What is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a renewable heating system that extracts heat from the outside air, even in cold weather, to warm your home and provide hot water. It works similarly to a fridge but in reverse, transferring heat into your property.
How does an air source heat pump work?
An air source heat pumpworks by using a refrigerant to absorb heat from the outside air. It compresses the refrigerant to increase the temperature and then transfers that heat to your home’s heating system, such as radiators, underfloor heatingor a hot water cylinder.
How efficient are air source heat pumps in the UK climate?
Air source heat pumps are highly efficient, even in the UK’s cooler climate. They can operate effectively in temperatures as low as -15°C. For every unit of electricity used, an air source heat pump can generate around 3 to 4 units of heat, making them much more efficient than traditional heating systems.
Does an air source heat pump reduce my carbon footprint?
Yes, air source heat pumps are a renewable and low-carbon heating solution. While they do require electricity to operate, they produce far more energy than they consume. If powered by green electricity, their environmental impact is further reduced.
Will an air source heat pump reduce my energy bills?
Yes, air source heat pumps can reduce your energy bills, particularly if you are replacing older electric, oil, or LPG heating systems. Savings depend on factors such as your home’s insulation, current heating system, and energy tariff.
Is financial support available for installing an air source heat pump?
Yes, the UK government offers financial incentives through schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provides grants of up to £7,500 to help cover installation costs. Additional local grants may also be available.
How much does an air source heat pump cost to install?
The cost of installing an air source heat pumptypically ranges between £7,000 and £14,000, depending on the size of the system and your property. While the upfront cost may seem high, financial support and long-term energy savings make it a worthwhile investment.
Does my home need to be well insulated for an air source heat pump?
Not necessarily but it is recommended. Homes with good loft, walland floor insulation, as well as double-glazed windows, will benefit the most from this type of system.
How noisy are air source heat pumps?
Modern air source heat pumps are designed to be quiet, with most producing a noise level similar to a standard fridge. Noise levels usually range from 40 to 60 decibels and can be minimised by correct installation and placement.
How long does an air source heat pump last?
With proper maintenance, an air source heat pump can last for 15–20 years or more. Regular servicing helps to ensure efficiency and longevity.
Will I need planning permission to install an air source heat pump?
In most cases, air source heat pumps are classed as permitted development and do not require planning permission, provided they meet specific criteria regarding noise levels and placement. However, it’s always best to check with your local council.
Can an air source heat pump work with my existing radiators?
Yes, but radiators may need to be larger to work efficiently with an air source heat pump, as heat pumps operate at a lower temperature than traditional boilers. Underfloor heating is an excellent match for air source heat pumps.
How do I maintain an air source heat pump?
An annual professional service is recommended to keep the system running efficiently. Contact us to arrange your annual service with one of our trained engineers.
What space do I need for an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pumpsystem requires space outside your home for the outdoor unit, which is typically about the size of a standard air conditioning unit. The heat pump should be situated so that air can flow freely into it so sufficient clearance around the unit is required. Inside, you’ll also need space for a hot water cylinder if you don’t already have one.
Will I need a hot water cylinder?
Yes, when installing an air source heat pump, a heat pump-specific hot water cylinder must be used. In most cases your existing cylinder will not be suitable.
Will an air source heat pump work in older properties?
Yes, but older properties may need additional insulation or larger radiators to maximise efficiency. Heat pumps perform best in well-insulated homes, so assessing and upgrading insulation is highly recommended.
How long does it take to install an air source heat pump?
Typically, it takes between 2 to 5 days to install an air source heat pump, depending on the complexity of the project. A site survey beforehand will help determine the timeline.
How long will the install take?
For an air source heat pump (ASHP) installation, we typically allow around five days from start to finish. This includes everything from the initial setup to full commissioning and handover.
During this time, our team will handle the removal or integration of any existing heating equipment, install the new heat pump and associated components and ensure that all electrical and plumbing connections are completed to the highest standard.
Once the system is fully installed, we’ll carry out thorough testing and commissioning to confirm that everything is running efficiently and safely. Finally, we’ll complete a full handover, showing you exactly how to use your new system and ensuring you’re completely satisfied before we leave.
Will I be without heating and hot water during installation?
During the installation process, your heating system will be turned off for the duration of the works, which typically takes around five days. However, we always plan the installation carefully to minimise any disruption to your comfort.
You will only be without hot water for approximately one day, usually towards the end of the installation when the new system is being connected and commissioned. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process and do everything we can to ensure a smooth transition, restoring your heating and hot water as quickly as possible.
What happens to my old boiler?
As part of the installation process, your old boiler will be safely disconnected, removed, and taken away from your property. We ensure that all materials are recycled or disposed of responsibly, in line with environmental regulations.
Our team handles the entire removal process for you, so there’s nothing you need to worry about — we’ll leave your property clean, tidy, and ready to enjoy your new, energy-efficient heat pump system.
How will I know how to work my new heat pump?
Once your new heat pump has been installed, our team will provide a full handover and demonstration to ensure you’re completely confident in how it operates. We’ll walk you through the key functions of the system, including how to adjust your heating settings, manage the thermostat and optimise efficiency for comfort and energy savings.
As part of our process, we carry out a detailed heat loss calculation to MCS standard MIS 3005 D, which ensures your system is correctly sized and configured for your home. This means your heat pump will perform efficiently and effectively from day one.
We’ll also leave you with clear, easy-to-follow documentation and are always available for aftercare support if you have any questions once you start using your system.
Will I need new room thermostats?
Not always. It depends on the type of system we install and the age and compatibility of your existing thermostats.
If your current thermostats are modern and compatible with the new heat pump system, we may be able to integrate them without any issue. However, in some cases, we’ll recommend installing new smart or programmable thermostats to ensure you get the best efficiency, comfort and control from your new system.
Our team will assess your existing setup during the survey and advise you on the best solution for your home.
What will happen to my old radiators?
If your installation requires new radiators, any old radiators that are removed will be taken away and responsibly recycled. We ensure all materials are disposed of in line with environmental standards, helping to reduce waste wherever possible.
Our team will handle the removal process safely and efficiently, leaving your home clean and ready to enjoy your upgraded heating system.
Will I require any building works as part of the installation?
In most cases, no additional building works are required as part of a standard air source heat pump installation, unless this has been agreed in advance.
How can I arrange an annual service of my heat pump?
Booking your annual heat pump service is simple. You can call our Service Department on 01273455695 or email us at service@agreeneralternative.