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What is a Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump is a low-carbon, renewable heat source and an alternative heating system to conventional gas or oil boilers, that is suitable for a wide range of homes.


They are external units installed to extract thermal energy from the air to provide heating and hot water for your home or business premises.


For every unit of energy, it uses to extract heat from the air, it typically outputs three to four times more heat, meaning ASHP efficiency is around 300-400%, which can significantly reduce the cost of your energy bills.

Air Source Heat Pump Benefits 

  • Low carbon, environmentally friendly heat source
  • Highly efficient, transferring around three times more energy into a home as heat than it uses to extract it from the air.  For every 1kW of electrical energy used to power the air source heat pump, 3-4kW of heat energy is returned
  • Capable of also providing active cooling which saves time, money and space compared to installing a separate AC system
  • Little outdoor space is required, meaning an air-source heat pump system is suitable for most urban properties
  • Air source heat pumps are relatively quick to install, require little maintenance and have a long lifespan of around 20 years
  • Safer than fossil fuel-burning systems. An air source heat pump system is powered entirely by electricity and is combustion-free
  • Eligible for the government Boiler Upgrade Scheme

IS AN AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP RIGHT FOR MY HOUSE?

An air source heat pump is right for you if:

An ASHP can be installed in a range of properties, whether small or large, new or existing properties, rural or urban. All of which can benefit from the energy-saving capabilities of a heat pump.


You are looking for a low-carbon, eco-friendly and sustainable way to heat your home


The property is well insulated – this is important for efficiency and keeping running costs low


There is enough outdoor space for the ASHP unit to be fitted to an exterior wall, with enough space around it to get a good flow of air.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme 

The government recognises that air-source heat pumps play an important role in reducing carbon emissions from the UK’s homes. Therefore air source heat pump grants have been included in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.


The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers an upfront voucher of £7,500 towards the installation of an air source heat pump, helping to reduce the overall cost.


As the name suggests, the scheme is aimed at existing properties, encouraging the switch from fossil fuel boilers to low-carbon heat pumps.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. An air source heat pump is around 300 - 400% efficient. This is because for every unit of energy it uses to extract heat from the air, it typically outputs over 3 to 4 units of heat energy into the property. However, It is also dependent on the characteristics of the home the heat pump is being installed in. These characteristics include: 

  • The system design.
  • Where on the property the air source heat pump is located.
  • How well insulated the property is.
  • The manufacturer of heat pump installed.
  • The heat pump has been designed properly for the property size.
  • How it is being operated.

No they should not be, most air source heat pumps are no louder than a fridge/freezer or dishwasher. Even if you need to install your heat pump near your outdoor sitting area you’re less likely to use this space during the winter when the heat pump is running more often.

It should take around 2-3 days depending on the complexity of the installation.

In our opinion there aren't many but they are more expensive to install than oil or gas boilers. Sometimes you may need Planning Permission - This usually applies for listed buildings in AONB or National Parks. ASHP do take up some external spare so if you have a relatively small outdoor area, an air source heat pump could take up a proportion of this.

Yes! We have completed system in very old churches and eve cathedrals. The same advice applies for all types of buildings though where we should minimise heat loss to ensure efficient operation.