Air Source Heat Pump Installation Guide

Thinking about an air source heat pump installation but unsure about the process and costs? This comprehensive guide covers all you need to know, including how they work, the installation process and grants that may be available to you. Discover how air source heat pumps can lower energy bills and guide your transition to efficient, renewable heating.

Ready to take the next step? Speak to an expert at Rollings Renewables to explore whether a heat pump is right for your home.

What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump transfers heat from the outside air into your central heating system, providing heating for your house via radiators or underfloor heating. They’re known for being more efficient than a standard gas boiler, as they move heat from one place to another rather than creating it.

Air source heat pumps (ASHP) boast efficiency and generous cost savings for your home. Air source heat pump installers make implementation easy, ensuring you can heat your home for less. 

Air Source Heat Pump Installation Process

Here are the steps you should follow if you’re looking at installing an air source heat pump. 

• Determine the right location for the heat pump units and ensure it has a level, stable foundation
• If you’ve received a government grant, the heat pump installation will need to be carried out by a certified microgeneration certification scheme (MCS) installer
• Your MSC-certified installer will need to remove your old heating system and connect the new heat pump to the system, making sure it’s installed in an area with enough space and airflow
• Depending on the distance between the indoor and outdoor units, a hole may need to be drilled into the wall to complete the wiring
• The heat pump is now connected to the electrical supply and the installer will thoroughly check all connections and carry out system tests to ensure there are no leaks 

1. Decide if a Heat Pump Is Right For You

Every home has different heating needs. Air source heat pumps are ideal for homes with old, inefficient heating systems and high heating costs. As long as your home has good insulation, a heat pump is a good choice.

Air source heat pumps may not be the best choice if your home has poor insulation, is in a very cold region or has a low PEC (or Energy Performance Certificate – EPC) rating. The heat pump will still work, but the efficiency decreases as temperatures drop and heat will escape quickly. You must also consider the total cost of heat pumps; while the monthly savings can be significant, the upfront cost may be out of budget for some households.

2. Check for Available Grants in Your Area

In an attempt to encourage property owners to replace inefficient heating systems, some air source heat pump installations are eligible for government grants. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) can apply in some cases and you may be able to receive £7,500 (£9,000 if you qualify for a rural uplift), which is almost enough to cover the cost and installation of a heat pump.

To qualify, you must own a home in a small or medium non-domestic building in England or Wales and be fully replacing an existing fossil fuel system such as an oil, gas or electric system. Also be aware that you must have an EPC and not have any outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations. Keep in mind that you cannot be funded by more than one source of public funds.

3. Find an ASHP Installer

Once you’ve decided that an ASHP is the right choice, you’ll need to find an MSC-certified professional installer. They will assess your home’s heat demand and recommend the best option for you. Rollings Renewables is an MSC-certified company and offers free consultations to kickstart the process – contact our team to discuss our options. Your air source heat pump installation will be in safe hands with us.

4. Choose Your Heat Pump

Your qualified installer will work with you to ensure the new system fits your budget and heating requirements. Our expert team will let you know if you’re eligible for government funding based on whether you fit the requirements above. Just contact our team for more information. All factors are considered during the quote process and you’ll have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

5. Prepare for Installation

Once you’ve decided to opt for an air source heat pump installation, you may need to make some home improvements to ensure it works as efficiently as possible. This often includes insulation upgrades, which ensures the generated heat stays locked within your home for longer. Your installer will recommend what needs to be done to improve the ASHP efficiency for your particular case, if anything at all. 

6. On-Site Inspection

Before the air source heat pump installation, your MSC-certified installer will visit your home to assess its suitability for the heat pump. In this inspection, the installer will determine the right location for the unit, making sure it’s level, stable and secure. Changes may need to be made to ensure the pump is locked into a secure position with appropriate drainage. Your dedicated installer will then create a tailored installation plan to make sure the installation runs smoothly.

7. Removal of Your Existing Heating System

Your installer will safely remove the existing oil, gas or electric heating system before the new system is implemented. They’ll safely turn off the power and fuel supply and drain any water to prevent leaks. All radiators and connected pipework are then disconnected before the main unit can be dismantled. The old system can now be safely disposed of to make space for the ASHP. 

8. Installation of ASHP Unit

When installing a new heat pump, your installer will make sure it’s placed in an area with suitable airflow so it works as efficiently as possible. The time it takes for air source heat pump installation varies from case to case, but on average takes anywhere between 2-5 days. This timeframe largely depends on the level of prep work and alterations that are required before the installation. 

9. Final Checks and Activation

Once the installation has been completed, your installer will carry out system tests to ensure everything is working as it should be. All connections are thoroughly checked and any leaks are prevented so no heat can escape. The installer then finally tests the system to ensure it operates efficiently before activating it for use.

