How much does a heat pump cost in the UK?
A heat pump in the UK typically costs around £11,000 for an air source heat pump and around £29,000 for a ground source heat pump, with some ground source systems costing much more if boreholes are needed. In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can reduce the upfront cost by £7,500 for eligible air source and ground source heat pumps.
For many homeowners, the most useful starting point is:
- air source heat pump: around £11,000–£15,000
- ground source heat pump: around £29,000+
- after the BUS grant: potentially £7,500 less off the installation cost in England and Wales.
Typical heat pump cost in the UK
- Air source heat pump: around £11,000
- Air source heat pump typical installed range: around £12,000–£15,000
- Ground source heat pump: around £29,000
- Ground source with borehole drilling: can rise to around £57,000
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant: £7,500 for eligible air source and ground source heat pumps in England and Wales.
Cost breakdown
A heat pump budget may include some or all of the following:
- the heat pump unit itself
- installation labour
- hot water cylinder upgrades
- radiator upgrades
- pipework changes
- controls
- commissioning and setup
- groundwork or drilling for some ground source systems.
In practice:
- air source systems are usually much cheaper than ground source
- ground source systems cost more because installation can involve trenches or boreholes
- retrofit homes can cost more if the heating system needs adapting.
What affects the price?
Several things can push the cost up or down:
- Type of heat pump — air source is usually cheaper than ground source.
- Property size — larger homes may need larger systems or more emitter upgrades.
- How well insulated the home is — poorly insulated homes may need more work to perform well with a heat pump.
- Whether radiators and pipework need upgrading — retrofit jobs often cost more if existing heating infrastructure needs adapting.
- Whether the home is a new build or an older retrofit — new builds are often easier and cheaper to integrate.
- Whether groundworks or boreholes are needed — this can make ground source systems far more expensive.
What’s usually included?
A standard heat pump quote may include:
- supply of the heat pump
- installation
- controls
- commissioning
- some system integration work.
It does not always include:
- major radiator upgrades
- larger insulation upgrades
- hot water cylinder replacement
- electrical upgrades
- drilling or extensive groundwork beyond the base quote
- decorative making-good afterwards. This is an inference based on the cost factors identified in the installation guides.
How much does an air source heat pump cost?
A realistic modern figure is around £11,000, with many installed systems landing around £12,000 to £15,000 before any grant support. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme can reduce that by £7,500 for eligible homes in England and Wales.
How much does a ground source heat pump cost?
A realistic starting point is around £29,000, but it can rise to around £57,000 where boreholes are needed. Ground source systems can also qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant in England and Wales.
Can you get a grant for a heat pump?
Yes. In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers:
- £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
- £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump.
Energy Saving Trust also notes grant support in Scotland, with figures of £7,500 to £9,000 mentioned for some Scottish support routes.
Is a heat pump worth it?
Often, yes, especially for well-insulated homes or when replacing older fossil-fuel heating with a lower-carbon option. The financial value depends on installation cost, grant eligibility, property suitability, and running efficiency. That conclusion is an inference based on Energy Saving Trust and Homebuilding guidance on upfront costs, efficiency, and grant support.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a heat pump cost in the UK?
A useful rule of thumb is around £11,000 for an air source heat pump and £29,000 for a ground source heat pump.
How much is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?
It is currently £7,500 for eligible air source and ground source heat pumps in England and Wales.
Can a heat pump cost less after the grant?
Yes. Eligible households can reduce the upfront installation cost by £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Why are ground source heat pumps more expensive?
Because installation can involve major groundwork or borehole drilling, which adds a lot to the total cost.
Related guides
- How much does a boiler replacement cost in the UK?
- How much does a house extension cost in the UK?
- How much does a new kitchen cost in the UK?
- How much does a bathroom renovation cost in the UK?
Final note
For a useful rule of thumb, air source heat pumps often land around £11,000–£15,000 before grants, while ground source systems are much more expensive. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant can make a big difference for eligible homes in England and Wales.