How much does air source heat pump installation cost in the UK?

A fully installed air source heat pump typically costs between £7,000 and £13,000 in the UK. That figure includes the unit, labour, commissioning, and routine supporting work. Homes needing a new hot water cylinder, upgraded radiators, or significant electrical work may pay toward the upper end or beyond. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 toward installation (rising to £9,000 for oil or LPG replacements from July 2026), which substantially reduces the net cost for eligible homeowners.

How long does air source heat pump installation take?

Most standard air source heat pump installations take two to three days. If significant supporting work is needed — new cylinder, multiple radiator upgrades, or consumer unit work — allow four to five days. You'll be without heating and hot water for most of that period, so timing matters: spring and autumn installations are more comfortable than mid-winter.

Do I need planning permission for an air source heat pump?

In England, most domestic air source heat pump installations fall under permitted development and don't need planning permission, provided the unit is not wall or roof-mounted facing a highway, the property isn't in a conservation area, listed building, or AONB, and it's the first heat pump on the property. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have broadly similar rules but your installer should check local planning guidance before finalising the outdoor unit location.

Can I get a grant for air source heat pump installation?

Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 for eligible properties in England and Wales (£9,000 from July 2026 for oil or LPG boiler replacements). You must use an MCS-certified installer. The grant is paid directly to the installer and comes off your final bill. Heat pump installations also currently attract 0% VAT rather than the standard rate, saving up to £1,600 on a typical installation. This 0% rate runs until 31 March 2027.

What is MCS certification and why does it matter?

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the quality framework for renewable heating installers in the UK. Installers must pass assessments covering design standards, installation practice, and ongoing audits to maintain certification. Without an MCS-certified installer you cannot access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or most other government grants, and you won't receive the MCS certificate that some mortgage lenders and energy performance assessors look for. You can verify any installer's current certification at mcscertified.com.

Will my radiators work with a heat pump?

Possibly, but it depends on their size. Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures (35–45°C) than gas boilers (65–75°C), so your radiators need to be larger to emit the same amount of heat. A proper heat loss survey will identify which rooms need upgraded radiators and which can get away with the existing ones. Many homes built after 2000 have oversized radiators that work fine at heat pump temperatures. Older properties with smaller radiators typically need some upgrades, particularly in hallways, bathrooms, and poorly insulated rooms.

Is an air source heat pump worth it?

For most UK homes replacing an oil, LPG, or electric storage heating system, yes — especially with the BUS grant reducing upfront costs and 0% VAT in place. For homes on mains gas with a modern condensing boiler, the running cost comparison is tighter and depends on your electricity tariff, heat pump efficiency (SCOP), and system design. The carbon case is clear regardless — an air source heat pump generates significantly lower carbon emissions than gas heating and will improve further as the grid decarbonises.

Air Source Heat Pump Installation: Cost, Process & Grants

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