Heat pump installation in Surrey

An air source heat pump takes heat from the outside air and uses it to warm your home and hot water, running on electricity rather than gas or oil. It's the type of heat pump most Surrey homes install, since it needs only an outdoor unit and no groundworks, and it's eligible for a £7,500 government grant through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This page is a starting point: what it involves, what it costs, and how to get quotes from local specialists.

What is an air source heat pump and how does it work?

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air, even when it's cold, and uses it to heat your radiators or underfloor heating and your hot water, typically producing several units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses. That's what makes it cheaper to run than direct electric heating, and often comparable to or cheaper than gas once the government grant has reduced the upfront cost.

If you're deciding between sticking with gas and switching, our boiler vs heat pump page walks through the practical differences. If you want the honest downsides first, see air source heat pump disadvantages.

How hot do radiators get with an air source heat pump?

Radiators on an air source heat pump typically run warm rather than hot, roughly 35 to 55°C, compared with 70 to 80°C from a gas boiler. That's by design: a heat pump runs most efficiently at lower temperatures, which is also why some homes need larger radiators to release the same amount of heat into the room.

A proper heat loss calculation, done by your heat pump installer, will say whether your existing radiators are large enough or need upgrading room by room.

Does an air source heat pump cool as well as heat?

Some air source heat pumps can run in reverse to provide cooling, similar to air conditioning, though not every model or installation includes this. If cooling matters to you, mention it when you're getting quotes, since it affects which system is right for your home.

How much does it cost, and what about the grant?

An air source heat pump typically costs £10,000 or more installed before any grant. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is deducted from your installer's quote upfront, usually bringing the amount you pay down to somewhere between £2,500 and £6,500, depending on your home. See our air source heat pump cost page for the full breakdown, and our heat pump grants page for who qualifies.

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Questions people ask

Why does my air source heat pump keep running?

Running for long stretches at a steady, lower output is normal for a heat pump, unlike a gas boiler's short, hot bursts. It's only worth investigating if the home isn't reaching a comfortable temperature despite this, which usually points to sizing or settings rather than a fault.

Why is my electric bill so high with an air source heat pump?

This usually comes down to the flow temperature being set higher than it needs to be, the system being undersized for the home, or the home's insulation not holding the heat produced. See our cost page for more on what drives running costs.

Does an air source heat pump need a hot water cylinder?

Most installations need one, since air source heat pumps generally don't work with a combi-style instant hot water setup the way a gas boiler can. If your home doesn't already have a cylinder, your installer will usually include fitting one in the quote.

How do you service an air source heat pump?

An annual service, carried out by a qualified engineer, typically checks the refrigerant levels, the outdoor unit's airflow, filters, and the system's settings. It's worth asking any installer what servicing they offer, or whether they can recommend someone, as part of getting your installation quote.

Can I install any of it myself?

Some of the preparatory work, like clearing space for the outdoor unit, is fine to do yourself, but the refrigerant and electrical connection legally need a suitably accredited professional. See our heat pump installation DIY page for exactly where that line sits.