Costs
How much does a heat pump cost in the UK in 2026?
Last updated 2026-08-18
The short answer
A typical air source heat pump installation in the UK costs between £8,000 and £14,000 including the unit, hot water cylinder, and labour. With the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, the net cost to you can be as low as £500–£6,500.
Ground source heat pumps cost more — typically £15,000–£35,000 — but the grant is also £7,500, and they're more efficient, so running costs are lower over the long term.
Full cost breakdown
| Component | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Air source heat pump unit | £3,000–£6,000 |
| Hot water cylinder | £800–£1,500 |
| Installation & labour | £2,500–£5,000 |
| Radiator upgrades (if needed) | £0–£2,000 |
| Total before grant | £8,000–£14,000 |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant | −£7,500 |
| Net cost to you | £500–£6,500 |
What affects the cost?
- Property size — a 4-bed detached house needs a bigger heat pump and possibly bigger radiators than a 2-bed terrace. Bigger systems cost more.
- Existing radiators — heat pumps run at lower temperatures than gas boilers, so you may need larger radiators or underfloor heating for the same warmth.
- Hot water cylinder — if you're replacing a combi boiler, you'll need a hot water cylinder since heat pumps can't provide instant hot water. This adds £800–£1,500.
- Location of the outdoor unit — if the pump needs mounting far from your house or requires complex pipework, installation costs go up.
- Insulation — well-insulated homes need smaller, cheaper heat pumps. Poorly insulated homes may need a bigger system or insulation upgrades first.
The £7,500 grant: what you need to know
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government grant that pays £7,500 directly off the cost of an air source or ground source heat pump. It's not a loan — you don't pay it back. The grant is applied by your installer, so you only pay the net amount.
To qualify, you need to:
- Own a property in England or Wales
- Be replacing a fossil-fuel heating system (gas, oil, or LPG) or standard electric heating
- Use an MCS-certified installer (that's who we match you with)
Read our full Boiler Upgrade Scheme guide →
Ground source heat pump costs
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are more expensive to install because they require digging trenches or drilling boreholes:
- Trench system (shallow, 1.5–2m deep): £15,000–£25,000
- Borehole system (drilled 50–100m deep): £20,000–£35,000
The grant is still £7,500, and GSHPs are significantly more efficient (COP of 4.0–5.0 vs 2.5–4.0 for ASHPs), so running costs are lower. They're best suited to larger properties with land available.
How to get the best price
The single most effective way to get a good price is to compare quotes from multiple installers. Prices can vary by 30–40% between installers for the same property, so getting 3 quotes is essential.
Our free service does this for you — answer a few questions about your property and we'll match you with up to 3 MCS-certified installers in your area. They each provide a free, no-obligation quote, and you pick the best one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an air source heat pump cost in the UK?
A typical air source heat pump costs £8,000–£14,000 installed. With the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, the net cost is £500–£6,500.
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant still £7,500?
Yes, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is £7,500 for air source and ground source heat pumps as of 2026.
How long does a heat pump take to pay for itself?
Depending on your current fuel type and heat pump efficiency, a heat pump typically pays for itself in 7–15 years through lower running costs and the grant.
Ready to get quotes? Check your Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility and get up to 3 free quotes from MCS-certified installers — takes under 2 minutes.
Check what you could get in under 2 minutes
Answer a few quick questions and we'll tell you which UK grants you're likely to qualify for — then get free quotes from vetted installers in your area.