Typically, the cost of a new air source heat pump in Newcastle and the North East ranges between £3,000 and £15,000.
In this article, you’ll find out the purchase price, installation fees, and ongoing running costs associated with air source heat pumps to help you budget effectively.
What Is the Average Cost of Purchasing an Air Source Heat Pump?
The average cost of purchasing an air source heat pump can vary significantly, typically ranging from £3,000 to £15,000. This broad range is influenced by several factors, including the size of the heat pump and any additional work required in your home.
More expensive brands often provide better performance and come with additional features, thus justifying their higher source heat pump cost.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between £5,000 and £9,000 for a mid-range air source heat pump. While the upfront cost might seem high, long-term savings and efficiency benefits can make these systems a worthwhile investment.
The average price of investing in a more efficient and higher-quality system can lead to greater savings on energy bills over time, making it a worthwhile consideration.
If you want to compare the brands and prices, check out our full range of air source heat pumps to find the right fit for your home and budget.
Installation Costs for Air Source Heat Pumps
Installation costs for air source heat pumps can be just as variable as the purchase costs. On average, homeowners can typically expect to pay between £4,000 and £6,000 for the installation of an air source heat pump.
However, the final cost can fluctuate based on the specific requirements of your home, such as the need for updated radiators or other modifications. The complexity and size of your heating system also play a significant role in determining the installation cost.
It’s important to consider these installation costs alongside the purchase price to get a complete picture of the initial cost required, including the costs involved.
The following subsections will break down the specific components of installation costs, including labour and additional equipment expenses.
Labour Costs
Labour costs are a significant portion of the total installation expense for air source heat pumps, typically ranging from £1,500 to £3,000. These costs cover the expertise and time required to install the system correctly, ensuring it operates efficiently and effectively.
Given the technical nature of heat pump installations, hiring skilled professionals helps avoid potential issues down the line.
Because labour expenses make up a significant portion of the overall cost, obtaining multiple quotes from different installers is a smart way to ensure competitive pricing. This not only helps you stay within budget but also increases your chances of securing high-quality service.
To get started, request a free air source heat pump installation quote from Future Heat and see how we compare.
Additional Equipment Costs
In addition to labour, homeowners should also budget for potential equipment upgrades when installing an air source heat pump. These additional costs can range from £2,000 to £5,000, depending on the extent of the upgrades required.
Common upgrades include the installation of underfloor heating or the replacement of radiators, which can enhance the efficiency of the heat pump system.
Pairing air source heat pumps with underfloor heating is a popular way to power your home’s heating energy.
Factoring in these additional costs allows for thorough planning and budgeting. Extensive upgrades can significantly impact the overall expenses, but they also contribute to better system performance and energy efficiency.
Proper planning ensures that there are no unexpected financial surprises during the installation process, including energy costs.
Running Costs of Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pump running costs can vary from £800 to £1,600 annually, depending on factors such as home insulation and the efficiency of the heat pump.
While operating an air source heat pump can be more expensive than using gas boilers, unlike gas boilers, the potential savings of over 50% on running costs make them a compelling option for home heating. Better-insulated homes can lower energy bills and heating bills, thereby reducing the running costs even further.
Specialist tariffs from energy companies can also contribute to reducing operational expenses. Additionally, a new gas boiler can be considered for those looking to upgrade their heating system.
Maximising savings requires proper installation of the heat pump and good home insulation. Poor insulation leads to rapid heat loss, causing the heat pump to work harder and increasing running costs. Therefore, investing in good insulation can enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the system.
Air Source Heat Pump Servicing Costs
The annual cost of servicing an air source heat pump typically ranges between £150 and £300.
This servicing typically includes checking the outdoor unit for blockages, cleaning or replacing filters, and inspecting the drip tray for water accumulation.
Scheduling a professional service annually helps maintain the system’s efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
With proper maintenance, an air source heat pump can last between 15 and 20 years. This longevity, combined with the relatively low maintenance costs, makes air source heat pumps a financially sound investment in the long run.
Regular upkeep not only ensures optimal performance but also prevents costly repairs and replacements.
What Factors Influence Air Source Heat Pump Costs
Several factors influence the overall costs of air source heat pumps, including property size, insulation quality, and system efficiency. Larger properties and better insulation can significantly impact both the initial and running costs of the system.
The following subsections delve into these factors in more detail, providing an expansive understanding of how each aspect may vary depending on the overall expenses.
Property Size
Property size is a key factor in determining the cost of an air source heat pump. Larger properties in Newcastle and the North East typically require more powerful and expensive heat pumps due to increased heating requirements.
Installers assess the heat load based on the square footage, insulation, and heating demands of the property to determine the appropriate system size.
For example, replacing ten radiators can cost around £3,000 when installing an air source heat pump, highlighting how property size directly influences the overall expenditure.
By understanding how property size impacts costs, homeowners can better plan and budget for the installation of an air source heat pump.
In addition to this, the size of the air source heat pump you need can also greatly affect the price, as bigger heat pumps will be more expensive.
