hheatpump.costs

Compare types

Which type of heat pump is right for your home?

Four flavours of heat pump are sold in the UK. They differ wildly in cost, efficiency and where they make sense — here's an honest, side-by-side comparison.

Air source (ASHP)

The default for most UK homes

Install: £8,000 – £14,000
After grant: £500 – £6,500
Running: £850 – £1,850/yr
SCOP: 4.0 – 4.8

Ground source (GSHP)

Highest efficiency, biggest investment

Install: £18,000 – £35,000
After grant: £10,500 – £27,500
Running: £1,200 – £2,200/yr
SCOP: 4.5 – 5.5

Hybrid (boiler + ASHP)

A bridge, not a full switch

Install: £6,000 – £10,000
After grant: No BUS grant
Running: £950 – £1,500/yr
SCOP: 3.5 – 4.2

Air-to-air

Heating + cooling, no hot water

Install: £3,000 – £8,000
After grant: No BUS grant
Running: Heating only — no hot water
SCOP: 4.0 – 4.5

In detail

The pros, cons and the catch for each.

Air source (ASHP)

Most UK homes with outdoor space for a unit.

Install
£8,000 – £14,000
After grant
£500 – £6,500
Running
£850 – £1,850/yr
SCOP
4.0 – 4.8

Pros

  • Lower install cost
  • Quick installation (2–5 days)
  • No groundworks needed

Watch-outs

  • Slight drop in efficiency in very cold weather
  • External unit needs clear airflow

Ground source (GSHP)

Larger rural properties with land for boreholes or trenches.

Install
£18,000 – £35,000
After grant
£10,500 – £27,500
Running
£1,200 – £2,200/yr
SCOP
4.5 – 5.5

Pros

  • Highest efficiency, especially in winter
  • 20+ year lifespan
  • Silent operation indoors

Watch-outs

  • Major groundworks
  • Long install (1–3 weeks)
  • Much higher upfront cost

Hybrid (boiler + ASHP)

Poorly insulated homes not ready for full electrification.

Install
£6,000 – £10,000
After grant
No BUS grant
Running
£950 – £1,500/yr
SCOP
3.5 – 4.2

Pros

  • Lower install cost
  • Boiler covers peak winter load
  • Easier retrofit

Watch-outs

  • Still burns gas/oil
  • Not eligible for the £7,500 grant
  • More complex controls

Air-to-air

Flats, extensions, or homes with separate hot water (immersion / solar thermal).

Install
£3,000 – £8,000
After grant
No BUS grant
Running
Heating only — no hot water
SCOP
4.0 – 4.5

Pros

  • Cheapest option
  • Doubles as air conditioning in summer
  • Simple install

Watch-outs

  • No hot water
  • Not eligible for the grant
  • Air vents in every room

Quick pick

Which one fits your home?

A rough rule of thumb — your installer's heat-loss survey is the only way to be sure.

Typical UK semi or terrace

Mains gas, reasonable insulation, a bit of outdoor space.

Likely pick

Air source (ASHP)

Best price-to-performance with the full £7,500 grant.

Rural or off-grid home

On oil or LPG, land for boreholes, planning to stay long-term.

Likely pick

Ground source (GSHP)

High upfront cost, but the lowest running cost in cold weather.

Flat, extension or garden office

No hot water needed, want cooling in summer.

Likely pick

Air-to-air

Cheapest install — no grant, but doubles as air conditioning.

FAQs

Frequently asked

Which is better, air source or ground source heat pump?
Air source heat pumps cost less to install (£8k–£14k vs £18k–£35k) and suit most UK homes. Ground source is more efficient in cold weather and lasts longer, but only makes sense if you have land for boreholes or trenches.
Are hybrid heat pumps eligible for the BUS grant?
No. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme only covers full air or ground source systems. Hybrid systems that retain a gas or oil boiler are not eligible.

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