Air-source Heat Pump Average Price in 2025
As you are aware, air-source heat pumps are a sustainable and energy-efficient way for both heating and cooling. According to Eco Experts, these are priced at an average of around £10,000 in the UK in 2025. That encompasses the costs to buy a heat pump and install it for a three-bedroom household.
Heat Pump Installation Costs
Let’s consider the United Kingdom (UK) as an instance of a European country. As per British Gas, heat pump installation prices start from £7,999 here.
Moreover, the UK government provides a £7,500 grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). After adding that grant, the cost starts from £499.
Yet, many households require additional work to achieve optimal performance from an air-source unit. The average expense of a heat pump installation is £5,690, according to figures from 2023. That’s after the addition of the £7,500 grant.
Heat Pump Servicing Costs
Similar to boilers, a heat pump requires routine maintenance by a professional heating technician. That’s to keep the unit functioning efficiently and help avert breakdowns.
According to British Gas, the cost of heat pump servicing in the UK ranges from approximately £200. You may need to do that once every year. That will help ensure the heat pump system lasts for at least 20 years. In contrast, gas boilers typically last around 10 to 15 years.
Some tasks that the professional while servicing and maintenance can accomplish encompass the following:
- Examine the fan for indications of wear and tear, and inspect the system filter for its water quality.
- Clean the evaporator to uphold efficiency and airflow
- Perform a complete check of the refrigerant levels and various electrical components
- Ascertain that the settings are correct and the appliance is typically in good functioning condition
Air-source Heat Pump Running Costs
Air-source heat pumps have lesser operating expenses. That’s especially in contrast to gas, oil, or electric heating systems.
As per GreenMatch, a heat pump typically incurs a running cost of £855 to £1,700 in the UK. That’s less than oil boilers or electric resistance heaters that incur over £2,000 yearly.
Moreover, the following table illustrates the running cost of air-source varieties. That’s concerning, particularly in terms of household size and approximate yearly energy demand. For comparison, the running expenses of gas boilers are further given.
| House size | Approximate yearly energy demand | Yearly heat pump running cost | Annual gas boiler running expenses |
| 1-bedroom | 8000kWh | £855 | £780 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | 12000kWh | £1,205 | £1,130 |
| Over 4 bedrooms | 17000kWh | £1,700 | £1,615 |
Source: GreenMatch
Such costs are average figures. The following factors can contribute to the running expenses of heat pumps:
- Heat pump COP (Coefficient of Performance)
- Your household’s heating needs
- Present electricity prices in your region
Factors influencing air-source heat pump costs
Varied factors will impact the overall heat pump costs. Briefly, these are as follows:
1. Your household’s insulation level
Your household’s insulation level is the first factor to consider. A modern, well-insulated household can operate with a small-sized and less costly heat pump.
The better the insulation, the lesser the energy the appliance requires. That’s to maintain a comfortable inside temperature.
If your household is poorly insulated, it may lose heat swiftly. Therefore, the heat pump unit may have to work harder, which augments running costs.
You may necessitate to upgrade your insulation, especially if you live in an older household.
According to Checkatrade, cavity wall insulation can cost between £950 and £4,600 in the UK. Accordingly, upgrading your household’s loft insulation can cost you around £654 to £1206. Such costs depend on the size of your property.
2. Property size
The property size can also impact air-source heat pump costs. Larger properties typically necessitate larger-sized heat pumps. These are more pricier to purchase and install.
According to Checkatrade, a well-insulated 3-bedroom household may require a 5kW air-source heat pump. In comparison, a poorly insulated household may require a 7.5 kW unit.
3. Air-source heat pump type
The air-source heat pump variant can also impact the system’s overall expenses. According to GreenMatch, the cost of an air-to-air heat pump in the UK ranges between £4,000 and £9,500. In contrast, the cost of an air-to-water heat pump ranges between £8,000 and £16,500.
That implies that the type of heat pump you opt for affects the installation price and complexity. If you reside in a smaller property, e.g., a flat, consider an air-to-air variant. That heats your household via a fan instead of underfloor heating or radiators.
4. Heat pump brand
There are various types of heat pumps, ranging from budget-friendly selections to high-end brands. The latter typically has a greater price tag.
A premium brand may offer superior performance, up-to-date features, and extensive warranties. You must consider balancing the capabilities and features you require with your budget.
5. Efficiency and performance
You may know that a heat pump’s efficiency is measurable by its Coefficient of Performance (COP). It refers to the thermal energy the system generates per unit of electricity used. A good COP value is typically between 3.0 and 5.0.
You can see that a heat pump with a greater COP value has higher upfront expenses. That’s because they employ advanced technology. Yet, it will be a source of higher energy savings with time.
On the contrary, air-source heat pump models with low efficiency will be economical to purchase. However, it will be costlier to run and operate.
6. Accessible grants and incentives
Air-source heat pump costs also rely on accessible grants and other incentives.
Consequently, you can lessen the financial burden of investment in a heat pump system. According to GreenMatch, you can receive grants up to £7,500 for an air-source heat pump installation. That’s via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in the UK.
Note that many grants are region-specific. Furthermore, it’s advisable to check for local policies in your area.
FAQs
How much does an air-source heat pump cost to install in 2025?
According to GreenMatch, air-source heat pumps cost, on average, between £8,000 to £15,000 in the UK in 2025. That relies on various factors, such as household size and system specifications.
Household owners in the UK can obtain a grant of £7,500 thanks to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. That substantially reduces the average installation expenses to £500-£10,500.
Are air-to-air or air-to-water heat pumps more expensive?
Air-to-water heat pumps are costlier than air-to-air counterparts. According to GreenMatch, the former costs around £8,000 to £16,500. In contrast, the latter costs around £4,000 to £9,500.
Are there any grants or incentives to lower the cost?
Numerous European countries offer incentives and grants to reduce the costs of heat pumps. Such incentives generally differ by country.
According to EuroNews, household owners in Spain can receive a grant of up to €3,000. That’s towards an air-source heat pump installation. Similarly, landowners in Germany can receive a grant of up to € 15,000. That’s for purchasing an air-source system for an existing property.
Do I need to upgrade my home for an air-source heat pump?
You may need to upgrade your household for an air-source heat pump installation. Briefly, that can encompass the following work:
- Enhancing your household’s insulation: Performing loft and cavity wall insulation is recommended if your household doesn’t have it. Heat pumps perform efficiently in well-insulated households.
- Bigger Radiators: These appliances operate at a lower temperature compared to gas boilers. Therefore, you may need larger radiators with a greater surface area.
- Newer pipework: Heat pumps necessitate higher flow rates and greater water volume as compared to boilers. If some of your existing pipes are narrow, they may need to be upgraded.
Why should I choose your air-source heat pumps?
NEWNTIDE, a global leader in heat pump manufacturing based in China, offers top-tier air-to-water heat pumps, including our advanced inverter lineup. These versatile units provide cooling, heating, and hot water for residential and commercial use. Compliant with EN 14825 and EN 14511 standards and certified with CE and Keymark, our heat pumps ensure reliability and excellence.