10. Maintenance

Your new heat pump will need to be regularly serviced, just like any regular boiler. This includes checking for refrigerant leaks, inspecting electrical terminals, cleaning and tightening connections and ensuring all motors and belts function properly. Scheduling an annual service for your heat pump will identify any potential issues which may prevent costly repairs further down the line. Proper maintenance is essential, as dirty coils and filters can reduce efficiency and airflow. Your qualified installer will give you contact details in case of any issues. 

Why Should I Get an Air Source Heat Pump?

More people are choosing heat pumps for their homes in the drive to become more energy efficient and save heating costs. With government grants in place and an improvement in heat pump technology, it’s no wonder more homes are opting for air source heat pumps.

Lower energy bills

Air source heat pumps can be up to 400% more efficient than gas boilers, meaning you get more heat for less energy. This translates to significant cost savings over the year. Heat pumps have a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3-5, meaning they produce 3 to 5 times more heat energy than the electricity they consume.

Electricity prices are consistently on the rise, so heat pumps are a cost-effective alternative for many homes, as long as the home’s insulation is of a high enough standard to keep the heat in.

Grants Available Until 2028

As an MCS-certified installer, Rollings Renewables ensures that you qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant (£9,000 for rural properties), providing you meet all the eligibility criteria. This grant makes switching to renewable heating significantly more affordable.

Keep in mind that this government grant is only available until March 2028, so now is the perfect time to consider a heat pump for your home. 

Sustainability

In the race to sustainability, air source heat pump installations are becoming more commonplace in many homes across the UK. Without the need for fossil fuels, heat pumps reduce carbon emissions and provide a sustainable alternative to gas and electric boilers. This works by extracting heat from the outside air instead of burning fossil fuels. 

Choose the Right Heat Pump Installer

When selecting the right company for your air source heat pump installation, it’s a good idea to do appropriate research into the company, including customer reviews and credentials. Social proof, such as testimonials from people in similar situations to you, provides a good level of insight into the company’s reputation and service quality.

Could I Fit an ASHP Myself?

It may be possible to fit an ASHP yourself but we recommend leaving this process to trained professionals to prevent any risks of improper installation. Installing a heat pump requires specialised expertise and may require changes to be made to your home and garden to ensure everything works efficiently.

Here at Rollings Renewables, we pride ourselves on our 5-star quality service and 20+ years of maintaining the highest client satisfaction. Our MSC-certified installers have set up countless heat pumps, so you can rest assured that your installation is being carried out properly.

How Long Does Installation Take?

The length of installation time largely depends on your situation, as you may need to make alterations to your home, such as improving insulation or making appropriate space for the equipment. Research suggests installation can take anywhere from 2-5 days as it’s more complex than just upgrading your boiler with a new one. 

However, this timeframe can differ depending on your building and current heating system. Upon inspection of your home, your installer can provide an accurate time estimate and quote for the ASHP installation.

How Much Does Air Source Heat Pump Installation Cost?

In the UK and Scotland, air source heat pump installation can cost anything between £4,000-£10,000, depending on property size, the type of air pump and any home upgrades that are required.

England and Wales

You may be able to get £7,500 from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£9,000 if you qualify for a rural uplift), which is almost enough to cover the cost and installation of an air source heat pump. 

Scotland

Home Energy Scotland provides grants of £7,500 for an air source heat pump installation, which increases to £9,000 for people in remote areas who qualify for the rural uplift. 

Finance Options with Rollings Renewables

If the upfront cost of an ASHP is unmanageable, we offer finance options through Phoenix to spread the cost into smaller chunks. 

Interested in a Heat Pump?

Air source heat pumps offer a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to heat your home. They can provide significant savings on energy bills and facilitate the movement to a greener future. With a long lifespan and government grants to help with the upfront cost, they’re a long-term investment in sustainable heating.

Still have questions? Our FAQ section below covers everything you need to know, from maintenance tips to information on lifespan and other considerations before making the decision.

Air Source Heat Pump Installation FAQs 

How Long Will an Air Source Heat Pump Last?

If you’re carrying out regular maintenance of your air source heat pump, it can typically last from 15-25 years before it needs replacing. If your unit is nearing 20 years, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer model. 

Will I Need New Radiators?

In most cases, existing radiators will work with a heat pump, but your qualified installer will let you know if newer, larger radiators are needed to improve the efficiency of the heat flow.

How Do I Maintain a Heat Pump?

Regular maintenance of heat pumps includes keeping all the internal and external parts clean. Performance can be reduced if too much dust accumulates on the filters, so it’s best practice to remove the air filters and give them a clean with a small brush or vacuum.

How Often Does a Heat Pump Need to Be Serviced?

You must ensure the heat pump is serviced once a year by a qualified engineer. This will maintain the efficiency and also extend the lifespan, preventing maintenance headaches further down the line.

Are Heat Pumps Noisy?

Heat pumps aren’t completely silent but are not considered noisy. Typically, they produce as much noise as traditional heating systems. Ground source heat pumps are the quietest, whereas air and water pumps are slightly louder.