Ecowise Grants4Homes Ltd
    Air source heat pump installed outside a UK home

    Air Source Heat Pumps

    Replace your gas boiler with a clean, efficient air source heat pump. Up to 4× more efficient, lower running costs, and zero direct carbon emissions — keeping your home warm all year round.

    What is an air source heat pump?

    An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a renewable heating system that extracts heat from the outside air and uses it to warm your home and hot water. It works like a refrigerator in reverse — absorbing heat from the air outside (even when it's cold) and transferring it indoors.

    Unlike a gas boiler that burns fossil fuel, a heat pump runs on electricity and delivers 3–4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. This makes it one of the most efficient heating technologies available for UK homes today.

    An outdoor unit sits alongside your home (similar in size to a large air conditioning unit), while the indoor components connect to your existing central heating system — radiators, underfloor heating, or a combination of both.

    Engineer installing air source heat pump at UK home

    How does a heat pump work?

    A simple four-step cycle that turns outdoor air into indoor warmth — even in sub-zero temperatures.

    1

    Absorb

    The outdoor unit contains a fan that draws in air. Even in cold weather, there is usable heat energy in the air.

    2

    Compress

    A refrigerant absorbs the heat and is compressed, raising its temperature significantly — similar to how a fridge works, but in reverse.

    3

    Transfer

    The hot refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger, transferring its energy to your central heating system and hot water cylinder.

    4

    Circulate

    Warm water is pumped through your radiators or underfloor heating, keeping every room at your desired temperature.

    Why choose an air source heat pump?

    Clean, efficient, and built for the British climate.

    4× More Efficient

    For every 1kW of electricity used, an air source heat pump generates 3–4kW of heat — making it up to four times more efficient than a gas boiler.

    Lower Energy Bills

    By extracting free heat from the outside air, homeowners can save hundreds of pounds per year compared to traditional gas or oil heating systems.

    Zero Direct Emissions

    Heat pumps produce no carbon emissions at the point of use. When paired with renewable electricity, your home heating becomes completely carbon-free.

    Works Year-Round

    Modern air source heat pumps operate efficiently in temperatures as low as −20°C. They keep your home warm even during the coldest British winters.

    Heating & Hot Water

    A single heat pump system handles both your central heating and domestic hot water — replacing your boiler entirely with one clean energy solution.

    Long Lifespan

    Air source heat pumps typically last 20–25 years with minimal maintenance, outlasting most gas boilers by a decade or more.

    Family relaxing in warm living room heated by heat pump

    Is a heat pump right for your home?

    Air source heat pumps are suitable for most UK homes, including detached, semi-detached, terraced houses, and bungalows. They work best with good insulation and can connect to your existing radiator system — though larger radiators or underfloor heating may improve efficiency.

    • Works with existing radiators and underfloor heating
    • No planning permission needed in most cases (permitted development)
    • Ideal when combined with solar panels for maximum savings
    • Suitable for homes currently on gas, oil, LPG, or electric heating
    • Professional installation by our own qualified team

    What does a heat pump cost?

    Typical installation cost

    A full air source heat pump system for a 3-bed home typically costs between £10,000–£18,000 including installation, depending on the size and complexity.

    Your exact price

    Your free survey gives you an exact, fixed quote.

    Running costs

    Running costs depend on your home size, insulation and tariff. This is often comparable to or lower than gas, and significantly cheaper than oil or LPG.

    Maintenance

    Heat pumps require minimal maintenance — an annual service check is recommended. With no combustion involved, there's no risk of carbon monoxide and fewer parts to wear out.

    Pair with solar panels for maximum savings

    When you combine a heat pump with solar panels, you can generate the electricity needed to run your heat pump for free during daylight hours. Add battery storage and you can power your heating around the clock using clean, self-generated energy.

    Ready to switch to a heat pump?

    Get a free, no-obligation quote for air source heat pump installation. We cover Greater Manchester and Lancashire.