are also known for low noise. Baxi sits in the middle of the pack, similar to Panasonic Aquarea and LG Therma V units of the same size, and generally quieter than older Dimplex and York models.
What maintenance and servicing do Baxi heat pumps need?
Baxi heat pumps need one professional service each year, plus a few simple checks you can do at home. As a sealed monobloc system, there is no gas safety check and fewer parts to wear out than a boiler. An annual service typically costs around £120 to £200 in Southern England.
What a yearly service includes
- Inspecting the outdoor unit’s fan, coil and electrical connections
- Checking system pressure and topping up if needed
- Cleaning the strainer and magnetic filters
- Checking frost protection settings
- Reviewing flow temperatures, weather compensation and schedules
- Testing the hot water cylinder and safety valves
- Logging the service to keep your warranty valid
Simple checks you can do yourself
- Keep leaves, snow and plants at least 30cm clear of the outdoor unit.
- Look at the pressure gauge every few months.
- Make sure nothing blocks the airflow at the front of the unit.
- Watch for any error codes on the controller.
How long does a Baxi heat pump last?
A well maintained air source heat pump usually lasts 15 to 20 years, compared with around 10 to 15 years for a typical gas boiler. Baxi’s large UK engineer network and parts supply are a real strength, much like Worcester Bosch, Ideal and Grant. Some lesser known imported brands, including certain Gree and Haier models, can involve longer waits for parts.
What do Baxi heat pump ratings and reviews say?
Baxi heat pump ratings and reviews are generally positive, with Baxi Heating UK scoring around 4.3 to 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot at the time of writing. Which? has not yet published a full brand score for Baxi heat pumps, so owner feedback and installer experience carry more weight for now.
Trustpilot
Baxi has thousands of Trustpilot reviews, but most relate to boilers, engineer visits and customer service rather than heat pumps specifically. The common themes are:
- Positive: friendly call centre staff, quick engineer appointments and straightforward warranty registration.
- Negative: occasional delays for parts and complaints that turn out to be installation problems rather than faults with the product.
For context, Octopus Energy and Aira score highly on Trustpilot because they deal directly with homeowners. Manufacturers such as Vaillant, Worcester Bosch and Ideal tend to sit in a similar range to Baxi.
Which?
Which? surveys heat pump owners and publishes satisfaction and reliability scores for brands with enough responses. Mitsubishi, Vaillant, Daikin and Samsung have featured in these surveys because they have large numbers of installations. Baxi has a smaller share of the heat pump market, so it has not built up enough owner responses for a full score. Which? also notes that installation quality strongly affects owner satisfaction, whatever the brand.
What these ratings mean for you
Ratings are a useful guide, but how well your heat pump is designed and fitted will shape your experience far more. Choose an MCS certified installer with strong local reviews and ask to see examples of their previous Baxi installations.
What does installing a Baxi heat pump involve?
Installing a Baxi heat pump usually takes 2 to 5 days once the design is agreed, and most homes do not need planning permission. It all starts with a home survey and a room by room heat loss calculation to choose the right size of Auriga for your property.
The installation process step by step
- Home survey. An MCS certified installer checks each room, your insulation, windows, radiators and where the outdoor unit could sit.
- System design and quote. You receive a quote showing the recommended model, cylinder size, any radiator upgrades and the expected efficiency.
- BUS grant application. Your installer applies for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for you.
- Installation. The old boiler is removed, and the outdoor unit, cylinder, pipework and any new radiators are fitted.
- Commissioning. The system is filled, tested and set up with weather compensation and schedules.
- Handover. You get your MCS certificate, warranty registration and a walk through of the controls.
Planning permission in Southern England and South Wales
In England, most air source heat pumps count as permitted development. The rule requiring units to sit at least 1 metre from a boundary was removed in 2025, which makes fitting easier in smaller gardens in London, Brighton and Portsmouth. Units must still meet MCS noise limits, and flats, listed buildings and some conservation areas may need permission. Wales has its own permitted development rules, so homes in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport should have this checked at survey.
Why the installer matters as much as the brand
Any heat pump, whether Baxi, NIBE, Viessmann or Mitsubishi, will underperform if it is badly sized or set up. This is especially true for Baxi, because it relies on sensible flow temperatures and well sized radiators to reach its best efficiency.
What controls and smart features do Baxi heat pumps have?
Baxi heat pumps come with a dedicated controller offering weather compensation, heating and hot water schedules and a silent mode, with smart control options for adjusting settings from your phone. The controls are easy to use, though not as feature rich as the apps from some tech led rivals.
Key control features
- Weather compensation. An outdoor sensor adjusts the water temperature to suit the weather, helping keep bills low.
- Scheduling. Separate timings for heating and hot water suit busy households and rental homes.
- Silent mode. Cuts noise at night or during set hours.
- Remote control. Change settings from your phone with Baxi’s compatible smart controls.
- Legionella protection. Stored hot water is heated to a higher temperature at intervals to keep it safe.
How Baxi’s controls compare
The Octopus Cosy 6 and Aira are built around their apps, with live efficiency data and smart tariff features. Mitsubishi’s MELCloud and Daikin’s Onecta apps are also more advanced. Baxi focuses on simple, dependable controls, which suits homeowners and landlords who prefer to set things up once and leave them. If you want detailed energy data, ask your installer about adding a heat meter or energy monitor.
Ready to get a free air source heat pump quote from EE Renewables?
Getting a free air source heat pump quote from EE Renewables is quick, simple and comes with no obligation. Our MCS certified team will survey your home, work out exactly what size heat pump you need and show you the real cost, including the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
Request your free heat pump quote today and find out how much you could save with a heat pump tailored to your home and location.
EE Renewables Ltd only provides air source heat pump installation, so it is all we focus on. We help homeowners and landlords across Southern England, Greater London, South West England and South Wales, including London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff. Whether a Baxi heat pump is the right fit for your home or another brand would serve you better, we will give you honest, independent advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Baxi heat pumps work in freezing weather?
Yes, Baxi heat pumps work in freezing weather and keep heating homes in outdoor temperatures well below zero, down to around minus 20°C. The unit runs short defrost cycles to clear ice from the outdoor coil, which is completely normal. In Southern England, temperatures rarely fall below minus 5°C.
Is the R32 refrigerant in Baxi heat pumps being phased out?
The R32 refrigerant in Baxi heat pumps is not banned in the UK, and existing R32 heat pumps can be serviced and repaired as normal. However, rules on refrigerants are tightening over time, which is why many manufacturers are moving towards natural R290. Ask your installer about the latest Baxi models and refrigerant options when you get a quote.
Can I keep my gas boiler alongside a Baxi heat pump?
You can keep a gas boiler alongside a heat pump in a hybrid setup, but you would not qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. The BUS grant requires the heat pump to fully replace your fossil fuel heating. A correctly sized Baxi heat pump is designed to heat your home on its own.
Does a Baxi heat pump add value to my home?
A Baxi heat pump can add value to your home by improving its EPC rating and lowering running costs for future buyers. Research from property and energy groups has suggested homes with better EPC ratings can sell for several percent more. The benefit is greatest when paired with good insulation.
How long is the wait for a Baxi heat pump installation?
The typical wait for a Baxi heat pump installation is around 3 to 8 weeks from survey to switch on. This covers the system design, BUS grant approval and ordering of the unit and cylinder. The installation itself usually takes 2 to 5 days.
