Air source heat pump installation guide
Thinking of installing an air source heat pump but unsure how long it takes, what happens or what to expect?
Don't worry our guide will provide you with all the information you need.
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump is a low carbon heating system that extracts heat from the outdoor air and distributes it throughout your home using radiators or underfloor heating.
A heat pump that runs on electricity generated from renewable energy is a sustainable and potentially cost-effective heating solution.
If you invest in a heat pump you can rely less on fossil fuels and make a positive impact on both your wallet and the environment.
On this page
- How is an air source heat pump installed?
- Where can a heat pump be installed?
- What steps happen before we begin your installation?
- How long does it take to install a heat pump?
- How much does an air source heat pump installation cost?
- Can I install a heat pump myself?
- What happens after installation?
- How to choose the right heat pump installer
- Customer testimonials and reviews
- Heat pump installation FAQs
How is an air source heat pump installed?
Ever wondered how an air source heat pump is installed? Prepare to have your questions answered! Learn how much hardware is involved, what to expect, and the timelines for each step of your journey. Here’s a quick look at what’s involved:
- Removing the old system
- Positioning and wiring the heat pump
- Upgrading radiators if needed
- Testing systems
Read the EDF Air Source Heat Pump Installation video transcript (PDF 127 KB)
Where can a heat pump be installed?
Air source heat pumps are flexible and can be installed in a variety of homes, whether it’s a flat(1), an older house, or a terraced home. Generally, you'll need about 2 meters by 1 meter (roughly 6.5 feet by 3 feet) of clear outdoor space to make sure the heat pump operates efficiently. While the external unit must always be placed outdoors as it draws in air to generate energy, the indoor components, such as the cylinder and controls, can be placed in spaces like garages, airing cupboards, or even spare rooms and basements.
Not sure where you'd put your heat pump? Don't worry, EDF Heat Pumps will help you figure out the best spot based on your home's layout and the type of system you're choosing!
What steps happen before your installation?
Before your air source heat pump installation begins, we take a bespoke approach to make sure your system is tailored to your exact needs. Every quote is built around the specifics of your home, looking at all the details that matter most, including:
- Your home’s current insulation and heating system (radiators, underfloor heating, etc.)
- Desired temperature levels
- Size of the water tank based on your home's needs and the ideal location
- Where to put your heat pump
- Whether your radiators need upgrading.
Once we’ve gathered all this info, we'll create a system design that’s just right for you!
How long does it take to install a heat pump?
Heat pump installations usually take 2 to 5 days, depending on the type of heat pump you choose to install. In some cases, a solid base or drainage may be needed before the heat pump can be installed. But don’t worry, we’ll have everything discussed and tailored to your home during the design process, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
How much does an air source heat pump installation cost?
The cost of air source heat pump installations can vary depending on your chosen system. Additionally, the available government grant schemes differ based on your location within Great Britain. Generally, the installation cost of a heat pump(after the government grant) can range between £3,999(2) and over £10,000 (£3,999 price assumes reuse of a suitable existing hot water cylinder. Homes requiring a new cylinder will have an additional cost). Here's a breakdown of the government grants:
England and Wales
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers a £7,500 grant, which can significantly reduce installation costs
With EDF Heat Pumps, you can finance your heat pump and spread the cost through flexible monthly repayments starting from just £40.58(3) a month.
Scotland
- Home Energy Scotland provides grants of £7,500 for air source heat pump installation, and this increases to £9,000 for people in remote areas who qualify for the rural uplift
Can I install a heat pump myself?
Considering a DIY installation to save money? While it may seem tempting, installing a heat pump is more complex than it looks. We highly recommend leaving it to the professionals. An installer's role goes beyond just installing units; they design a heat pump system tailored to your home's needs and make sure it runs efficiently for years. They also know how to handle any unexpected issues during installation.
The good news is, if you get a heat pump through EDF Heat Pumps, you don't have to worry about tackling the installation yourself. As a Which? Trusted Trader, our experts will take care of everything, from selecting the right model to flawless installation, giving you complete peace of mind.
What happens after installation?
Once your heat pump is installed, we recommend an annual service for your air source heat pump to keep it running smoothly and maintain its warranty. Here’s what’s covered during servicing:
How to choose the right heat pump installer
Choosing the right installer is the most important decision to make when getting a heat pump, as it's crucial for getting the design and installation done correctly. Here are three things to look out for:
Save cash and carbon with a heat pump
Now's the perfect time to upgrade your heating system to an air source heat pump, install a heat pump today and get:
- An exclusive tariff with twice-daily discounts!
