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09 Nov 2020

How much does it cost to install an air source heat pump?

Oliver
By Oliver
  • Read time: 3 minutes
Your home may be perfectly insulated, but you might still be looking for a way to save more energy. In that case, you should consider switching to air source heat pumps.

This would especially be a good choice if your home does not have a mains gas. Also, you can go for the air source heat pumps if you need to replace the central electric heating.

So, how much does it cost to install an air source heat pump? This article might answer that question for you. You will get to know what air source heat pumps are, how they work, and the air source heat pump's running cost.

What is an air source heat pump?

Air source heat pumps (ASHP) get heat from the air outside and use it to heat your home and provide you with hot water. They are highly reliable as they can extract heat, even if the temperature drops to under -15 degrees Celsius.

Homeowners with larger garden spaces can consider installing a ground source heat pump. You will need electricity to run the air source heat pump, and since they rely on air on the outside of your home, they have a higher heat output compared to electricity input.

How ASHPs work

Air source heat pump installation cost

Before we get to the nitty-gritty of the installation cost, let's take a look at the factors to consider before installing an ASHP.

The pumps come in different designs, and you should pick one based on the size of your home. When selecting the designs, you should also check whether or not your home is perfectly insulated. The air source heat pump installation will also be affected by the size of the pump you want to utilise in your home. In addition, you want to think about the ideal room temperature for your home and the performance and efficiency of the pump you choose. Note that you will get a renewable heat incentive if you choose to install an air source heat pump.

If you have been doing your homework, you must have already realised that the installation cost varies over a vast range. Therefore, the only proper way to know the cost of installing the system is by inviting an installer to survey your home beforehand.

The amount you will end up paying for the installation depends on the company you choose to work with. You should note that the overall cost of the installation will not be affected by the survey process. Before hiring an installer, you should make sure that you have a central heating system in place that the ASHAP can use.

If you initially had electrical storage heaters, you might have to install different radiators and pipework. However, if your home has an older central heating system, you should consider upgrading to larger radiators.

Cost approximation

Note that ground source heat pumps are a different type of technology, and they rival the air source heat pumps. Also, they require a little more effort to install. In the UK, you will need between £7,000 and £15,000 to have the ASHP installed. Remember that the cost of the installation will also differ depending on your region and the type of system you are installing.

To get an air source heat pump RHI grant, you need to pick a system that is highly efficient. If you do not pick the best system, you might even find it hard to get your money back from the installation. You need to be careful how you utilise the heat generated from the system as it also determines whether you will get your money back.

The other thing that might affect the payback period is the type of heating fuel you are using. As long as you know what needs to be factored in, you can easily predict your annual savings on the air source heating pump. For instance, if you live in a four-bedroom house:

  • You will save between £350 and £560 each year when replacing an oil heating system.

  • You will be able to save around £1,900 each year when replacing an LPG fired heating system.

  • You will be saving between £700 and £1,300 when replacing electric night storage heating system.

Daikin heat pump outdoors

What are the prices of heat pumps?

If you are installing an air-air-system in a single room, you will need around £500, but for a house heat pump, you will need around £7,000 - £15,000, and this includes the installation cost. The price will depend on things such as the rating of the heat pump and the size of your home. Note that expensive heating pumps will always have higher energy ratings.

The installation process

Just like typical air conditioners, the heat pump will be installed outside your house and is then connected to your furnace, electric baseboard system, or air handler. Air-to-air is the most common type of air source heat pump and works by drawing cold or hot air across the refrigerant lines to absorb and release heat.

During summer, when the temperature is high, warm air will be pumped out of your home, and the process is reversed during winter. If you install an air source heating pump and maintain it well, it will last for 20 to 25 years.

Air source heat pump installation is an activity that you should consider doing since it is highly efficient. The system will rely on a very small amount of energy to reverse the natural flow of air to regulate your home's temperature. This implies that three kilowatts of heat will require around one kilowatt of electricity, which implies that you will not be spending a lot of money on power.

The bottom line

Now that you know the cost of installing an air source heat pump and how it works, you can go ahead and install one in your home. Make sure to choose the right system to install in your home. Hire an experienced installer to help you with the process, and if everything is done right, you will turn your home into a comfortable place for you and your loved ones.

Oliver

Written by Oliver

Oliver is a Content Specialist for 50five UK