Air Source Heat Pumps

An air source heat pump can replace oil, LPG or an ageing heating system with steady, lower-temperature warmth and hot water. We assess the property first, then design an installation that suits the building, existing radiators and everyday heating needs.

Steady warmth and reliable hot water

Rooms feel more evenly heated when the system supplies steady, lower-temperature warmth instead of repeated boiler cycling. Correctly sized radiators can stay comfortable without making individual rooms uncomfortably hot.

Older homes need careful planning around insulation, pipe routes and hot water demand. We position the outdoor unit thoughtfully, protect existing finishes and explain any radiator or cylinder changes before work begins, so the finished installation feels considered rather than disruptive.

Simple controls let you set heating and hot water around the way the household uses the property. The system can then run consistently in the background, while clear instructions make everyday adjustments straightforward. We also explain servicing requirements and what to check if performance changes.

Where air source heat pumps fit best

From replacing an older heating system to planning around an unusual building, the starting point varies. We consider the existing setup, available space, hot-water demand and any preparatory work before recommending the right approach.

Replacing oil or LPG heating

If your home is off the gas grid, an air source heat pump can be considered alongside the cost and condition of the existing oil or LPG system. We compare the property, electrical supply and heating demand before recommending a change.

Planning before the boiler fails

An ageing boiler gives you a chance to plan the replacement rather than choosing equipment under pressure. We survey the heating system, identify necessary changes and provide a written quotation before work starts.

Older and unusual buildings

Solid-wall homes, barn conversions and listed properties need more than a standard heat pump design. We consider the building fabric, available routes and any restrictions, then explain what preparation is practical without promising that every property will suit a heat pump.

When space affects the design

A suitable installation needs room for external equipment, internal components and accessible pipework. We assess those constraints early and set out any changes needed, so the final design does not rely on awkward routes or unexpected alterations.

Working out the grant route

If the property meets the scheme requirements, our MCS certification allows us to make a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant application on your behalf. We explain the process during the survey and set out what the installation and paperwork involve.

Questions about air source heat pumps

Are air source heat pumps suitable for older homes?

Installation costs depend on the heat pump, cylinder, radiators, electrical work and building alterations required. We assess these before quoting, explain assumptions and discuss grant eligibility for your property.

How disruptive is air source heat pump installation?

Most installations take place in stages, with heating changes, pipework and electrical work coordinated together. We protect floors, explain each day’s work and leave affected rooms tidy after each stage.

How much does an air source heat pump cost to run?

Running costs depend on heat loss, electricity tariff, flow temperature and how you use the system. We model these for your property, then compare them with oil, LPG or gas.

What maintenance does an air source heat pump need?

Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves and check controls regularly. During servicing, we inspect the fan, filters, condensate drain and connections, test performance, and explain any remedial work needed.

How noisy is an air source heat pump?

Outdoor units produce a low, steady sound rather than boiler-like cycling. We assess placement, nearby windows and boundaries, then set operating controls to limit disturbance inside and outside the home.

From first survey to finished installation

An older rural home relied on an ageing system, and its owners wanted a lower-carbon replacement. They were unsure whether an air source heat pump would suit it, what preparation it needed and how much disruption to expect. They asked us to work through those questions before deciding.

We reviewed the property, electrical supply, hot-water needs and installation route, then explained the recommendation and its required changes. The written quotation covered preparation before work started, so the owners could compare costs. Our MCS certification allowed us to make the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application where eligible.

On installation day, our engineers coordinated the heat pump, cylinder and connections. At handover, we checked operation and supplied the commissioning records.

1983
Family-run since
10 years’ service
Many engineers with more than
3
Related disciplines handled in-house

Heat pump installations planned around real homes

Completed heat pump projects have included solid-wall homes, barn conversions and off-gas-grid properties. That range helps us spot where insulation, radiators, electrical capacity or hot-water arrangements need attention before installation begins.

Discuss your air source heat pump installation

If you’re weighing an air source heat pump for an existing home, we can discuss the property, likely preparation, installation route and next steps before you commit. Contact Alderminster Group to arrange a conversation.