Air source heat pump installation: everything you need to know
If you've seen the news recently, you'll know that sustainability and energy efficiency are two hot topics. And in those conversations, you might have heard discussions around air source heat pumps (ASHPs). After all, heat pump installations are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their high energy efficiency and sustainability credentials.
But what's the process of installing heat pumps? How much space does an air source heat pump need? What are the costs involved? How long does installation take? We'll answer these questions and more in this guide.
Or, if you're already sure that it's the right choice for you, why not go ahead and get a heat pump with Hive?
What is a heat pump?
First up, let's look at what a heat pump actually does. It works by transferring heat instead of generating it—this is why they're so energy-efficient. An air source heat pump will extract heat from outdoor air (even in cold weather) using a refrigerant that absorbs and compresses heat to warm indoor spaces. In summer, a heat pump can cool your home too, by reversing the process and transferring heat outside.
As you'd expect, heat pumps are highly efficient. Unlike traditional heating systems such as gas, they don't burn any fuel. Instead, they only produce offsite emissions via the electricity they use.
And, while a heat pump might not provide that instant blast of heat that a gas boiler can, it's an extremely efficient way to keep your whole house consistently warm throughout the year—even in cold weather.
You can find out more about how heat pumps perform against gas boilers in our dedicated guide.
What to consider before installing a heat pump
There are several things you need to think about before you get started on an ASHP installation. Let's look at the key areas:
Space
This is perhaps the most important consideration. You'll need adequate outdoor space for the heat pump itself, and you might also need space inside your home for a hot water reserve tank.
Insulation
Good home insulation is critical as heat pumps work best in well-insulated buildings. Ideally your home will have full wall and roof insulation throughout.
Radiators
To get the very best performance from your heat pump, you'll need to have larger radiators than you would with a gas boiler. It's worth noting that heat pump systems work exceptionally well with underfloor heating, which distributes heat more effectively.
We understand there are a lot of things to think about, which is why we offer a free home survey. One of our expert engineers will visit your home and take you through the whole process.
What is the installation process with a heat pump from Hive?
When it comes to installing a heat pump, it pays to get the job done properly. All Hive heat pumps are installed by our friends at British Gas – their professional fitters know exactly how to install a heat pump to the highest standard.
Here's what the process looks like, step-by-step:
Onsite inspection
The installer will carry out a detailed inspection of your home, making sure that it’s suitable for your heat pump installation.
Removal of existing heating system
The installer will take out your old heating system. It's a fiddly task, but they're specially trained for the job – and they'll also get rid of the old system for you.
New unit installation
This is where the new stuff starts to go in. Your outdoor unit will be installed in an area where there's plenty of airflow and minimal obstructions. At the same time, any indoor units will be installed.
Connection to the central heating system
Once all the units are installed, everything will be connected to your radiators or underfloor heating.
Wiring and final connections
At this stage any required wiring holes will be drilled, and your installer will connect everything up with electrical cables and refrigerant lines.
Final checks
This is where the installer will run a check on the system to make sure it's all working properly.
Although installation is generally straightforward, installation time can vary depending on the complexity of the system and the size of your home.
What are the benefits of an air source heat pump installation?
So, you now know the process of how to install an air source heat pump, but what are the benefits?
First, the big one: energy efficiency. Unlike a gas or oil boiler system, a heat pump does not burn through fuel to provide heat. And, while it does use electricity, the system is designed to be extremely efficient.
There are cost savings that you can take advantage of, too. Whether it's applying for the UK government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme to reduce initial costs or signing up to the British Gas heat pump tariff to get discounted rates – there are plenty of ways to make your heat pump pay.
Of course, it goes without saying that a heat pump system is a much greener way to heat your home than other systems. That's because heat pumps run on electricity, so they don't produce any on-site emissions. And if the heat pump is powered by renewable energy, it can operate almost carbon-free.
Finally, upgrading to an air source heat pump could increase your property value, thanks to its eco-credentials and new regulations that seek to promote heat pump use.
How much does it cost to install a heat pump?
As you'd expect, heat pump installation prices can vary quite a bit depending on the complexity and size of the installation. But to give you an idea, our friends at British Gas tell us that the average heat pump installation cost is.
That cost doesn't tell the whole story, though. To promote eco-friendly heating solutions, the UK government has introduced a Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides homeowners in England and Wales with a £7,500 grant towards the cost of a heat pump.
Want to investigate the costs involved in a bit more detail? Check out our heat pump grants and heat pump costs guides.
How to choose the right heat pump installer
Although it might seem obvious, it's important to point out that you'll need to find a qualified specialist who knows how to install an air source heat pump properly.
When you start looking for a heat pump installer near you, it's worth seeking out a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) qualified professional. MCS certification means that you'll be guaranteed a reliable fitter who knows what they're doing. (We partner with our friends at British Gas for all heat pump installations—their fitters are MCS-certified as standard.)
It's always a good idea to get multiple quotes. And we’d always recommend doing a bit of digging online for reviews before committing to an installer. A bit of research at this stage could save problems down the line.
Learn about why you should choose Hive for your heat pump installation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a heat pump installation take?
According to MCS guidance, a typical heat pump installation will take 1-3 days. Those times will, of course, vary depending on the complexity of the system, the size of the unit, and the size of the house.
Can you install a heat pump in a flat?
While it is possible to install a heat pump in a flat, it's a more complex undertaking than with a house due to issues of limited space and shared infrastructure. That said, there are compact models that are suitable for installation in a flat.
How much space does an air source heat pump need?
The main space requirement for heat pumps will be an outdoor area with clear airflow. It'll also need to be level ground, with room for unobstructed air circulation. Alongside that, you'll need some indoor space for additional equipment like a water storage tank.
You can find more information on heat pump size issues right here.
What is the maintenance involved following heat pump installation?
As with any heating system, a heat pump requires a bit of upkeep to make sure it's working at its best. That means regular servicing from a professional, cleaning the filters when required, and monitoring performance over time.
How does a heat pump installation compare to a traditional boiler installation?
As most houses are already equipped for a traditional boiler system, installing a boiler will typically be faster and less complex. That said, as the popularity of heat pumps grow, installation times might well reduce, too. And while a heat pump might be slightly more expensive initially, thanks to energy efficiency and cost-saving tariffs it can save you money over time.
Check out our boiler comparison guide to find out more.