Air Source Heat Pump Installation Guide: Process, Costs & Requirements
- Ash Sethi
- Dec 21, 2025
- 5 min read
Quick Summary
This guide explains the complete air source heat pump installation process in UK homes, covering step-by-step installation, requirements, cost breakdowns, and grants. Learn how to prepare your home, select a certified installer, and maximize energy efficiency while reducing bills.
Introduction
Installing an air source heat pump (ASHP) is a smart way to lower energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and improve home comfort. In this air source heat pump installation guide, we cover the process, installation requirements, costs, and grants available for UK homeowners. Whether you’re in Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, or elsewhere in the Midlands, this guide ensures you make informed decisions and achieve long-term energy savings.
The Complete Air Source Heat Pump Installation Process
A professional installation is critical for efficiency and longevity. The air source heat pump installation process follows a structured, MCS-certified pathway to ensure optimal performance and grant eligibility.
Step 1: Initial Survey & Heat Loss Assessment
A certified installer visits your home. They calculate heat loss, assess insulation, and check radiator compatibility. This determines the correct heat pump size and system design for your specific property, a mandatory step for schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
Step 2: Home Preparation & Upgrades
Your home must meet certain standards. This often involves upgrading loft or wall insulation and ensuring your electrical system can handle the new load. Completing these steps before installation is key to maximizing efficiency and securing grants.
Step 3: Installation Day: Indoor & Outdoor Units
The outdoor unit is positioned for clear airflow, respecting noise and planning rules. The indoor unit (like a cylinder) is installed, followed by professional plumbing and electrical connections. This phase typically takes 2-3 days for a standard Midlands home.
Step 4: Commissioning & System Balancing
The system is activated and fine-tuned. The installer balances flow temperatures across your radiators or underfloor heating and configures your thermostat. This ensures quiet, efficient operation and even heat distribution throughout your home.
Step 5: Handover & Homeowner Guidance
You’ll receive a full demonstration of the controls and a maintenance schedule. The installer registers the system with the relevant grant scheme and provides all necessary warranties and MCS certificates.
Air Source Heat Pump Installation Requirements for UK Homes
Meeting specific requirements is non-negotiable for a successful installation and funding. Here’s what your Midlands home needs.
MCS-Certified Installer: You must use a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited installer. This is a strict requirement for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4 funding, and it guarantees industry standards.
Property Insulation & EPC Rating: Adequate loft (270mm) and cavity wall insulation is essential. An EPC rating of D or better is often required for grants, though improvements can be part of the project.
Outdoor Space & Planning: The outdoor unit needs 1m clearance from boundaries, with consideration for noise. Most installations are permitted development, but check local rules in Leicester, Derby, and Nottingham.
Radiator Compatibility: Your existing radiators may need upgrading to larger, low-temperature models for optimal efficiency. Underfloor heating is ideal but not mandatory.
Understanding Air Source Heat Pump Installation Costs & Grants
The air source heat pump installation cost is a key consideration, but grants significantly reduce the upfront investment. Here’s a transparent breakdown for UK homeowners.
Cost Component | Typical Price Range | Notes |
Heat Pump Unit | £6,000 – £12,000 | Varies by brand, capacity, and efficiency. |
Labour & Installation Fees | £3,000 – £6,000 | Includes plumbing, electrical, and commissioning. |
Additional Upgrades | £1,000 – £4,000 | Radiators, insulation, or underfloor heating. |
Total (Before Grants) | £10,000 – £18,000 | |
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant | -£7,500 | Deducted from your quote by the installer. |
Estimated Final Cost | £2,500 – £10,500 | Post-grant investment. |
Key Grant: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) now offers £7,500 off the cost of an air source heat pump in England and Wales. Your MCS Certified installer applies for this directly, reducing your upfront payment. ECO4 funding may also be available for eligible households in the Midlands.
Customer Success Stories
Case Study 1: Nottingham Family Home
A Victorian semi-detached home in Nottingham replaced an old gas boiler with a Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump. Post-installation, their annual heating bills dropped by an estimated 40%. The £7,500 BUS grant made the upgrade financially viable, and they now enjoy consistent, controllable heating with a lower carbon footprint.
Case Study 2: Derby New Build
A self-builder in Derby integrated a Samsung heat pump with underfloor heating throughout. The design-first approach maximized efficiency from day one. The system achieved an SAP rating of 92, future-proofing the property against rising energy costs and regulatory changes, proving the value of early planning.
Ready to start your air source heat pump installation journey?
Ready to install your air source heat pump? Book a Free survey with our MCS-certified installers in Nottingham, Derby, or Leicester. Get expert guidance on costs, requirements, and installation process today!
Book Online or call +44 115 677 7675 for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: What is the first step in the air source heat pump installation process?
The first step is a home survey by an MCS-certified installer. They conduct a heat loss calculation, assess your insulation, and review your heating system to design a correctly sized, efficient heat pump solution tailored to your property.
Q: How much does it really cost to install an air source heat pump in 2026?
After the increased Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500, the typical final cost to a homeowner in the Midlands is between £2,500 and £10,500. This depends on your home's specific requirements, such as needed radiator upgrades or insulation improvements.
Q: Can I get a heat pump if I live in an older home in Leicester?
Yes. Older homes in Leicester and across the Midlands are suitable but often require insulation upgrades first. An MCS Certified installer will survey your property to confirm feasibility and outline any necessary preparatory work to ensure efficiency and grant eligibility.
Q: Do I need to change all my radiators for a heat pump?
Not necessarily all, but many will likely need upgrading. Heat pumps work most efficiently at lower flow temperatures, which often requires larger radiators to emit enough heat. Your installer will advise on which ones need replacing during the survey.
Q: How long does the installation take from start to finish?
For a standard 3-4 bedroom home, the physical installation typically takes 3-5 days. The entire process from initial enquiry to a fully commissioned system usually spans 4-8 weeks, allowing time for survey, grant processing, and scheduling.
Q: Are heat pumps effective during cold Midlands winters?
Absolutely. Modern air source heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in UK climates, including sub-zero temperatures. Proper sizing and installation are critical to ensure they provide reliable and cost-effective heating all year round.
Q: What are the key requirements for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?
You must own your home, have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding insulation recommendations (like loft or cavity wall), and use an MCS-certified installer. The installer handles the grant application.
About the Air Source Company
Air Source Company is an MCS-certified installation company serving Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and the wider East Midlands. We are committed to delivering high-efficiency air source heat pump installations, backed by expert advice, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service, helping the Midlands transition to sustainable heating.
About the Author
Ash Sethi is the founder and lead expert at Air Source Company, bringing over 15 years of specialized experience in renewable heating systems to every project. As both an MCS Certified installer and a seasoned air source heat pump specialist, Ash has personally overseen the successful installation of hundreds of systems across the Midlands.
His hands-on expertise spans the entire installation lifecycle from initial heat loss calculations and system design to final commissioning and homeowner education. This deep technical knowledge, combined with a commitment to honest, transparent advice, ensures that every client receives a bespoke, high-efficiency heating solution tailored to their home and needs.