Air Source Heat Pump Cost in the UK
Air source heat pumps are the most common type installed in UK homes. They're cheaper than ground source, easier to install, and still qualify for the full £7,500 government grant. Here's what you'll actually pay.
At a glance
- Air source (installed)
- £8,000–£15,000
- Ground source (installed)
- £15,000–£35,000
- BUS grant
- £7,500
- Typical system size
- 5–12 kW
See what an air source heat pump would cost for your home
Quick check based on your property — takes 2 minutes.
Air source vs ground source costs
An air source heat pump (ASHP) typically costs £8,000–£15,000 to install, while a ground source heat pump (GSHP) costs £15,000–£35,000. The big difference is the ground works — GSHPs need either a borehole drilled or trenches dug in your garden. For most UK homes, an air source heat pump is the practical and affordable choice.
Air source
- •£8,000–£15,000 installed
- •Easier to fit — no digging
- •Works in most properties
- •Slightly less efficient in cold weather
Best for most UK homes
Ground source
- •£15,000–£35,000 installed
- •Needs garden space for trenches or a borehole
- •Higher efficiency year-round
- •Quieter — no outdoor fan
Best if you have land and budget
What size heat pump do you need?
Heat pump size is measured in kilowatts (kW). A well-insulated 2-3 bed home typically needs 5-8 kW. A 3-4 bed home usually needs 8-12 kW. Larger or poorly insulated homes may need 12-16 kW. A proper heat loss survey will determine the exact size — oversizing wastes money, undersizing means you won't be warm enough.
Popular heat pump brands and prices
The most commonly installed brands in the UK are Daikin, Mitsubishi, Vaillant, Samsung, and Grant. Unit prices range from about £3,000 for a basic Samsung to £6,000+ for a premium Vaillant or Daikin. The unit cost is typically 30-40% of the total installation price — labour, cylinders, and ancillaries make up the rest.
| Brand | Unit price (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | £3,000–£4,000 | Good budget option, reliable |
| Grant | £3,500–£4,500 | Popular in rural UK |
| Mitsubishi | £4,000–£5,500 | Well-established, widely installed |
| Daikin | £4,500–£6,000 | Premium, very efficient |
| Vaillant | £5,000–£6,500 | High-end, excellent build quality |
How to get the best price
Get at least 3 quotes from MCS-certified installers. Check they include everything in the price — some quotes exclude the cylinder or electrical work. Ask what radiator upgrades are included. And make sure the installer will handle the BUS grant application for you, so the £7,500 comes straight off your bill.
How we calculate estimates
Our estimates use published data from the Energy Saving Trust, Ofgem tariff caps, and MCS installer pricing. We model savings based on your home size, insulation level, and current heating system. All figures are indicative — your actual costs will depend on your installer's survey and quote.
See what an air source heat pump would cost for your home
Quick check based on your property — takes 2 minutes.