This guide is for UK homeowners who want to understand what an air source heat pump costs to install. It explains the factors behind every quote, the funding you can combine and how to compare installers. We do not quote prices, running costs or savings, because they depend on your home. We use published sources from GOV.UK, the Energy Saving Trust, MCS and MoneySavingExpert.
Independent guide. We are not a lender or a government body. Always check current scheme rules with the official provider.
What drives the cost of an air source heat pump
Two homes rarely get the same quote. The size of your home, how well it holds heat and your current heating system all change the work involved. A good installer explains each item rather than giving a single figure. The list below sets out the main cost drivers.
- Heat pump type and size. A heat-loss survey works out how much heat each room needs, which sets the size of the unit.
- Radiator or pipework upgrades. A heat pump runs at a lower flow temperature, so some rooms need larger radiators or new pipes.
- Hot water cylinder. Most air-to-water systems need a cylinder that suits a heat pump.
- Insulation. Better insulation lowers the heat your home needs and can allow a smaller unit.
- Electrical work. Your installer checks that your supply and consumer unit can take the new system.
- Outdoor space and siting. The outdoor unit needs a suitable spot with clear airflow, which affects pipe runs and labour.
- MCS-certified installation. Certified installers follow set standards for design and fitting, and the grant requires one.
Funding you can combine
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air-to-water heat pump in England and Wales. The grant rises to £9,000 when you replace oil or LPG in an off-gas-grid home. An air-to-air heat pump receives £2,500. These values took effect on 21 July 2026.
The Warm Homes Loan Scheme sets a £20,000 maximum for an air-to-water heat pump and £10,000 for air-to-air. You can combine the loan with the grant. The grant comes off the price first, so you borrow less and repay less. Three details are not yet confirmed. The Government has not published the eligibility rules. It has not confirmed how or when you apply. Each lender has not yet published its rates.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales only. Homeowners in Scotland should check advice from Home Energy Scotland. Homeowners in Northern Ireland should check advice from the Energy Saving Trust.
| Measure | Grant value |
|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | £7,500 (£9,000 if replacing oil or LPG in an off-gas-grid home) |
| Ground source heat pump | £7,500 (£9,000 if replacing oil or LPG in an off-gas-grid home) |
| Air-to-air heat pump | £2,500 |
| Biomass boiler | £5,000 (off-gas-grid homes only) |
How to get and compare quotes
A fair comparison needs like-for-like quotes. Ask each installer to survey your home before they give a price. Request the same breakdown from each firm. Follow these steps to keep the process clear.
- Gather recent energy bills and note your current heating system.
- Find two or three installers through the MCS installer search.
- Book a heat-loss survey with each installer.
- Ask for a written quote that itemises every cost driver above.
- Confirm that each quote shows the grant deducted, where you qualify.
- Compare the unit, radiator work, cylinder, warranty and total price.
- Check each installer's MCS certification before you sign.
Take time over your decision. A reputable installer will not pressure you to sign on the day of the survey.
Checklist
- Energy bills and heating details gathered
- Two or three MCS-certified installers contacted
- Heat-loss survey completed by each installer
- Written, itemised quotes received
- Grant deduction shown on each quote
- MCS certification checked
- Total cost of credit compared for any loan
Frequently asked questions
Why does this guide not list air source heat pump prices?
Prices depend on your home and change often. A written quote after a heat-loss survey gives you an accurate figure.
How much is the grant for an air source heat pump?
The grant is £7,500 for air-to-water, or £9,000 when you replace oil or LPG off the gas grid. Air-to-air receives £2,500.
How much can I borrow?
The Warm Homes Loan Scheme maximum is £20,000 for air-to-water and £10,000 for air-to-air.
Will I need new radiators?
Some homes do. The heat-loss survey shows whether each room's radiator is large enough.
Can I get the grant in Scotland?
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales only. Check official advice from Home Energy Scotland.
How many quotes should I get?
Get two or three written quotes from MCS-certified installers. This helps you spot inflated prices.
So you can read any air source heat pump quote with confidence and fund it at the lowest total cost.
WHLS Editorial Team
Our editorial team writes independent, plain-English guides on home energy finance. We review guides when scheme rules change.
References
- GOV.UK – Notice of approved grant categories and values for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (opens in a new tab)
- Energy Saving Trust – Boiler Upgrade Scheme (opens in a new tab)
- MoneySavingExpert – Warm Homes Loan Scheme news (October 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Financial Conduct Authority – Financial Services Register (opens in a new tab)
- MCS – Find an installer (opens in a new tab)
