How Long Does It Take to Install an Air Source Heat Pump? (Here’s the Real Answer)

Lindo Mavuso
Oct 1
4 min read

Let’s cut straight to it: switching to low-carbon heating shouldn’t feel like a renovation nightmare.

If you're planning to install an air source heat pump, one of the biggest questions you'll face is: “How long is this going to take?”

And honestly? It depends, but not in a vague, shrug-your-shoulders kind of way.

The truth is, a standard heat pump installation usually takes between 2 days on average, start to finish.

But here's where things get interesting:

Your timeline can shrink or stretch depending on your home's layout, heating setup, and whether you’re claiming the £7,500 grant.
The survey, design, and application process can often be handled in parallel if you're working with a full-service provider like Puraflow Renewables.

So in this guide, we’ll break down exactly:

How long does each step take
What can speed things up (or slow things down)
And how to make sure you’re not waiting around unnecessarily

Whether you’re just researching or ready to book an install, this is everything you need to know, minus the jargon, minus the fluff.

Want a real quote with lead time and grant included? Request your free home survey here →

1. How Long Does Each Step of the Installation Take?

If you're expecting a full kitchen remodel-style disruption… relax... Most heat pump installations are far quicker and cleaner than people imagine.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of each step:

Step 1: Home Survey & Quote (1 Day)

Before anything is installed, your property needs to be assessed. This typically includes:

Measuring the size and insulation levels of your home
Understanding your hot water needs
Checking radiator sizing and space for the external unit

A qualified installer like Puraflow Renewables can often do this in a single visit, with your full system design and grant application initiated at the same time.

Step 2: System Design & Grant Application (2–5 Days)

If you're applying for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme, your installer needs to:

Upload design details to the Ofgem portal
Reserve your grant allocation
Finalise the paperwork before installation

You don’t need to lift a finger here; we handle it all for you.

Step 3: Installation & Commissioning (2–5 Days)

This needs breaking down to - Plumbing day 1 & 2, with electrical work and commissioning on day 2. Essentially, don’t make this TOO specific and broaden it out for bespoke installations.

What Can Delay Things?

No access to a hot water cylinder
Poor radiator sizing or no underfloor heating
Difficult access for outdoor units
Delays in grant paperwork (if not managed well)

Pro Tip: Get your home insulation sorted before installing, a well-insulated home = a smaller heat pump + faster install.

3. How to Speed Things Up and Avoid Delays

Let’s be real: nobody wants to wait around weeks for a heat pump install. And with demand rising across the UK, time is quite literally money.

Here’s how to make sure you don’t get stuck in the slow lane:

1. Get Your Free Survey Booked Early

The sooner your home is assessed, the sooner the install can be scheduled and your £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant reserved. Delaying this step is one of the most common causes of hold-ups.

Book your home survey here

2. Prep Your Home in Advance

Check insulation levels; your installer can recommend upgrades
2000mm x 900mm is an ideal space for the cylinder, but on a case-by-case basis, we may be able to accommodate
Ensure access for the external unit, and avoid walls with limited clearance

Doing this before install day avoids awkward delays and return visits.

3. Sort Heating Distribution (Radiators or Underfloor)

If your current system isn’t compatible, this will need upgrading. We upgrade this as part of the install.

Don’t panic, our guide breaks it all down.

Our radiator installations are part of the bundle we provide. Please remove this.

4. Choose an MCS-Certified Installer

Only MCS-certified companies like Puraflow Renewables can:

Access the government grant
Ensure the installation meets energy standards
Provide valid commissioning paperwork for warranty and energy bill savings

Avoid “cash-in-hand” types; if they’re not certified, your grant is gone.

5. Ask for a Timeline & Sticking Points Upfront

A good installer will give you a day-by-day schedule and flag anything that could cause delays (e.g., old pipework, complex layouts, etc.).

Bonus: Keep It All Connected

Want to future-proof your energy setup?

By planning your heat pump install alongside Solar PV, Battery Storage, or Smart Energy Tariffs, you can create a full home energy ecosystem — and potentially reduce running costs further.

Final Thoughts

So, how long does it really take to install an air source heat pump?

A few days of work
A few smart prep steps
A system that lasts 20+ years and cuts your carbon footprint drastically

Whether you’re renovating, replacing, or just planning, Puraflow Renewables can walk you through every step, with zero pressure and full grant support.

Enquire today and get your timeline started.