Air Source Heat Pumps

An air source heat pump works by extracting naturally occurring heat energy from the outside air and transferring it into your home’s heating and hot water system.

Much like a traditional gas or oil boiler, it uses heated water to provide central heating and domestic hot water. However, unlike a conventional boiler, a heat pump doesn’t generate all of its heat directly from burning fuel. Instead, it uses electricity to transfer existing energy from the outside air into your home.

This makes heat pumps an exceptionally efficient and low-carbon alternative to traditional heating systems.

Under suitable operating conditions, an air source heat pump can deliver more than 4kWh of useful heat for every 1kWh of electricity consumed.

Many modern heat pumps also offer cooling capabilities when connected to a suitably designed system.

With intelligent weather compensation technology, a heat pump can automatically adjust its heating output and water temperatures based on outdoor conditions, helping maximise efficiency throughout the year.

The most important factor when installing an air source heat pump is ensuring that the entire heating system has been properly designed, installed and commissioned.

Unlike traditional boilers, heat pumps perform best when correctly matched to the property’s heating requirements.

This includes consideration of the heat loss of the building, radiator or underfloor heating requirements, pipework, system flow rates and appropriate heating controls.

At LC Installations, we carry out detailed heat loss assessments and system design to ensure that each installation is tailored to the individual property.

A common misconception is that heat pumps are only suitable for new-build or highly insulated properties.

In reality, air source heat pumps can be suitable for a wide range of buildings, including older properties, rural homes, traditional houses and modern developments.

At LC Installations, we have successfully installed heat pumps in many different property types.

The key is ensuring the system is designed correctly and that the homeowner understands how the technology operates.

Although some properties may require improvements to radiators, insulation or existing pipework, these can be assessed as part of our initial survey.

We take a practical, honest approach and will always advise whether a heat pump is a suitable and cost-effective solution for your home.

One of the most common questions we receive is whether an air source heat pump will be cheaper to run than an existing gas or oil boiler.

The answer depends on several factors, including the property’s heat loss, system efficiency, electricity tariff, existing fuel costs and heating requirements.

Heat pumps can be extremely efficient, but running costs vary between individual properties.

Before undertaking an installation, we can provide an estimated annual running cost comparison based on your property and existing heating system.

This allows you to make an informed decision with a realistic understanding of the potential costs and benefits.

• Exceptional efficiency: Heat pumps can provide several units of heat energy for every unit of electricity consumed.
• Renewable heating: Utilises energy naturally present in the outside air.
• Intelligent temperature control: Automatically adjusts heating output and water temperatures to suit weather conditions.
• Ideal for off-grid properties: A particularly attractive alternative for homes currently heated using oil or LPG.
• Compatible with solar and battery storage: Can complement existing renewable electricity systems.
• Perfect for new builds and renovations: Suitable for properties designed or upgraded with energy efficiency in mind.
• Heating and cooling capabilities: Selected systems can provide year-round climate control.
• Reduced reliance on fossil fuels: Offers a practical route towards lower-carbon home heating.

A typical air source heat pump installation takes approximately 3–5 working days, usually completed by a two-person installation team.

Installation times may vary depending on the size and complexity of the property, existing heating arrangements and any additional system upgrades required.

We aim to minimise disruption wherever possible and keep our customers informed throughout the installation process.

Although both systems use hot water to heat your home, an air source heat pump offers a more technologically advanced approach to central heating.

Rather than repeatedly heating water to high temperatures and cycling on and off, a correctly designed heat pump generally operates for longer periods at lower water temperatures, adjusting its output according to the heating demand and outdoor conditions.

This can provide consistent indoor comfort while maximising system efficiency.

The cost of installing an air source heat pump varies depending on the age, size and layout of the property, the existing heating system and any modifications required.

As a guide, many of our typical domestic heat pump installations cost between £11,000 and £15,000 before government funding.

With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, eligible homeowners can currently receive grants of £7,500 or up to £9,000, depending on their property and existing heating arrangements.

This could bring the cost of a typical installation down considerably.

Every home is different, which is why we offer a free initial heat loss survey and quotation, allowing us to provide a tailored installation proposal.

Grants & Funding