Many homeowners ask whether an ASHP is suitable for them and their homes and the associated costs. In addition, they ask about air-to-air heat pumps as an alternative to ASHPs.

"Would you recommend having an air source heat pump?"

"Is an air source heat pump the way to go for us?"

"Is the air source heat pump definitely going to save you enough money over your current system?"

"Air source heat pump yay or nay?"

In a survey of heat pump owners, 73% reported being as satisfied or more satisfied with their heat pump compared to their previous heating system. The survey findings reported that owners found that heat pumps are reliable, quiet heat sources that are effective for space heating and producing hot water. With the UK government considering plans to phase out new gas boilers by 2035 and with grants available to support the transition to greener domestic energy, now is the ideal time to prepare for the future by installing a heat pump. For anyone interested in seeing an air source heat pump in action and talking to a homeowner who has one, Nesta’s Visit a Heat Pump service enables people to do just that.  

Beyond environmental benefits, switching to a heat pump can also bring financial advantages. Switching from oil, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), or direct electric heating to a heat pump can lower a home’s energy use and heating bills. While switching from a gas boiler may keep bills similar under standard tariffs, using time of use electricity tariffs can make heat pumps cheaper to run, while increases in renewable energy capacity are likely to reduce running costs over time. Time of use tariffs charge different prices of electricity depending on the time of day. Typically, electricity is more expensive during “peak” hours, when demand is highest, and cheaper during “off peak” hours, when demand is lowest.

"How about air-to-air heat pumps, ie, split air conditioners?"

"Why not air-to-air heat pumps?"

"Although they don't qualify for the government grant, have you given any thought to air-to-air heat pumps?"

Air-to-air heat pumps, often called air conditioners, extract heat from the air in one location and move it to another. We typically know them for their work they do to cool us in summer, taking heat from inside air and moving it outside making rooms feel colder. But many systems are reversible. This means that in winter they can collect energy from the outside air and move it inside our homes to provide heating. There's enough energy in the air to keep our homes warm even when it feels cold outside. Most air-to-air heat pumps don't currently offer hot water heating, though there are newer models coming onto the market that do.

While air-to-air heat pumps are not eligible for government grants, they remain a practical low-carbon option, with typical installation costs ranging from £2,400 in a one bedroom flat to £8,800 in a four bedroom house. These costs are heavily dependent on the number of rooms that need to be heated, as costs are based on the number of heat pump units installed.  For example, a four bedroom semi detached house may require five air-to-air heat pumps.