Is an Air Source Heat Pump Right for Your Home? Costs, Benefits & What to Expect from Installation

Thinking about getting an air source heat pump installed? You’re not alone. With energy bills climbing, many UK homeowners are searching for a cleaner, more efficient way to heat their homes — and air source heat pump installation is at the top of the list.

But here’s the deal:

You’ve probably got questions like…

• Is it really worth it?

• How much does it cost to install?

• Will it actually work in my home — especially in cold UK weather?

• And what’s this £7,500 government grant everyone’s talking about?
  

This guide answers all of that. 

We’ll walk through exactly how an air to water heat pump works, what to expect during the installation process, and whether your home is a good fit. You’ll get the real pros and cons, busted myths, a practical checklist to help you decide — and yes, how to claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant that could save you thousands.

Bottom line? If you want a warm, energy-efficient home that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels (and you’re not into wasting time or money), this guide will help you figure out if an air source heat pump is the smart move for your home.

What Is an Air Source Heat Pump—and How Does It Actually Work?

Let’s break it down simply.

An air source heat pump (specifically an air to water heat pump) is a renewable heating system that pulls warmth from the outside air and uses it to heat your home and your water — even when it’s freezing outside.

Think of it like a fridge, but in reverse.

Here’s how it works:

1. It draws in air from outside your home

2. Extracts heat from that air using a refrigerant

3. Compresses the heat to a higher temperature

4. Transfers that heat into water that flows through your radiators, underfloor heating, or hot water cylinder
   

Result: Warm home. Hot water. Lower carbon footprint. No gas needed.

It’s called “air to water” because it transfers heat from air into water-based systems in your house. No flames, no fuel deliveries — just clean, efficient warmth powered by electricity and backed by smart tech.

Even better? Most models can still extract heat from air as cold as -15°C, making them a great fit for UK homes year-round.

What to Expect During an Air Source Heat Pump Installation

So — you’ve decided to go green and cut your heating bills. But what does an air source heat pump installation actually involve?

Here’s what you can expect, step-by-step.

Step 1: Free Home Survey

Before anything gets installed, a qualified installer visits your home. They’ll assess your current heating setup, check insulation levels, measure available space (indoors and outdoors), and help you decide where the pump and components should go.

Tip: This part’s free with us. No pressure. Just useful insight.

Step 2: Choosing the Right System

Based on your home’s needs, they’ll recommend the best air to water heat pump model — sized correctly for your heating and hot water demand. You’ll also get a breakdown of costs, grant eligibility (up to £7,500), and a timeline.

Step 3: Outdoor Unit Installation

The outdoor unit — about the size of a washing machine — is fitted outside your home, ideally near a wall and with good airflow. It’s quiet (think fridge-hum levels), and it doesn’t take up much space.

No digging or drilling into the ground like with ground-source systems.

Step 4: Indoor Work

Inside, a hot water cylinder (if you don’t already have one) gets installed, along with any pipework tweaks or heating controls. If needed, your radiators may be upgraded to more efficient models.

Expect 2–4 days of work, depending on your home’s size and layout.

Step 5: System Testing & Handover

Once everything’s in, your installer will run full performance tests, show you how to use your new heating system, and give you all the MCS paperwork needed to claim your government grant

What Might Disrupt You?

• No heating or hot water for 1–2 days during the switch

• Some mess or noise from indoor works (floorboards may be lifted briefly)

• You’ll need access to electricity during the install

  
  

But good installers (like us) plan around you. We’ll minimise disruption and work room by room if needed.

Final Word

The truth? It’s simpler than most people think. And with the right installer, the whole process feels more like an upgrade than a hassle.

Thinking about it? 

Book your free home survey today — no obligation, just clear answers tailored to your home.

Pros and Cons of Air Source Heat Pumps (What Most People Don’t Tell You)

Let’s get real. Heat pumps are great — but they’re not magic. Here’s what you actually need to know.

Pros

• Long-Term Savings  You’ll pay more upfront, but lower running costs mean long-term savings. Most homeowners save £300–£600/year.

• £7,500 Grant Available  The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers a huge chunk of the installation cost.

• Low-Carbon & Future-Proof  No gas, no oil — just clean, efficient energy that heats your home and water.

• Year-Round Comfort  Modern heat pumps work down to -15°C. No cold showers here.

Cons

• Installation Cost  Expect to pay £10K–£14K (before the grant). It’s an investment — not a quick fix.
  

• Space Needed  You need outdoor room for the unit + indoor space for a hot water tank.
  

• Some Noise  Outdoor units run at ~40–60 decibels — about the same as light rain or a fridge.
  

• Not Ideal for Every Home  Poorly insulated homes or tiny flats might not be the best fit. It works best with good insulation and moderate heat demand.
  

Bottom Line

If your home’s insulated and you’ve got the space — this could be one of the smartest upgrades you make.

Not sure if your home’s a good fit?  Book a free consultation now.

Is It Worth It for Your Home? A Practical Checklist

Before you dive in, let’s find out if an air source heat pump installation actually makes sense for your home.

Answer these 5 quick questions:

• Is your home well insulated (walls, loft, double glazing)? 

• Do you have enough outdoor space for a unit (about the size of a washing machine)? 

• Can you fit a hot water cylinder inside your home? 

• Are your radiators or underfloor heating ready for low-temperature systems? 

• Do you plan to stay in your home for the next 5+ years?
  

If you answered yes to at least 3 — you're likely a great candidate.

Still unsure?  Book a free home assessment with our MCS-certified team. We'll check everything for you.

Claiming Your £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant

Good news — the UK government wants to help you switch. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a £7,500 grant toward your air source heat pump installation.

Who’s Eligible?

• You own the property (home or small business).

• The property is in England or Wales.

• The home has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding insulation recommendations.

• The heat pump will replace a fossil fuel system (gas, oil, electric).
  

How to Apply

You don’t. We handle it for you. Once you book your survey, we take care of the paperwork and apply for the grant on your behalf.

Learn more about the scheme here (GOV.UK) Or skip the forms and let Puraflow handle it all for you — book your free survey today.

Common Myths About Heat Pump Installation—Busted

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:

Do heat pumps work in cold UK winters? 

• Yes. Modern air source heat pumps operate efficiently even in freezing temperatures, down to -15°C or lower
  

Do I need underfloor heating? 

• Not necessarily. While underfloor heating is ideal, many homes use upgraded radiators effectively with heat pumps.
  

Will I need a hot water cylinder? 

• Yes. Air to water heat pumps require a hot water cylinder to store heated water for your home.
  

Are heat pumps noisy? 

• No. Outdoor units typically emit 40–60 decibels, comparable to a quiet conversation or light rainfall.
  

Do they only work in new builds? 

• No. With proper insulation and system design, heat pumps can be installed in older homes as well.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before Installing

Do air source heat pumps use a lot of electricity?

They use electricity efficiently, often providing 3–4 times more heat energy than the electrical energy consumed. 

How long do they last?

Typically, 15–20 years with regular maintenance.

Do they need servicing?

Yes. Annual servicing ensures optimal performance and longevity. 

Can they cool my home too?

Some models offer cooling functions, but this depends on the specific system installed.

What’s the typical installation time? 

Installation usually takes 2–4 days, depending on your home's complexity.

Conclusion

No pressure, just facts. If you're ready to make your home warmer, cleaner, and cheaper to run, we can help.

Check your eligibility and get a free survey with Puraflow Renewables today.