As the UK pushes towards its net-zero targets, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional gas boilers. But for homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners, one critical question remains: how much electricity does an air source heat pump use?
In this guide, we’ll explore the energy consumption of heat pumps, factors that influence usage, and how to estimate running costs for your property.
Whether you’re considering a switch to low-carbon heating, aiming to improve EPC ratings, or simply want to cut energy bills, understanding air source heat pump electricity usage is essential.
Read on to discover how these systems work, how much power they typically consume, and how they stack up against other heating options in the UK.
What Is an Air Source Heat Pump and How Does It Work?
Air source heat pumps are a type of renewable heating system that extracts heat from the outside air, even at low temperatures, and uses it to warm your home and provide hot water.
They’re an essential part of the UK’s strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions from domestic and commercial buildings.
What is the basic principle behind ASHPs?
An air source heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air and uses electricity to compress it to a higher temperature, providing space heating and hot water.
How does electricity factor into this process?
The electricity powers the compressor and circulation pumps. The system is highly efficient because it transfers heat rather than generating it directly, often delivering 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity used.
Real-World Example
If an ASHP uses 1kWh of electricity, it could produce up to 3.5kWh of usable heat. This gives it a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.5.
How Much Electricity Does an Air Source Heat Pump Use in the UK?
The typical air source heat pump for a standard UK home uses between 3,000 and 7,000 kWh of electricity annually. Usage depends on property size, insulation levels, desired indoor temperature, and how efficiently the system is installed and maintained.
Understanding the typical electricity usage of an air source heat pump can help you budget for running costs and decide whether this low-carbon technology is a good fit for your home or building.
Thinking about upgrading to an air source heat pump? Let Future Heat make it easy. We’re MCS certified and proudly serve Newcastle and surrounding areas across the North East, providing professional, compliant, and efficient installations tailored to your home or business.
Whether you’re looking to cut energy costs, lower your carbon footprint, or take advantage of government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, it all starts with an accurate, transparent quote.
Request your free air source heat pump installation quote today and take the first step toward a warmer, greener future with Future Heat.
What are the factors influencing usage?
Property Size and Type
- Small flats may use 2,000–3,000 kWh annually.
- Detached homes can require 5,000–8,000 kWh or more.
Insulation and EPC Rating
Homes with higher EPC ratings (A-C) need less energy to heat. Improving insulation and double glazing can significantly reduce electricity usage.
Outside Temperature and Climate Zone
Colder areas of the UK (e.g. Scotland or the North East) may require more electricity for the same heat output due to lower ambient air temperatures.
Usage Patterns
Heating preferences, hot water demand, and occupancy hours all impact total energy use.
How Does ASHP Electricity Usage Compare to Other Heating Systems?
When evaluating heating options, it’s important to compare not just upfront installation costs, but also ongoing energy usage, efficiency, and carbon output. Here’s how air source heat pumps measure up against traditional systems like gas boilers.
How do heat pumps stack up against gas boilers?
| Heating System | Annual Energy Usage | Carbon Emissions (approx.) | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Boiler | 12,000–15,000 kWh (gas) | 2.5–3 tonnes CO₂/year | ~90% |
| Air Source Heat Pump | 4,000–7,000 kWh (electricity) | 0.8–1.5 tonnes CO₂/year | 300–400% (COP 3–4) |
How do electricity costs affect running costs?
Even though electricity is more expensive per kWh than gas, ASHPs are so efficient that they often still offer competitive running costs.
Example Calculation
- Electricity cost: £0.28/kWh
- Annual use: 5,000 kWh
- Total cost: £1,400 per year
Compare this to a gas boiler:
- Gas cost: £0.07/kWh
- Use: 15,000 kWh
- Total cost: £1,050 per year
However, with grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and improved home insulation, ASHPs can be more cost-effective long-term.
How Can Homeowners and Landlords Reduce ASHP Electricity Use?
You can reduce the electricity your ASHP uses by monitoring it with thermostats and making sure you have the right heat pump for your house.
While air source heat pumps are highly efficient by design, optimising their performance is key to minimising electricity consumption. There are several more proven strategies to reduce your energy use and maximise the benefits of your system.
