Get Free Quotes from Local Heat Pump Engineers!
Tell us about the work you need doing around your home.
Up to 3 local trades will then be in touch to quote for the work.
Compare quotes then choose your preferred tradesman.
Heat pumps are an alternative way to heat a home and, depending on the system, provide hot water. They work by absorbing heat from the surrounding environment and transferring it into the property's heating system. Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air, whereas ground source heat pumps absorb heat from the ground through pipes buried underground.
Heat pumps use electricity to operate but work differently from conventional electric heaters. Rather than generating all of their heat directly from electricity, they transfer existing heat from outside the property into the home. This means they can provide several units of heat for each unit of electricity used. The efficiency and running costs of a heat pump will depend on factors such as the system design, flow temperature, insulation levels and the heating requirements of the property.
Air source and ground source heat pumps work on similar principles, but their installation requirements and costs differ considerably. A typical air source heat pump installation costs around £11,000, while a ground source heat pump with ground loops installed in trenches costs around £29,000. Ground source systems requiring a borehole can cost considerably more because of the excavation and drilling involved.
If there is sufficient outdoor space, ground loop pipes can be installed horizontally in trenches rather than vertically in a borehole. This requires a relatively large area of suitable land. Where space is limited, vertical boreholes may be considered instead, although these generally increase the installation cost. Another option is a hybrid heating system, which combines a heat pump with another heating system such as a gas boiler.
Whether an air source or ground source heat pump is suitable will depend on the property, available outdoor space, existing heating system and budget. Ground source systems require more extensive groundwork, while air source heat pumps generally require less outdoor space and are usually cheaper to install. A heat pump installer can assess the property and advise on the type of system that may be suitable.
Air source heat pump units are normally installed outside the property and can look similar to external air-conditioning units. The size required will depend on the heating demand of the property and the particular system being installed.
Financial assistance may also be available towards the cost of installing a heat pump. In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently offers £7,500 towards eligible air-to-water and ground source heat pumps. Eligible off-gas-grid properties can receive £9,000 towards an air-to-water or ground source heat pump until 31 March 2027. Eligibility requirements apply, so check the current scheme rules before arranging an installation.
Our boiler bangs and gurgles when the heating fires up, but the radiators are fine. Sounds like air in the system. How d...
We had a split unit put in the bedroom last summer. But how often does it actually need servicing and what's the usual c...
Ours is 20 plus years old and the top's gone spongy. Rough price for a new bunded tank supplied and fitted
The rope seal around the door of our log burner has frayed and the door no longer shuts tightly. Is this something a chi...
I recently fitted a new boiler i have limited knowledge when the mains water is turned on and the filling loop is discon...
We are replacing an ageing oil boiler and cannot decide between the two systems. I understand ground source costs more t...
Over 1 million homeowners and over 50,000 tradespeople
use MyJobQuote nationwide each year