Air Source Heat Pumps: Are They Right for Your Home?

January 2026 Mend Your Home Future Heating

Air source heat pumps are the leading alternative to gas boilers - but they're not right for every home. This honest guide explains how they work, what they cost, and helps you decide if one could work for your property in West Sussex or Surrey.

How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Work?

An air source heat pump (ASHP) works like a fridge in reverse - it extracts heat from outside air (even in cold weather) and uses it to heat your home and hot water.

The Process:

Extract: Fan draws outside air over refrigerant-filled pipes
Compress: Refrigerant is compressed, raising its temperature
Transfer: Heat is transferred to your heating system
Distribute: Hot water circulates through radiators or underfloor heating

Key Fact: Heat pumps produce 3-4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used. This makes them much more efficient than direct electric heating.

Costs: Purchase, Running & Savings

Installation Costs

Air source heat pump (average home)	£8,000 - £15,000
Government grant (Boiler Upgrade Scheme)	-£7,500
Typical cost after grant	£500 - £7,500
Additional costs (if needed)	Larger radiators, cylinder, etc.

Costs shown are on average for an average 3 bed home. Actual costs vary based on your home's requirements.

Running Costs

With electricity prices higher than gas, running costs depend on:

Your home's insulation
Electricity tariff (heat pump tariffs available)
How efficiently the system is set up
Your heating habits

A well-installed heat pump in an efficient home can cost similar to gas heating.

Potential Savings

vs Oil: Significant savings
vs LPG: Good savings
vs Electric: Major savings
vs Gas: Similar or slightly more

Best savings for off-gas properties currently using oil, LPG, or electric heating.

Is Your Home Suitable?

Suitability Checklist:

✓

Good Insulation

Heat pumps work at lower temperatures than gas boilers, so your home needs to retain heat well. Loft insulation, cavity walls, and double glazing help significantly.

✓

Space for Outdoor Unit

You need room outside for the heat pump unit (roughly the size of a large air conditioning unit). It needs airflow around it, so can't be boxed in.

✓

Suitable Heating System

Underfloor heating is ideal. If you have radiators, they may need to be larger to work efficiently at lower temperatures. Modern panel radiators often work fine.

✓

Space for Hot Water Cylinder

Unlike combi boilers, heat pumps need a hot water cylinder. If you currently have a combi, you'll need to find space for a cylinder.

May Not Be Suitable If:

Poor insulation that can't easily be improved
No space for outdoor unit (flat without balcony/garden)
Listed building with restrictions
Terraced house where noise might affect neighbours
No space for hot water cylinder
Electrical supply can't be upgraded

Wondering If a Heat Pump Would Work for You?

We can assess your home and give you honest guidance on whether a heat pump makes sense

Call: 07960 066300 Get Assessment

Pros and Cons: Honest Assessment

Advantages

Lower carbon emissions - Greener than gas
Government grants available - £7,500 towards cost
Lower running costs than oil/LPG
Long lifespan - 20+ years with maintenance
No gas safety certificate needed
Can provide cooling in summer (some models)
Future-proof - No 2035 concerns

Disadvantages

Higher upfront cost (even with grant)
May need radiator upgrades
Needs outdoor space
Some noise from outdoor unit
Needs hot water cylinder
Best with good insulation
Running costs similar to gas (not cheaper)

Heat Pump vs Gas Boiler: Quick Comparison

Factor	Heat Pump	Gas Boiler
Upfront cost (after grant)	£500-£7,500	£2,500-£5,200
Running costs	Similar or higher	Lower
Carbon emissions	Low	Higher
Lifespan	20+ years	10-15 years
Installation disruption	Higher	Lower
Future-proof	Yes	Until 2035

The £7,500 Government Grant

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The government offers £7,500 towards air source heat pump installation:

Available in England and Wales
Must be installed by MCS certified installer
Your home must have a valid EPC
Replaces an existing fossil fuel heating system
Grant is applied automatically - you pay the reduced price

Check gov.uk for current eligibility requirements as these may change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do heat pumps work in cold weather? ▼

Yes! Modern air source heat pumps work efficiently down to -15°C or lower. They're widely used in Scandinavia where winters are much colder than the UK. Efficiency does drop slightly in very cold weather, but they still produce heat effectively.

How noisy are they? ▼

Modern heat pumps are relatively quiet - typically 40-60 decibels (similar to a refrigerator or quiet conversation). They're louder than a gas boiler, but with proper positioning away from bedroom windows and neighbours, noise is rarely an issue. Planning rules require them to meet noise limits.

Will I need new radiators? ▼

Not necessarily. Heat pumps run at lower temperatures than gas boilers, so need larger heat emitters. A good installer will calculate whether your existing radiators are adequate. Often, only a few radiators need upgrading, and modern panel radiators may work fine. Underfloor heating is ideal if you have it.

What maintenance do they need? ▼

Heat pumps need annual servicing, similar to a gas boiler. This involves checking refrigerant levels, cleaning filters, and checking electrical connections. You should also keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris. They don't need Gas Safe certification since there's no gas involved.

Can I get a heat pump in a terraced house? ▼

It's possible but more challenging. You need space for the outdoor unit (even a small front or back area can work) and need to consider noise impact on neighbours. Some terraced properties have successfully installed heat pumps. A site survey will determine if it's feasible for your home.

Ready to Explore Heat Pumps?

We can assess your home's suitability and provide a no-obligation quote including the £7,500 grant

Call: 07960 066300 Heat Pump Services