Air source heat pumps
Air source heat pumps
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a modern, energy-efficient heating system that captures heat from the outside air and uses it to warm your home and provide hot water. It uses a refrigeration cycle similar to a refrigerator or air conditioner, but in reverse, extracting ambient heat even in cold weather and transferring it indoors via water circulated through radiators or underfloor heating. ASHPs are powered by electricity and can generate several times more usable heat than the electrical energy they consume.
The outdoor unit looks similar to a large air conditioning unit. Inside your home a hot water cylinder stores and distributes the heat for space heating and hot water.
How it works
Air source heat pumps absorb low-grade heat from outside air using an refrigerant. The heat pump raises this heat to a higher temperature with a compressor, then delivers it to your home’s heating system and hot water cylinder. They can work even when outdoor temperatures are low, although efficiency decreases slightly as it gets colder.
ASHPs can often be paired with low temperature heating systems such as underfloor heating or larger radiators designed for lower flow temperatures, which improves performance and comfort.
See how we’ve helped some local homes around Norfolk
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Is an ASHP right for your home?
Air source heat pumps are most effective in well-insulated homes, where heat losses are minimised and the system can operate at optimal efficiency. A professional heat pump assessment will help you understand whether your property is suitable, what size system you need, and whether upgrades (like radiator resizing or insulation improvements) are recommended.
Main benefits of an air source heat pump
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Energy efficiency & lower bills
ASHPs are highly efficient, typically producing 2–4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used. This means they can cost significantly less to run than conventional electric heaters or older fossil fuel boilers, especially when replacing inefficient systems.
Reduced carbon emissions
ASHPs provide a much lower carbon alternative to gas or oil boilers because they use renewable heat from the air and electricity, which can be sourced from low-carbon or renewable generation. This helps reduce the environmental impact of home heating.
Government grants & incentives
In the UK, homeowners may be eligible for government grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering financial support towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump. This can make the upfront costs much more affordable.
Year-round comfort
Modern ASHPs can provide consistent heating throughout the year and, in some cases, can also reverse their cycle to provide cooling in warmer months, meaning you may not need a separate air conditioning system.
Long lifespan & low maintenance
ASHPs typically last around 20 years or more with basic maintenance. They have fewer moving parts than combustion boilers, and routine checks and occasional professional servicing help maintain performance.
Versatility
Air source heat pumps can be installed in many types of homes, from new builds to retrofit projects in older homes, provided the property is sufficiently insulated and suitable radiators or underfloor systems are in place.
Why choose an air source heat pump – what you need to know
- Lower energy bills and efficient heating compared with older systems or electric heaters.
- Reduced carbon footprint, supporting environmental goals.
- Government support that can significantly reduce installation costs.
- A future-proof heating solution, aligning with UK targets to reduce heating emissions and phase out fossil fuel boilers.
What to expect during installation
Installation involves placing the external unit outside your property and integrating it with your home’s central heating and hot water systems. The process can take a few days, and it may include upgrades to radiators or pipework to ensure efficient heat distribution. A certified installer should assess the site first and guide you through planning and installation.
Running & maintenance
ASHPs operate continuously rather than in short bursts like traditional boilers, so consider checking or updating your electricity tariff for better value. Occasional cleaning of external units, annual professional servicing, and keeping the area around the unit clear of obstructions will help maintain performance.
Air source heat pump FAQs
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Who can apply
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Our partners
This project is supported by a group of local authorities and delivery partners, with funding from recognised public-sector programmes. Each partner plays a role in ensuring the service is accessible, reliable, and focused on the needs of local homeowners and renters.
