Complete Heat Pumps Guide

Everything you need to know about heat pumps, compiled from official government sources and industry publications. Compare types, understand costs, and find available grants.

Up to £7,500 in grants available

Government funding available through multiple schemes to reduce heat pump installation costs.

Learn about heat pumps →
Renewable Heating
Grant scheme overview

Check your heat pump grant eligibility

Instantly analyse your property's suitability for heat pump installation and available grants.

up to £7,500
Grant available

Key eligibility factors:

  • Replacing gas/oil/LPG boiler
  • Property suitable for heat pump
  • England or Wales

Check your property against the live MHCLG EPC register to see your current band and every grant you qualify for — free, in under a minute.

Check your property

Information notice

This guide compiles information from official government publications, industry bodies, and public sources. We are not heat pump specialists or energy efficiency professionals. Always consult MCS-certified installers for technical advice specific to your property.

What are Heat Pumps?

According to the Energy Saving Trust, heat pumps are renewable energy systems that extract heat from the air, ground, or water outside your home and use it to provide heating and hot water.

Heat pumps work by using electricity to move heat from a cool space to a warm space, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. This process is much more efficient than generating heat directly.

300-400%
Efficiency rating

Key benefits of heat pumps

3–4×

Highly efficient

According to manufacturers, heat pumps can be 300–400% efficient.

CO₂

Lower emissions

Significantly lower carbon footprint than fossil fuel systems.

£7,500

Government grants

Available through various government schemes.

Types of Heat Pumps

Air source

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)

According to the Heat Pump Association, ASHPs extract heat from the outside air and are suitable for most UK properties.

Typical characteristics

  • Lower installation cost (£8,000–£15,000 typical)
  • Suitable for most property types
  • Requires outdoor unit placement
  • Efficiency decreases in very cold weather
ASHP
Air Source Heat Pump

Ground source

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)

According to industry sources, GSHPs use heat from the ground through buried pipes and offer higher efficiency than air source systems.

Typical characteristics

  • Higher efficiency (COP 4–5 typical)
  • Consistent performance year-round
  • Higher installation cost (£15,000–£25,000 typical)
  • Requires suitable garden space
GSHP
Ground Source Heat Pump

Heat Pump Costs & Grants

Typical installation costs (before grants)

Costs vary significantly based on property size, system type, and installation complexity. These figures are compiled from industry surveys and installer websites.

Air source

Air source heat pump

£8,000–£15,000

Including installation and VAT. Lower end for smaller properties.

Ground source

Ground source heat pump

£15,000–£25,000

Higher cost due to ground works and pipe installation.

Add-ons

Additional costs

£2,000–£5,000

Upgrades to radiators, insulation, or distribution system.

Available government grants

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

£7,500

For heat pumps in England and Wales

  • · No income restrictions
  • · MCS installer applies for you
  • · Deducted from installation cost

ECO4 Scheme

Up to £15,000

For eligible households across GB

  • · Income or benefit requirements
  • · Can cover full installation cost
  • · Available in Scotland too

Many households qualify for both schemes, potentially covering most or all installation costs.

Get heat pump quotes & grant applications

Connect with MCS-certified installers who can assess your property and apply for grants on your behalf.

We'll connect you with up to 3 MCS-certified installers. No obligation quotes and grant applications.

Heat Pump Installation Process

1

Property assessment

MCS installer surveys your property and recommends suitable system type and size.

2

Grant applications

Installer applies for available grants (BUS, ECO4) before installation begins.

3

Installation

Professional installation typically takes 2–3 days for air source, longer for ground source.

4

Commissioning

System testing, handover training, and warranty registration completion.

Installer partner

OVO Solar & Heating

OVO Solar & Heating installs heat pumps as part of their full-service offering. As a recognised UK energy brand, they handle the £7,500 BUS grant application alongside survey, install, and commissioning. The 10-year workmanship warranty is five times the industry standard.

  • £7,500 BUS grant application handled
  • 10-year workmanship warranty (5× industry standard)
  • Recognised UK energy brand
Get a heat pump quote from OVO →

Via solar-and-heating.ovo.com

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