Heat Pump Cost UK 2026: Air Source, Ground Source, Grant
Heat pump installation costs in the UK, 2026
Air source heat pump installation costs in 2026 typically run £9,000-£14,000 before grants for a standard 3-bed semi. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of £7,500 reduces this to £1,500-£6,500 for MCS-certified installations on existing homes.
This guide covers typical 2026 UK costs by property type, plus what affects the bill and how to evaluate quotes.
Typical UK heat pump install costs (2026)
| System / property type | Typical UK 2026 price | After £7,500 BUS grant |
|---|---|---|
| Air source 5-7 kW (small flat or terrace) | £7,500–£10,000 | £0–£2,500 |
| Air source 8-10 kW (3-bed semi) | £9,000–£14,000 | £1,500–£6,500 |
| Air source 12-16 kW (large detached) | £13,000–£19,000 | £5,500–£11,500 |
| Ground source heat pump (typical) | £25,000–£45,000 | £17,500–£37,500 (BUS £7,500) |
| Hybrid (heat pump + retained boiler) | £6,500–£10,000 | BUS not eligible |
| Radiator upgrades (typical for retrofit) | +£800–£2,500 | Often required for efficient operation. |
| Underfloor heating retrofit (per floor) | +£3,000–£8,000 | Optimal heat emitter for heat pumps. |
| New hot water cylinder | +£1,800–£3,200 | Required for combi-to-system change. |
| Annual service | £120–£200 | Required to maintain manufacturer warranty. |
What changes the cost
- Heat-loss calculation (PAS 2035): a proper heat-loss survey measures every room's heat loss against design temperature (-3°C external for southern England). Anyone quoting without this is guessing — oversized heat pumps short-cycle, undersized fail in cold weather.
- Existing radiator size: heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures (45-50°C) than gas boilers (70-80°C). Most existing radiators are too small for efficient heat pump operation. Budget £800-£2,500 for radiator upgrades.
- Insulation level: a poorly insulated property needs an oversized heat pump that runs hard all winter. Properties with EPC C or better see best results. Below EPC D, insulation upgrades come first.
- Property location: outdoor unit needs a noise-compliant location (typically >3 m from neighbour's windows under permitted development). Some properties need planning consent.
- Hot water requirements: heat pumps with combi-style instant hot water are limited; most installations use a hot water cylinder. If your existing system is combi-only, add cylinder cost.
BUS grant eligibility
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 is available for MCS-certified air source and ground source heat pump installations on existing homes (not new-builds). The installer applies on your behalf and the grant is deducted from your bill.
To qualify: property must have a valid EPC, no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations, and the heat pump model must be MCS-listed. Most reputable installers handle the grant paperwork as part of the quote.
For finding a heat pump installer in Kent, see our how to choose a heat pump installer guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an air source heat pump cost in 2026?
£9,000-£14,000 fully installed for an 8-10 kW system on a typical 3-bed semi before grants. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 reduces this to £1,500-£6,500 for MCS-certified installations on existing homes.
How does the BUS grant work?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a flat £7,500 grant for air source heat pump installations on existing homes. Your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf and deducts the grant from your final bill. Property must have a valid EPC with no outstanding insulation recommendations.
Do I need to upgrade my radiators?
Usually yes. Heat pumps run efficiently at lower flow temperatures (45-50°C) than gas boilers, which often means existing radiators are too small to deliver enough heat. A proper survey will identify which radiators need upsizing. Budget £800-£2,500 for typical retrofit radiator upgrades.
Are heat pumps cheaper to run than gas boilers?
Running cost depends on electricity-vs-gas pricing and system efficiency (COP). At 2026 prices and a well-designed system (COP 3.0+), heat pumps typically cost similar or slightly less than gas to run. Poorly designed systems can cost more — the design quality matters more than the brand.