A typical air-to-water air source heat pump installation costs around £11,000 in the UK, although quotes can be lower or considerably higher. The final price depends on the heat pump size, the home's heat loss and whether radiators, pipework, electrics or the hot-water cylinder need upgrading.
Eligible owners in England and Wales can normally receive £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This could reduce an £11,000 installation to roughly £3,500, but the grant does not guarantee that every household will pay this amount.
£11,000 quoted cost minus the standard £7,500 BUS grant leaves £3,500. Qualifying off-gas-grid homes heated by oil or LPG may receive £9,000 until 31 March 2027.
Price guide
How much does an air source heat pump cost?
There is no fixed price. A straightforward installation in a suitable home may cost less than the typical figure, while a larger or harder-to-retrofit property can cost substantially more.
| Cost item | Typical impact | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump and controls | Core project cost | Output, efficiency, warranty and weather compensation. |
| Installation labour | Varies by complexity | Commissioning, testing and handover. |
| Hot-water cylinder | May add to the quote | Capacity, location and compatibility. |
| Radiators and pipework | Can materially increase cost | Which emitters and pipe runs are included. |
| Electrical work | Property-specific | Dedicated supply, consumer unit and network requirements. |
Always ask for an itemised quotation. A low headline price is not directly comparable with a quote that includes a cylinder, radiator changes and electrical work.
Government support
How much is an air source heat pump after the grant?
The standard BUS grant for an eligible air-to-water heat pump is £7,500. For qualifying off-gas-grid properties heated by oil or LPG, the grant is £9,000 for eligible applications from 21 July 2026 until 31 March 2027.
| Example quote | Grant | Illustrative balance |
|---|---|---|
| £9,500 | £7,500 | £2,000 |
| £11,000 | £7,500 | £3,500 |
| £14,000 | £7,500 | £6,500 |
| £11,000 | £9,000 uplifted rate | £2,000 |
The installer applies for BUS and deducts the approved voucher value. You remain responsible for the balance and any work outside the eligible installation.
Quote variables
What affects the installation price?
- Heat demand: larger or poorly insulated homes may require a higher-output unit.
- Existing heating: undersized radiators, narrow pipework or an unsuitable cylinder may need replacing.
- Outdoor-unit position: restricted access, mounting work and longer pipe runs can increase labour.
- Electrical supply: upgrades may be required before connection.
- Controls and zoning: the design may include new thermostats, sensors and heating controls.
- Installer scope: quotations vary in surveys, warranties, disposal, commissioning and aftercare.
Additional work
Will you need new radiators?
Not always. Heat pumps usually circulate water at a lower temperature than conventional boilers, so each room must be checked to confirm that its radiator can deliver enough heat.
Some homes need only a few larger radiators; others need wider changes or underfloor heating. The quotation should identify every proposed emitter change rather than leaving it as a later extra.
Ongoing costs
Are air source heat pumps cheap to run?
Running cost depends on the property's heat demand, electricity tariff, system efficiency and the fuel being replaced. A heat pump can supply several units of heat for each unit of electricity used, but electricity usually costs more per unit than gas.
Do not rely on a universal savings claim. Ask for a property-specific estimate showing the assumed seasonal efficiency, electricity price and annual heat demand, then compare it with your actual historic fuel use.
Buying wisely
How to compare air source heat pump quotes
- Obtain multiple quotations from MCS-certified installers.
- Check that each quote uses a room-by-room heat-loss calculation.
- Confirm the heat pump model, output and design flow temperature.
- Ask which radiators, cylinder, controls and electrical works are included.
- Compare warranties, servicing requirements and post-installation support.
- Ensure the grant deduction and payment schedule are shown clearly.
The cheapest quote is not automatically the best value. Correct design and commissioning affect comfort, noise, efficiency and running costs for years.
Property assessment
Is an air source heat pump worth the cost?
It can be a strong option where the system is properly designed and the owner wants to replace fossil-fuel heating. The decision is less about the outdoor unit alone and more about the whole-house design.
Before committing, arrange a detailed property assessment and review our Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility guide. The survey should explain expected comfort, electricity use, necessary upgrades and the likely final price after funding.
Common questions
Air source heat pump cost FAQs
What is the average cost of an air source heat pump in the UK?
A typical air-to-water installation is around £11,000, but actual quotations vary with system size, property heat loss and additional heating-system work.
How much will I pay after the £7,500 grant?
If the full installation costs £11,000 and you qualify for £7,500, the illustrative balance is £3,500.
Can I get a £9,000 heat pump grant?
Until 31 March 2027, qualifying properties without a mains gas connection that are heated by oil or LPG may receive £9,000 towards an eligible air-to-water or ground source heat pump.
Does the quote include new radiators?
Only if the quotation says so. Ask for an itemised schedule showing all radiator, pipework, cylinder, electrical and control work.
Is an air source heat pump free with the grant?
Not automatically. BUS is a fixed contribution, and the owner pays any remaining balance.