What optimisation strategies can help?
Proper Sizing and Design
Oversized or undersized units lead to inefficiency. A qualified MCS-certified installer can assess your property for optimal performance and make sure you get the right size air source heat pump.
Smart Thermostats & Zoning
Controlling different zones of the house can reduce unnecessary heating and electricity consumption.
Maintenance and Servicing
Regularly clean filters, check refrigerant levels, and schedule annual servicing to maintain efficiency.
Use of Thermal Stores
These can store hot water for later use, smoothing electricity demand and enhancing comfort.
Are There Government Incentives to Offset Electricity Costs?
To help with the transition to low-carbon heating, the UK government offers various incentives that can reduce the upfront cost of installation and improve the return on investment. These programmes are especially beneficial for homeowners, landlords, and businesses looking to cut energy expenses.
What schemes are available?
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): Offers £7,500 grants for ASHP installation.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Earn money for surplus electricity if paired with solar panels.
- ECO4 Scheme: Helps low-income households improve energy efficiency.
What about VAT?
Since April 2022, the government has cut VAT on heat pumps to 0% for five years, reducing installation costs.
What Should Commercial Properties Consider?
For commercial buildings, air source heat pumps can offer significant energy savings and support corporate sustainability initiatives. However, property owners and facilities managers should consider specific factors related to system size, building usage, and long-term ROI.
Are ASHPs viable for commercial buildings?
Yes, especially for small-to-medium-sized offices, retail units, and public buildings.
Benefits for businesses
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Compliance with ESG and sustainability goals
- Lower heating bills long-term
ROI and Payback Periods
Although upfront costs are higher, long-term savings, coupled with incentives, often result in ROI within 7–10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Air source heat pumps are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional gas boilers. For every unit of electricity consumed, an ASHP can produce 3 to 4 units of heat, whereas a gas boiler typically operates at around 90% efficiency. This means that while ASHPs use electricity, they can be more cost-effective in the long run due to their high efficiency.
Air source heat pumps typically last between 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance. Regular servicing and care can help ensure that the system operates at maximum efficiency throughout its lifespan. As a result, while the initial investment is higher, the long-term durability and reduced energy costs can provide significant returns.
Yes, in addition to providing space heating, air source heat pumps can also be used to heat water for your home or business. Many ASHPs come with a hot water cylinder, allowing them to provide both heating and hot water from a single system, making them a highly efficient solution for all-round heating needs.
An air source heat pump requires some external space to function properly. Typically, the unit should be installed outside, with enough clearance for air circulation and maintenance. A small area of about 1.5m² to 2m² is typically sufficient for the unit, though the size of the pump may vary depending on the property size and heating requirements.
Yes, combining an air source heat pump with solar panels can increase energy efficiency and reduce running costs. Solar panels can help power the ASHP, especially during the day when sunlight is abundant, reducing your electricity bills. This combination creates a sustainable, low-carbon heating solution for both residential and commercial properties.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right heating system is a major decision that affects comfort, energy bills, and environmental impact. Air source heat pumps offer an efficient, low-carbon solution for UK homes and commercial properties alike, especially when paired with energy-efficient upgrades and government support schemes.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to future-proof your property, a landlord improving EPC ratings, or a business aiming to cut operational costs, ASHPs represent a forward-thinking investment.
Want personalised advice on installation or savings? Reach out to our team for a tailored quote and explore how heat pumps could benefit your building.
Air source heat pumps use between 3,000 and 7,000 kWh of electricity per year for most UK homes, depending on size, insulation, and usage. While electricity rates are higher than gas, the exceptional efficiency of heat pumps makes them a compelling choice for sustainable heating.
For homeowners, the long-term savings, reduced carbon footprint, and access to grants make ASHPs a smart upgrade. Landlords can boost EPC ratings and meet legal obligations, while commercial properties can hit sustainability targets and control energy costs.
To find out whether an ASHP is right for your property, contact our expert team for a free consultation or quote.
Or, why not explore our selection of air source heat pumps to discover the model that’s just right for your home and your budget?
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.
