Air-to-air heat pumps

Growing in popularity across the UK, air-to-air heat pumps are an effective heating and cooling solution for residential and commercial properties.

Heatpumps.co.uk helps you by connecting you with up to four heat pump installers working in your local area.

How does an air-to-air heat pump work?

An air-to-air heat pump works by transferring heat between the indoor and outdoor air using a refrigerant cycle.

When heating, it extracts naturally occurring heat from outdoor air, compresses it to increase temperature, and releases it indoors through a unit inside your home.

The heat pump can also be used for cooling in summer by reversing the process, removing heat from indoor air and releasing it outside.

This creates an efficient heat exchange that allows for both heating and cooling of indoor spaces using electricity, making it an energy-efficient system.

How much does an air-to-air heat pump cost?

Air-to-air heat pumps typically cost between £4,000 and £9,500 in the UK, depending on the system you choose and the number of indoor units you require.

This covers both the heat pump hardware and the installation work carried out by a contractor.

The UK government has announced a £2,500 grant for air-to-air heat pump installations under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) for eligible homeowners in England and Wales, though this is not yet available. Once live, the grant will be applied by your installer and deducted directly from your installation costs.

Is an air-to-air heat pump right for me?

Installing an air-to-air heat pump can benefit homeowners and businesses by lowering their energy bills, reducing their carbon footprint, and enjoying a comfortable indoor climate year round.

Whilst air-to-air heat pumps work with most property types, their efficiency is greater in open-plan areas. Air-to-air heat pumps don't transfer the heat they produce into radiators or underfloor heating. For this, you would need an air-to-water heat pump.

Factors such as building size, existing heating systems, and budget should all be taken into account when deciding whether to invest in an air-to-air heat pump.

Advantages of air-to-air heat pumps

•  Save money on your heating bills, particularly if you are switching from oil, LPG, or electric storage heating.
•  Simple installation process compared to other types of heat pump.
•  Heating and cooling means the heat pump can be used throughout the year to heat your home in winter, and cool it in summer.
•  Longevity as air-to-air heat pumps have a long lifespan of up to 20 years with proper servicing.
•  Future-proof your home as the UK government continues its long-term shift away from fossil fuel heating.
•  Be environmentally friendly by investing in a heat pump, you are lowering your carbon footprint through renewable energy.