What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) extracts heat from the outside air and uses it to warm your home and hot water. It works like a fridge in reverse - even when it's cold outside, there's enough heat energy in the air to be captured and concentrated.
A well-installed heat pump delivers 3-4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity it uses. That ratio - called the Coefficient of Performance (COP) - is what makes heat pumps so much more efficient than traditional boilers.
How Much Do They Cost?
A typical air source heat pump installation costs between £8,000 and £14,000, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the installation. That includes the heat pump unit, any radiator upgrades, hot water cylinder, and all labour.
However, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) currently offers a £7,500 grant towards heat pump installation, bringing the out-of-pocket cost down to as little as £500-6,500 for most homes.
What Are the Running Costs?
This is where heat pumps get interesting. Because they're 3-4 times more efficient than a gas boiler, your running costs can be comparable to or lower than gas - especially on a time-of-use electricity tariff.
Typical annual heating costs:
- Gas boiler: £800-1,200 per year
- Air source heat pump: £600-1,000 per year
- Oil boiler: £1,200-1,800 per year
- Electric storage heaters: £1,400-2,000 per year
If you're replacing oil or electric heating, the savings are substantial. If you're on mains gas, the savings are more modest but still meaningful - and gas prices are expected to continue rising.
Do They Work in Cold Weather?
Modern heat pumps work efficiently down to -15C or lower. The UK rarely sees temperatures below -5C, so performance in our climate is excellent. Output does decrease slightly in very cold weather, but a properly sized system accounts for this.
The key is correct sizing and installation. An undersized heat pump will struggle, and a poorly insulated home will need more energy than the pump can deliver efficiently.
What Changes Are Needed in Your Home?
Heat pumps work best at lower flow temperatures than gas boilers, which means:
- Radiators: May need upgrading to larger models in some rooms
- Insulation: Your home should be reasonably well insulated first
- Hot water cylinder: A heat pump uses a cylinder rather than a combi boiler setup
- External space: The outdoor unit needs a suitable location with good airflow
We assess all of this during a free home survey and give you a clear picture of what's needed.
Is a Heat Pump Right for You?
Heat pumps are ideal if you:
- Are replacing an oil, LPG, or electric heating system
- Have a well-insulated home (or plan to insulate)
- Have outdoor space for the unit
- Want to future-proof your heating as gas is phased out
They're less suitable for very poorly insulated homes or properties where outdoor space is extremely limited.
Get a Free Assessment
We install air source heat pumps across Wirral, Liverpool, Chester, and the wider North West. Contact us for a free survey and we'll give you an honest assessment of whether a heat pump is the right move for your home - and what it'll cost after grants.