How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost in the UK? (2026)
A heat pump extracts warmth from outside air or the ground and moves it into your home — typically 3–4× more efficient than a gas boiler. Air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) cost £8,000–£15,000 installed before grants; ground-source (GSHPs) cost considerably more. The UK's Boiler Upgrade Scheme reduces ASHP costs by up to £7,500.
Typical costs at a glance
| Type | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Air-source heat pump (ASHP) | £8,000 | £15,000 |
| ASHP after £7,500 BUS grant | £500 | £7,500 |
| Ground-source heat pump (GSHP) | £15,000 | £35,000 |
| Underfloor heating (new build) | +£3,000 | +£8,000 |
Prices are indicative 2026 UK averages. Get multiple quotes — prices vary by region, installer and property.
What affects heat pump cost?
- Heat pump capacity (kW): Sized to your home's heat loss — typically 5–12kW for a detached house. Larger systems cost more to buy and install.
- Brand and efficiency (SCOP): Premium brands (Mitsubishi, Daikin, Vaillant) have higher upfront costs but typically better Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) — meaning lower running costs.
- Installation complexity: Replacing a boiler with radiators involves hydraulic balancing and possibly a buffer tank. Combining with underfloor heating (ideal for heat pumps) adds cost but improves efficiency.
- Insulation level: Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes. An installer may recommend adding insulation before or alongside a heat pump.
- Ground loop (GSHP only): Ground-source systems need either a horizontal trench (needs a large garden) or a borehole (deeper, less land, higher cost).
Grants available
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) gives up to £7,500 off an ASHP or GSHP for homes in England and Wales. The grant is claimed by your MCS-certified installer and deducted from your quote. Low-income households may also qualify for a free heat pump via ECO4.
Running costs vs a gas boiler
Heat pumps run on electricity (roughly 25–30p/kWh in 2026) but produce 3–4 units of heat per unit of electricity consumed. A gas boiler might deliver heat at 7–8p/kWh effective cost (gas at ~6p/kWh, 90% efficiency). At current rates, a heat pump costs broadly similar to gas for heating — but on a heat pump-optimised tariff (cheap overnight electricity) or if electricity prices fall relative to gas, the economics tip further in the heat pump's favour. Running costs vary significantly by property, tariff, and system design.
Common questions
Is my home suitable for a heat pump?
Most homes can have a heat pump, but they work best in well-insulated properties. Your installer will calculate your home's 'heat loss' to size the system correctly. Older homes with solid walls and poor insulation may need upgrades first — the BUS grant can be combined with an insulation grant to address this.
Can a heat pump replace my gas boiler?
Yes. Heat pumps can replace gas, oil, LPG or electric storage heating systems. In most cases the existing radiator circuit can be used, though larger radiators and hydraulic balancing may be needed. Underfloor heating works particularly well with the lower-temperature water heat pumps produce.
How long does a heat pump last?
A well-maintained heat pump has an expected lifespan of 20–25 years — longer than a typical gas boiler (10–15 years). Annual servicing is recommended, similar to a boiler.
What is the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP)?
SCOP measures how efficiently a heat pump performs over a full year. An SCOP of 3.5 means the pump produces 3.5kWh of heat for every 1kWh of electricity consumed. Modern ASHPs typically achieve SCOP 2.5–4.0 in UK conditions. Higher SCOP = lower running costs.
Ready to get accurate quotes?
Prices vary — the best way to know what you'll pay is to compare quotes from MCS-certified local installers. Free, no commitment.