Heat Pump Services
Air Source Heat Pump Installation
Compare local installers for full air-to-water heat pump installation across Northamptonshire. We match you with suitable installers who survey, size and fit your system and claim the grant, so you only pay the balance. Free to use, no obligation.
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No-obligation quotes
Local Installers
Northamptonshire focused
£7,500 BUS Grant
Via your installer (gov.uk)
Independent
We are not the installer
How air source heat pump installation works
An air source heat pump replaces your gas, oil or LPG boiler with a system that extracts heat from outside air, even in winter, and concentrates it to warm your radiators, underfloor heating and hot water. Because it moves heat rather than burning fuel, a well-designed system delivers three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses. The result is lower carbon heating and, in many homes, lower running costs than oil or LPG.
Getting that efficiency depends entirely on the quality of the installation. A heat pump sized by guesswork, or fitted to radiators that are too small, will struggle and cost more to run. Our process is built to avoid that.
The installation process, step by step
When you choose an installer through us, a typical air source heat pump installation follows these stages.
1. Free home survey and heat loss assessment
The installer visits your property and measures the heat loss of each room, taking account of insulation, window types, room sizes and how you use the space. This is the single most important step. It establishes exactly how much heating power your home needs on the coldest days, so the heat pump is sized correctly rather than over or under specified.
2. System design and quote
Using the survey data the installer designs a complete system: the heat pump model and output, the hot water cylinder size, any radiator upgrades, and the pipework route. You receive a clear fixed quote showing the full price, the £7,500 grant deduction and the balance you pay.
3. Grant application
The MCS-certified installer submits your Boiler Upgrade Scheme application and checks eligibility for ECO4 and council funding. The grant is deducted from your invoice, so you never pay the full amount and wait for a refund. See our grants and funding page for the full list.
4. Installation
The installer removes your old boiler, fits the outdoor unit and cylinder, makes any agreed radiator changes and connects the controls. Most installations take one to three days, protecting your home and keeping disruption to a minimum.
5. Commissioning and handover
The installer fills, pressure tests and balances the system, sets the weather compensation controls for your property, and walks you through how everything works. You receive your MCS certificate and manufacturer warranty registration on completion.
What does it cost?
Pricing depends on your property, but the ranges below are typical for Northamptonshire homes in 2026:
| Property | Before grant | After £7,500 BUS grant |
|---|---|---|
| Two bed terrace or flat | £8,000 to £10,000 | £500 to £2,500 |
| Three bed semi | £10,000 to £12,500 | £2,500 to £5,000 |
| Four bed detached | £12,000 to £14,000+ | £4,500 to £6,500+ |
All qualifying installations attract 0% VAT until at least March 2027. For a full breakdown of system, install and running costs, read our 2026 heat pump cost guide.
Is your home suitable?
Most Northamptonshire homes are suitable, from Victorian terraces in Northampton town centre to 1930s semis and modern estates. What matters is reasonable insulation, space outside for the unit, and radiators that can be sized to run at lower temperatures. Where a property is not quite ready, an installer may recommend a hybrid system that pairs a heat pump with your existing boiler. Not sure? Read is my house suitable for a heat pump?
Why use Northants Heat Pumps
- Free, independent service: we match you with installers, we are not the installer.
- We focus on MCS-certified installers, required to access the grant and protect your warranty.
- Local installers based in Northamptonshire, not a national call centre.
- Compare free, no-obligation quotes side by side.
- The installer you choose handles the grant application on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions
How much does air source heat pump installation cost?
In Northamptonshire a full air-to-water air source heat pump installation costs between £8,000 and £14,000 before grants. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant and 0% VAT bring most homeowners down to between £500 and £6,500. The final figure depends on property size, heat loss, cylinder location and whether any radiators or pipework need upgrading.
How long does the installation take?
The on-site installation usually takes one to three days. From your first survey to a fully commissioned system, expect two to six weeks once you account for the heat loss survey, system design and grant processing.
Will I need new radiators?
Not always. Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures than gas boilers, so some radiators may need upsizing to deliver the same warmth. The installer's heat loss survey checks every room and only recommends changes where they are genuinely needed.
Does the installer remove my old boiler?
Yes. The installer safely decommissions and removes your existing gas, oil or LPG boiler as part of a full installation, leaving your home tidy and your new system ready to run.
Is planning permission needed?
In most cases no. Air source heat pumps usually fall under permitted development in England, provided the unit meets siting and noise rules. The installer confirms this during the survey and handles any paperwork if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
Related pages
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