How Much Does An Air Source Heat Pump Cost To Run?

Air source heat pumps are the new gold standard for home heating in the UK. They provide heat by simply extracting it from the air outside your home, rather than creating it from scratch, burning no fossil fuels in the process. 

But how much does a heat pump cost to run? In this guide, we’re going to break down some realistic running costs for UK homeowners based on home size, tariffs and insulation. 

Stick with us to learn more, or call us now on 01905 621777 to speak directly to an expert. 

Air Source Heat Pump Costs Explained

The average annual cost to run a modern air source heat pump in a UK home is around £800, or roughly £70 per month. Real world costs will depend on a few factors, including home type, size and insulation level, as well as the average weather conditions. 

Average annual costs by property type: 

What Affects the Running Cost of an Air Source Heat Pump? 

The running costs of an air source heat pump can vary depending on a few factors, including home insulation, property size, system flow temperature settings and UK electricity prices. 

Electricity Prices in the UK 

Air source heat pumps don’t rely on natural gas like traditional boilers, but they do require electricity. As a result, when electricity prices are higher, running an air source heat pump becomes more expensive. It is possible to reduce this to an extent by timing your air source heat pump to run at off-peak times, when electricity is more affordable. 

Because air source heat pumps run on electricity, they may increase your energy bill. However, the additional cost will be offset by the drastically increased efficiency, with air source heat pumps being around 300-350% more efficient than even modern gas boilers. 

Home Insulation Levels 

Air source heat pumps run at a lower temperature than gas boilers, meaning insulation plays a more important role in making them effective. As a result, homes with more thorough insulation will enjoy lower running costs than older or poorly insulated properties. 

Property Size and Heat Demand 

The size of your home and the level of demand for heating will also impact the running cost of your air source heat pump. Larger properties with more hot water outlets and a higher demand for heat will place a greater strain on an air source heat pump, making it more expensive to run. 

Flow Temperature Settings 

Finally, the flow temperature setting you choose for your air source heat pump will also have an impact. Air source heat pumps are designed to provide optimum efficiency at a lower flow temperature than gas boilers. Setting your air source heat pump to a higher temperature will increase the running cost. 

Are Air Source Heat Pumps Cheaper to Run Than Gas Boilers? 

So, how much does a heat pump cost to run compared to a gas boiler? In a well-insulated home, the average day-to-day costs are about the same. 

The main difference is that air source heat pumps are around 300% more efficient than gas boilers, meaning they have a drastically lower carbon footprint. Additionally, the primary reason air source heat pumps are not always cheaper to run at the moment is the current high cost of electricity in the UK. If this cost were to ever come down, air source heat pumps could become very cost-effective to run. 

Air source heat pumps also feature fewer moving parts, and are far cheaper to maintain than gas boilers. This means the lifetime running costs can be less for air source heat pumps, even if the day-to-day costs are not. 

Running Costs Breakdown: What to Expect 

With the right adaptations, air source heat pumps are a reliable, cost-effective investment in the energy- and cost-efficiency of your home heating. This is a view shared by leading experts including Martin Lewis, who said, “They’re not a silver bullet, but in the right home, they can be efficient, future-proof and financially sensible.”

Is An Air Source Heat Pump Worth It? 

Provided your property is properly set up, an air source heat pump is a worthwhile investment. Homeowners with modern insulation can benefit greatly from air source heat pumps, allowing them to save money, reduce their carbon footprint and futureproof their property. 

Even in less well insulated homes, there are long-term cost savings to enjoy, thanks to lower maintenance and servicing costs. Additionally, the government is currently offering a grant of £7,500 towards the cost of a new air source heat pump installation under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This is only available until 2028, so now is the best time to have an air source heat pump installed. 

Learn more about the benefits of air source heat pump installation in our complete guide. 

Speak to Us Today For Your Accurate Estimate 

At Rollings Renewables, we’ve been helping homeowners upgrade their properties with renewable energy solutions for over 20 years. We offer expert air source heat pump installations backed by a six-year workmanship guarantee. 

To request a free quote or learn more, just reach out to our friendly team now by calling 01905 621777, emailing sales@rollingsrenewables.co.uk or filling out our contact form.