Insulation Quality
Insulation quality significantly affects the cost and efficiency of air source heat pumps. Better insulation reduces the size of the required heat pump, thereby lowering both initial and running costs. Well-insulated homes maximise the efficiency of the heat pump by retaining more heat, leading to smaller and cheaper systems.
Upgrading insulation, such as installing underfloor heating or cavity wall insulation and floor insulation, can significantly enhance the efficiency of an air source heat pump. These improvements not only reduce energy consumption but also contribute to long-term cost savings, making the investment in insulation worthwhile.
System Efficiency
System efficiency, measured by the Coefficient of Performance (COP), is a vital metric for evaluating air source heat pumps. Heat pumps with higher COP ratings lead to lower energy consumption and cost savings over time.
These systems can operate at efficiencies between 300% and 400%, producing several times more heat than the energy they consume.
Higher COP ratings contribute to greater overall energy-efficient savings and reduced operating costs. By investing in a more efficient system, homeowners can enjoy lower energy bills and a lower carbon footprint, making air source heat pumps an attractive and sustainable option.
Air Source Heat Pump Grants and Financial Assistance
Financial assistance, such as government grants and heat pump grants, can significantly offset the costs of installing air source heat pumps. The maximum available grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is £7,500, which can help make the initial investment more affordable.
These grants are available for properties that do not already have low-carbon heating systems and meet specific income criteria.
After applying the government grant, the average net cost of an air source heat pump can range between £500 and £10,500, making it a more viable option for many homeowners.
To qualify for these grants, installations must be carried out by MCS-certified installers, ensuring quality and compliance.
Long-Term Savings with Air Source Heat Pumps
Although the initial installation costs of air source heat pumps can be high, the long-term savings on energy bills and the environmental benefits make them a worthwhile investment. Homeowners can save up to £290 annually by switching to air source heat pumps instead of gas boilers.
These systems also have a longer lifespan, typically 15-20 years, which reduces replacement costs.
Air source heat pumps operate at efficiencies greater than 300%, leading to greater cost savings and better performance over time. Despite a break-even point of about 17 years, the reduced energy bills and lower carbon emissions make them an eco-friendly and economical choice.
Rising fuel prices compared to electricity can further enhance the cost-effectiveness of air source heat pumps, especially when a heat pump is compared to traditional heating methods.
The environmental benefits are also significant, with air source heat pumps reducing the home’s carbon footprint compared to an A-rated gas boiler by up to 2900 kg. Approximately 75% of the heat generated by air source heat pumps comes from renewable sources, contributing to a sustainable future.
Is an Air Source Heat Pump Right for Your Home?
Determining if an air source heat pump is suitable for your home involves considering several factors, including noise levels, space availability, and climate conditions.
These systems require sufficient outside air and outdoor space for installation, and noise levels can vary between models, impacting their suitability for certain homes.
If you were to get a noisy air source heat pump, there are a couple of ways you can fix this, including better insulation or soundproofing walls.
The performance of an air source heat pump can decline in extremely cold climates, necessitating good insulation and possibly a backup heating source. Consulting heating professionals provides tailored recommendations based on your home’s circumstances, ensuring an informed decision.
Finding a Certified Installer
Finding a certified installer like Future Heat ensures the quality and compliance of your air source heat pump installation. Checking associations like the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) can help you find reputable heat pump installers and the heat pump association.
These certifications ensure that the installers meet high standards of quality and safety.
Using certified installers also qualifies you for government grants, further reducing the installation costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The cost to install an air source heat pump generally ranges from £4,000 to £6,000, influenced by home modifications and the complexity of the existing heating system.
The running costs of an air source heat pump typically range from £800 to £1,600 per year, influenced by factors like home insulation and system efficiency.
Yes, government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can provide up to £7,500 to assist with the installation costs of air source heat pumps.
Exploring these funding options can significantly reduce your expenses.
To find a certified installer for your air source heat pump, check organisations such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).
You can get air source heat pumps fitted by a certified installer from Future Heat for properties in Newcastle and the North East.
Our Verdict
Understanding the costs associated with air source heat pumps is essential for making an informed decision. While the initial purchase and installation costs can be high, the long-term savings on energy bills and the environmental benefits make them an attractive option.
Weighing out the pros and cons of air source heat pumps will give you a far better idea of how advantageous they can be to any property.
Financial assistance and grants can significantly offset the initial investment, making air source heat pumps more accessible.
In conclusion, air source heat pumps offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating systems. By investing in these systems, homeowners can enjoy lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a longer lifespan for their heating system.
Consider consulting with certified installers to assess the suitability of an air source heat pump for your home and take advantage of available grants and incentives.
Myles Robinson is a seasoned expert in the boiler and home improvement industry, with over a decade of experience. He is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, actively promoting energy-efficient heating solutions to help households reduce their carbon footprint. By combining industry expertise with a dedication to environmental responsibility, Myles continues to lead efforts in transforming home heating practices towards a more sustainable future.
