Can Air Source Heat Pumps Be Used in Flats? 

Firstly, let’s get the big question out of the way: yes, air source heat pumps can absolutely be used in flats. In this guide, we’re going to look at how heat pumps can be installed in flats, the benefits of heat pumps for flats, the costs and considerations and whether you should get a heat pump for your flat.

For more information or a free heat pump installation quote, call the friendly team at Rollings Renewables now on 01905 621777. 

Can Air Source Heat Pumps Be Installed in a Flat? 

So, we’ve established heat pumps can be installed in flats, but let’s dig into how it works. Heat pumps for flats can be installed on a communal basis for whole blocks or flat by flat to heat individual apartments.

To heat whole blocks of apartments, larger heat pumps can be installed to provide heat to communal radiator systems. For individual flats, smaller units can be fitted provided there is a minimum of 1m² of outdoor space for the heat pump. This could be a courtyard or even a balcony. Air source heat pumps for flats are also considered a permitted development, so, provided you are the freeholder, you won’t need planning permission to install one.

As heat pumps are still a relatively new form of central heating, some people who live in flats have concerns about how effective they’ll be for heating their homes. However, research conducted by the Energy Saving Trust indicates that air source heat pumps are just as effective at heating flats as any other type of home. The main factor in how efficient your heat pump is will be how well insulated your property is, not its type. 

Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps In Flats 

Heat pumps for flats come with a range of benefits that make them a very attractive prospect for residents:

• Energy efficiency – air source heat pumps for flats use drastically less energy than gas boilers, up to four times less, in fact.
• Cost savings – because they consume far less energy, heat pumps can help you reduce your energy bills, potentially cutting out the need for gas usage altogether.
• Reduced carbon footprint – reduced energy usage and a decreased dependence on natural gas make heat pumps far more environmentally friendly, especially since they can be powered by completely renewable electricity.
• Government funding – until April 2028, you can apply for a £7,500 grant from the government towards the cost of your heat pump installation, under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Most people who own their home and have an EPC certificate are eligible.
• Longevity – heat pumps for flats contain fewer moving parts than gas boilers, meaning there is less to go wrong and a vastly reduced maintenance requirement.
• Improved home value – according to recent reports, heat pumps can add around 3% to the value of your home, which equates to about £8,000 based on average property prices. 

What Are the Costs Involved? 

Up front, an air source heat pump for a flat can average around £8000 – £15,000, which might sound like a daunting figure. However, more than half of that cost could be covered by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and many heat pumps are available for far less, with some costing under £5,000. Costs will vary depending on the individual property. 

Figures from Octopus Energy, for which we’re a Trusted Partner, suggest that you could save an additional £213 per year on your energy bills, reducing the long-term costs even further. Additionally, as we mentioned earlier, a heat pump will add value to your flat, making it an investment in the future saleability of your home.

As well as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, some homeowners may be eligible for the Warm Homes: Local Grant. This programme is aimed at low-income households, and offers up to £30,000 in funding to improve the energy efficiency of your home through insulation, draught proofing, solar panels, heat pumps and more.

One way or another, the costs of installing a heat pump in your flat will likely be counterbalanced by government grants and long-term cost efficiencies. 

Considerations When Getting a Heat Pump for a Flat 

Before getting a quote for your heat pump installation, there are a few things to consider:

• Space – air source heat pumps for flats require a minimum of 1m² of outdoor space for installation, and an indoor unit, similar in size to a combi boiler, will need to be fitted inside your home.
• Shared or individual system – if you’re a freeholder, and your heating system is individual to your flat, getting a heat pump installed should be relatively straightforward. However, if you are a leaseholder or your heating system is shared by multiple flats, you will need to speak to your landlord and fellow building residents.
• Additional costs – installing a heat pump can sometimes come with additional costs. In some cases, your installer might recommend that you upgrade your radiators or your insulation, which may raise the overall cost of your installation. 

Are Heat Pumps Suitable for All House Types?

Yes. Heat pumps are suitable for any type of home, from flats to detached houses. In 2024, the Energy Saving Trust published the results of a project aimed at determining the effectiveness of heat pumps in different types of properties. It found that the type of property was not a major factor in determining the effectiveness of heat pumps, and how well insulated the home was made far more impact.

Even homes with poor insulation were found to benefit from heat pumps, although on a reduced scale than those with good insulation. Heat pumps are already being installed in flats across the UK, helping to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints, such as at Rivermead House in Derby. This tower block had heat pumps installed across 54 flats to replace ageing storage heaters, providing an average energy saving of £520 per year for each flat. 

Conclusion: Should You Get an Air Source Heat Pump for a Flat? 

If you live in a flat and you want a more energy efficient, cost-effective way to heat your home, then a heat pump would be ideal. Heat pumps for flats are massively versatile and come in a range of shapes and sizes to suit different properties, offering benefits regardless of age, size or type. Plus, now is the ideal time to book your installation, while the £7,500 government grant is still available, before it expires in 2028.

An air source heat pump for your flat will help you reduce your energy bills and usage, minimise your carbon footprint and keep you cosy year-round. But you should make sure to consider whether you have the required outdoor space, if your heating system is shared between multiple flats and whether you might run into any additional costs, such as radiator or insulation upgrades. 

How Rollings Renewables Can Help 

At Rollings Renewables, we offer expert heat pump installations for flats, helping you upgrade your property hassle-free and take advantage of all the perks that come with it.We’ve been installing green energy solutions for more than 20 years and offer advanced heat pumps from some of the industry’s leading manufacturers, backed by expert installation with a six-year workmanship guarantee. To learn more and get a free, bespoke installation quote for a heat pump for your flat, just reach out to our friendly team by calling 01905 621777, emailing sales@rollingsrenewables.co.uk or by filling out our contact form.