- Money back guarantee with our Heat Pump Promise.(4) T&Cs apply.
- You're likely to be eligible for a £7,500 government grant and we'll sort this out for you!
- Spread the cost with flexible heat pump payment plans from just £40.58(3) a month!
Customer heat pump testimonial
Take a moment to hear from one of our happy customers. Geoff installed a heat pump with us after facing challenges with other installers. Listen to his story and hear why he's glad he made the switch to EDF Heat Pumps.
Read the customer testimonial video transcript.
EDF Heat Pumps is a Which? Trusted Trader, proud to offer a unique network of accredited local professionals known for quality, reliability and outstanding customer service.
Heat pump installation FAQs
Do you need planning permission to install a heat pump?
In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to install a heat pump, especially if it’s a typical air source model. However, if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, you'll likely need planning permission. We recommend reaching out to your local planning office for more guidance. EDF Heat Pumps will also be here to help with any questions you may have around planning permissions.
Are there regulations around heat pump installations?
Yes, and regulations can vary depending on where you're located. Generally, you’ll need to make sure the installation complies with local building codes, energy efficiency standards, and sometimes zoning laws. For example, while heat pumps can now be installed as close as 1m to a property boundary, it's still required that they be installed by a certified professional, with all of our installers being Gas Safe registered and holding a BPEC Level 3 certification. However, EDF Heat Pump will take care of the whole process, so you can relax and leave the technical details to the experts.
Does the heat pump need to be a certain distance away from neighbours?
There’s no universal rule for the exact distance, but it’s definitely a good idea to install the heat pump far enough from your neighbors to avoid any noise issues. Most heat pumps can make some noise when they’re running, typically around 50-60 decibels, which is about the level of normal conversation or a dishwasher. If you're concerned about the noise, there are some ways to reduce it, like choosing a quieter model or placing the unit in a less noisy part of your garden.
Are heat pumps expensive to install?
The upfront cost of installing a heat pump can be higher compared to traditional heating systems, but it’s important to think about the long term benefits. Heat pumps are highly efficient; they can be 300% more efficient than a traditional gas boiler, which can save your energy bills over time. Plus, with air source heat pump grants available in many areas, the installation costs can be more manageable.
If you’re not quite ready to fully switch to a heat pump, no worries. Take your time to explore all your heating options and find the perfect fit for your home and budget.
What's the average cost of an air source heat pump installation?
After the government grant, the cost of air source heat pumps can vary between £3,999(2) and over £10,000 depending on several factors, such as;
- how powerful the unit is
- the brand
- government grants
- installation costs
(£3,999 price assumes reuse of a suitable existing hot water cylinder. Homes requiring a new cylinder will have an additional cost).
We understand that switching to a heat pump from a traditional heating system can feel overwhelming. That's why we back our heat pumps with a promise: if it doesn’t perform as promised, we’ll give you your money back. T&Cs apply. Plus, you could always take advantage of flexible heat pump payment plans from EDF Heat Pumps to spread the cost.
You can also get more from your heat pump by joining one of our air source heat pump tariffs!
Can a heat pump be installed in flats?
Yes, heat pumps can be installed in flats(1)! The process might differ a bit from houses, but it's absolutely possible. The key things to consider are having enough space for the outdoor unit for air flow and whether your building allows external modifications. It’s always best to check with your building management and a professional installer to make sure everything is in place.
Can a heat pump be installed in a garage?
Yes, heat pumps can be installed in garages, but there are some important points to keep in mind! While the indoor unit, such as the cylinder and controls, can be installed in areas like a garage, airing cupboard, or even a basement, the outdoor unit always needs to be placed outside. This is because the outdoor unit draws in air from outside to convert it into energy. Just like with flats, checking local rules and consulting a professional installer can help make the process smoother.
Can you install a heat pump in a terraced house?
Absolutely, heat pumps are a fantastic choice for terraced houses. The installation might need a few adjustments based on the space available for the outdoor unit, and it’s important to make sure it's not too close to a neighbor’s wall. If you're interested in learning more about how heat pumps can work for your home, check out our air source heat pump guide.