Heat Pump Cost Calculator

Heat Pump Cost Breakdown 2026

Installation Costs

The cost of installing a heat pump in the UK varies significantly based on the type, your property size, and existing heating system:

• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP): £8,000 - £18,000 installed
  • Small property (2-3 bedrooms): £8,000 - £12,000
  • Medium property (3-4 bedrooms): £12,000 - £15,000
  • Large property (4+ bedrooms): £15,000 - £18,000
• Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP): £20,000 - £35,000 installed
  • Higher upfront cost due to ground loop installation
  • More efficient and lower running costs than ASHP
  • Requires sufficient land for ground loops

The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant

The UK government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a £7,500 grant towards installing an air source or ground source heat pump. This grant:

• Is available in England and Wales until 2028
• Applies directly at installation (you don't pay upfront and claim back)
• Can only be used with MCS-certified installers
• Requires an EPC rating of D or above (in most cases)

After the grant, air source heat pumps can cost as little as £500-£10,500, making them extremely competitive with new boiler installations.

Running Costs

Heat pumps are 300-400% efficient, meaning they produce 3-4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. Typical annual running costs:

• Small property: £500 - £800/year
• Medium property: £800 - £1,200/year
• Large property: £1,200 - £1,500/year

These costs assume electricity at 24-28p/kWh and can be reduced further with:

• Good home insulation
• Smart heating controls
• Off-peak electricity tariffs
• Solar panels to generate your own electricity

Payback Period

With the £7,500 grant, most heat pumps pay for themselves in 7-12 years through lower running costs compared to gas boilers. Factors affecting payback:

• Current heating system efficiency
• Gas vs electricity price differential
• Home insulation quality
• Your heating usage patterns

Frequently Asked Questions

Do heat pumps work in cold weather?

Yes! Modern heat pumps work efficiently even in sub-zero temperatures. Air source heat pumps can extract heat from air down to -20°C, and they're widely used in Scandinavian countries with much colder winters than the UK.

Can I get a heat pump if I have radiators?

Yes. Many homes can keep existing radiators, though you may need to upgrade some to larger models or add additional ones. Heat pumps work best with larger radiators or underfloor heating as they run at lower temperatures than gas boilers (45-55°C vs 60-80°C).

How long does installation take?

Air source heat pump installation typically takes 2-4 days. Ground source heat pumps take longer (1-2 weeks) due to the ground loop installation. Your installer will provide a detailed timeline.

Do I need planning permission?

Most heat pump installations are permitted development and don't need planning permission. However, you may need permission if you live in a listed building, conservation area, or have specific property restrictions.