Heat pumps are an excellent choice for heating homes due to their efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. However, still people wonder, how much does a heat pump cost? Well, determining the exact cost of a heat pump is not straightforward and depends on factors such as the type of heating system, the size of the heat pump, and the installation area. In the UK, air source heat pumps have an estimated price range of £8,000 to £18,000, while ground source heating systems can cost between £14,500 and £45,000. Despite the initial investment, heat pumps offer significant savings compared to traditional heating systems like gas boilers.
The installation process for heat pumps is complex, and selecting the right type of heating system can be challenging. This article aims to provide you with detailed information about how much does a heat pump cost, including the cost of heat pumps, the most suitable type for your home, and the associated installation expenses. Let’s explore each of these aspects in detail.
So, How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost?
The number of heat pump installations in the UK is increasing every day as more people recognize its low running cost and energy-efficient heating capabilities. However, determining the exact price of a heat pump can be challenging due to the various types available and installation costs. On average, an air source heating system will cost between £8,000 and £18,000, while a ground source heating system ranges from £14,500 to £45,000. Ground source heating systems require more time, skill, and excavation, resulting in higher costs compared to air source heating systems.
| Type of Heating System | Cost | Household Size |
| Ground-Source Heat Pump | £14,500-45,000 | 2-3 bedrooms |
| Air-Source Heat Pump | £8,000-18,000 | 2-3 bedrooms |
Heat Pumps vs Gas Boilers
Let’s begin the comparison with a few assumptions. Let’s assume that there is a 200m2 house in the UK with a heating demand of 125 kWh/m2/year, resulting in a total annual heating requirement of 25,000 kWh for the house.
Additionally, if the house also requires hot water, we can assume that it is occupied by four people. On average, each person would need approximately 3.48 kWh per day to meet their hot water needs, which is roughly equivalent to 60 liters of hot water per person.
Now let’s compare the prices of gas boilers and heat pumps.
Gas Boiler
Cost for space heating: £2,650 per year
Water heating: £540 per year
Heat Pump
Electricity cost for space heating: £2,000 per year
Water heating: £300 per year
Even a new gas boiler with 95% efficiency would still cost around £2,550 per year for space heating, and approximately £540 per year for water heating at 95% efficiency.
On the other hand, for a heat pump, considering the space heating requirement of 25,000 kWh per year, it would cost only £835 per year for space heating, which is three times less than the cost of a gas boiler. For water heating at a temperature of 50°C, the annual cost would be just £300. If you wish to heat the water to 60°C, there would be an additional cost of £130 per year.
Heat Pump Performance and Running Costs in the UK
An experiment to test the heat pump performance was done in 2008-09, where nearly 100 heat pumps of both types, air source and ground source heating system, were monitored. And after one year observation they came into a conclusion that if heat pumps are well-manufactured, designed and installed them properly, they can efficiently operate in the UK. And their cost can affect depending on the type and on some other factors.
Some Key Factors That Can Affect the Running Cost of Heat Pumps
Coefficient of Performance
The COP (Coefficient of Performance) is a measure of a heat pump’s efficiency, calculated by dividing the amount of heat output by the amount of energy input. A COP value of 4 for a ground source heat pump and a value of 3 for an air source heat pump indicate that they are potentially 4 times more efficient, with an efficiency of 82%, compared to traditional heating systems like gas boilers.
Heat Requirement
Every household has unique heat requirements, and the cost of heat pumps strongly depends on the amount of heat needed and the desired temperature. The greater the heat requirement, the higher the cost will be.
Insulation
The insulation of windows, doors, and walls is a major factor that prevents heat from escaping your room. The insulation requirements for the space will also impact the overall cost of heat pumps in the UK.
Although the initial cost of heat pump installation in the UK is high, many people quickly start experiencing a visible decrease in their energy bills.
Air Source Heat Pump Cost in the UK
Buying and installing an air source heat pump in the UK can cost £8,000 to £18,000. This price does not include any government grants available for heat pump installations. If you successfully obtain a grant for installing heat pumps, the cost will decrease.
Like other heat pumps, air source heat pumps require maintenance, which can cost £140 to £150 per year.
Ground Source Heat Pump Cost in the UK
The price of a ground source heat pump can vary depending on the installation location. If you are constructing a new building, the cost of ground source heat pump will be lower since there is no need for ground excavation and system installation. However, if your home is already furnished, you will have to bear the additional expenses of excavation and subsequent renovation. On average, a cost of ground source heat pump will be between £14,500 to £45,000, depending on energy requirements and the size of the system.
Why is a Ground Source Heat Pump System More Expensive?
There are several reasons why the ground source heating system is more expensive than air source heating systems. However, ground source heating systems are more efficient and provide year-round comfort, even in cold climates. Here are some reasons why they have a higher cost:
Installation Cost
Ground source heat pumps require more complex installation than air source heat pumps. This is because the heat exchangers is buried in the ground, which is a costly and time-consuming process.
Equipment Cost
They are more expensive than air source heat pumps because they require more specialized equipment. The heat exchangers, pumps, and controls for a GSHP are more complex than those for an air source heat pump.
Space Requirement
Ground source heat pumps require more space than air source heat pumps. This is because the heat exchangers must be buried in the ground, which takes up a significant amount of space.
Conclusion
Despite the initial cost of installing a heat pump being quite expensive, they remain a reliable and cost-effective solution for space heating and water heating in the UK. Many people often ask the question, “How much does a heat pump cost in the UK?” The answer isn’t too complicated but not straightforward either, as the price can vary depending on factors such as the type of system (air source or ground source), location, size, and the quality of equipment brands. On average, a heat pump in the UK can cost £800 to £18,000 for an air source heating system, while a ground source heating system can range from £14,500 to £45,000.
