Home/Renewable Energy/Guides/Air Source Heat Pump Cost UK 2026 — Install & BUS Grant Guide

Install an air source heat pump.

ASHP installed under the BUS scheme — £7,500 grant plus install cost from £8,500.

Where is the job?
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
50,000Quotes sent
Keep going

Hire a renewables installer. MCS or no grant.

You've read the brief on air Source Heat Pump Cost UK 2026 — Install & BUS Grant. Now lean on us to find the right renewable energy — and stay in control of the job.

Instant
01 · Ask

Ask the AI a follow-up

Got more questions about air Source Heat Pump Cost UK 2026 — Install & BUS Grant? Describe the bit you're unsure about — the AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the renewable energy.

Free
02 · Read the brief

Walk in informed

Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any renewable energy starts on air Source Heat Pump Cost UK 2026 — Install & BUS Grant.

60 seconds
03 · Compare

Compare 3 renewable energy quotes

Itemised quotes from up to 3 local renewable energys on air Source Heat Pump Cost UK 2026 — Install & BUS Grant — so you can compare like-for-like, not lump sums.

Ready when you are

Enter your postcode and get free quotes from local pros.

Get renewable energy quotes
Top tips

Hiring a renewable energy, without the regret.

Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.

Undersized installer

Cheap quotes skip heat loss calc. Underperforms.

Radiator surprise

60-70% of installs need radiator upgrades.

Grant claw-back

If installer not MCS-certified at install time.

Outdoor unit noise

Permitted Development limits noise. Position matters.

Costs & timeline

Know what it costs. Know when it ends.

Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.

Cost range

By job type

Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Small home ASHP (5-7kW)1-2 bed
£10k–£14k
Medium home ASHP (8-12kW)3-4 bed
£12k–£18k
Large home ASHP (14-16kW)5+ bed
£14k–£22k
Radiator upgradesLarger surfaces
£500–£3k
Net cost after grantMost common
£3k–£10.5k
!

Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.

At a glance

The Renewable Energy briefing.

Infographic · Video
Infographic

Renewable Energy quick-view

Air Source Heat Pump Cost UK 2026 — Install & BUS Grant Guide infographic
Video guide

Renewable Energy explained

Air source heat pumps deliver UK home heating with 3-4x efficiency vs gas boilers. Average cost: £4,500–£10,500 after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant. 60,000+ MCS installs UK 2025 (+34% YoY). Only 5,471 certified contractors — book early.

What Does the Work Involve?

MCS-certified installer surveys property. Heat loss calculation (MCS 3005). ASHP outdoor unit sized 5-16kW. New hot water cylinder. Radiator upgrades for low flow temp. Underfloor heating optional. Wiring centre and controls. Commissioning. MCS certificate + EPC re-assessment.

Typical Costs

ItemLow (£)High (£)Notes
Small home ASHP (5-7kW)10,00014,0001-2 bed
Medium home ASHP (8-12kW)12,00018,0003-4 bed
Large home ASHP (14-16kW)14,00022,0005+ bed
BUS grant (mains gas)-7,500-7,500Standard
BUS grant (oil/LPG Jul 2026-Mar 2027)-9,000-9,000Temporary uplift
Radiator upgrades5003,000Larger surfaces
Net cost after grant3,00010,500Most common

How Long Does It Take?

Install: 2-5 days. Survey to commissioning: 6-12 weeks.

UK Regulations

MCS 3005 sizing standard. PAS 2030/2035 installer. BUS grant via Ofgem. Permitted Development for outdoor unit (size limits). MCS certificate for EPC.

Common Problems

  • Undersized installer: Cheap quotes skip heat loss calc. Underperforms.
  • Radiator surprise: 60-70% of installs need radiator upgrades.
  • Grant claw-back: If installer not MCS-certified at install time.
  • Outdoor unit noise: Permitted Development limits noise. Position matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Average cost after BUS grant?

Most UK installs net £3,000-£8,000 after £7,500 grant. Oil/LPG conversions Jul 2026-Mar 2027 get £9,000 grant.

Will I need radiator upgrades?

60-70% of installs do. ASHPs work better at 35-45°C flow temp vs 70°C gas. Larger radiators needed.

Running cost vs gas?

Slightly higher per kWh but 3-4x efficient. Annual £800-£1,800 ASHP vs £900-£2,200 gas. Pays back over decade.

Outdoor unit noise?

Modern ASHPs 40-50dB. Permitted Development limits position 1m from boundary. Quieter than fridge.

Best UK brands?

Daikin, Mitsubishi Ecodan, Vaillant aroTHERM, Samsung, NIBE. MCS-approved range.

How long ASHP lasts?

15-20 years quality. Annual service recommended. Compressor warranty 7-10 years typical.

This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.

NEWAI Trade Assistant

Got more questions
about renewable energy?

Ask follow-ups in plain English. The AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the renewable energy — so you walk in informed.

I'm planning a job. Should I be looking for a renewable energy?
Sounds like a job for renewable energy. Tell me what you're trying to do — I'll walk you through costs, timeline and what to ask before they start.
FREE QUOTES60 SECONDS