If you’re considering switching to an air source heat pump, you might be wondering what the installation process involves. How long will it take? Will it be messy? Will your heating be off for days?
We’ve put together a quick guide to help you understand what happens before, during, and after installation, and how to prepare.
How does an air source heat pump installation work?
The installation process is usually broken down into a few clear steps. These can vary slightly depending on your property, but here’s the typical flow:
- Initial assessment
Before anything gets installed, we carry out a detailed survey of your home. This includes checking insulation levels, measuring your rooms, looking at existing pipework, and calculating how much heat your home needs. This helps us size the system properly and avoid issues later. - System design and planning
Once we know the requirements, we design a system that fits your home. This includes choosing the right heat pump model, placing the outdoor unit, and mapping out internal parts like the hot water cylinder, buffer tank, and any radiator or underfloor heating upgrades needed. - Installation (usually 2 to 5 days)
The actual install usually takes between two and five days, depending on how much work is involved. The outdoor unit is fitted first, followed by internal components and pipework. We then connect everything to your heating and hot water system. - Commissioning and handover
Once everything is in place, we test the system thoroughly, set up the controls, and show you how everything works. We also register your installation for any warranty and regulatory requirements.
You can read more about the systems we offer on our Air Source Heat Pump Services page.
How long does it take to install an air source heat pump?
Most installations take between two and five days. If your home needs extra work, like new radiators or pipe upgrades, it may take a bit longer.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- 1 day for installing the outdoor unit
- 1 to 2 days for the internal components and pipework
- 1 day for system testing and setup
If you’re replacing a boiler, your heating might be off for part of the install. We’ll always give you advance notice and try to keep disruption to a minimum.
Will there be much disruption during installation?
There will be some disruption, but nothing too major. Most of our customers compare it to getting a new boiler installed,so it’s manageable with a bit of planning.
Here’s what to expect:
- We’ll need access to both inside and outside your property
- There may be some drilling for pipework and mounting the outdoor unit
- We’ll isolate your heating and hot water for part of the install
- There might be some mess, but we’ll clean up at the end of each day
We do our best to work around your schedule, and if you need heating at night during colder months, we’ll aim to get temporary systems in place or schedule work so you’re not left without it for long.
Also read: How Quiet Are Modern Air Source Heat Pumps?
What do installers need access to?
To carry out the installation smoothly, we’ll need access to:
- The area outside where the heat pump unit will go (usually a wall or concrete pad)
- The fuse board or consumer unit for electrical connections
- Your existing boiler or cylinder, if it’s being removed or replaced
- Any loft or underfloor spaces where pipework runs
- Rooms where radiators might be upgraded
If you’re not sure where these are or how much clearance you need, we’ll talk it through with you during the survey so you can move anything in advance if needed.
Do you need planning permission for an air source heat pump?
In most cases, no, you won’t need planning permission. Air source heat pumps are usually allowed under permitted development rules in the UK, as long as they meet certain size and placement conditions.
We’ll check this during the site survey and let you know if there’s anything unusual that needs attention. If your home is listed or in a conservation area, extra rules may apply.
Will I need new radiators?
Possibly — but not always. Air source heat pumps work best with low flow temperatures, which means they heat your home more gently over time. To get the most out of them, your radiators need to be large enough to work well at these lower temperatures.
During your survey, we’ll assess your current radiators and tell you whether they need replacing or upgrading. In some homes, we recommend larger radiators or even underfloor heating in key rooms. We’ll always explain why, and what your options are.
Can I stay in the house while it’s being installed?
Yes, in nearly all cases you can stay home. We work room by room and try to keep disruption to a minimum. You might have to go without hot water or heating for a short time, but we’ll plan around your schedule and try to keep things running where possible.
We’ll also keep you updated at every stage, so you’re not left wondering what’s happening or when you’ll have heat and hot water back.
What happens after the installation?
Once the system is installed and tested, we’ll run through everything with you, including how to use the controller, how to adjust settings, and how to monitor your energy use. We’ll also leave you with any warranty documents and register your system for any available schemes or rebates.
If you have questions later, or something doesn’t feel right, we’re always happy to come back and help. We believe installation is only part of the service, support matters just as much.
Do air source heat pumps work in winter?
Yes, modern air source heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even in cold UK winters. They extract heat from the air outside and can operate in temperatures well below freezing. The key is having a well-designed system that matches your home’s needs.
This is why the initial survey is so important, as we calculate the right size of system for your property to make sure it performs well all year round.
Also read: Do Air Source Heat Pumps Use a Lot of Electricity?
What’s the cost of installation?
The cost of installing an air source heat pump depends on a few factors:
- Size of the property
- Whether you need new radiators or pipework
- Type of heat pump system
- Complexity of the install
On average, a full install for a typical UK home ranges from £7,000 to £13,000, but this can vary. The good news is, with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you may be eligible for up to a £7,500 grant towards the cost.
We’re happy to walk you through what’s available and help with the paperwork too.
Thinking of making the switch?
An air source heat pump can be a great investment, especially if you want to reduce your energy bills and rely less on fossil fuels. But it’s a big decision, and it helps to know what to expect.
At Clima-Tech, we make the process as smooth as possible, from the first site visit to the final handover. We’re MCS certified, fully qualified, and trusted by homeowners across the region.
To get started, get in touch for a free, no-pressure quote. We’re always happy to answer questions and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your home.