What is the Average Running Cost of an Air Source Heat Pump?What Impacts Heat Pump Running Costs?1. How Big Your House Is2. How Well Insulated Your Home Is3. What You Pay for Electricity4. How You Use Your Heating System5. How Efficient Your Heat Pump IsHow to Calculate Air Source Heat Pump Running CostsExample of What a Heat Pump Might Cost You to RunHow to Lower Heat Pump Running CostsIs an Air Source Heat Pump Worth It?Heat Pump Running Cost FAQs
What is the Average Running Cost of an Air Source Heat Pump?What Impacts Heat Pump Running Costs?1. How Big Your House Is2. How Well Insulated Your Home Is3. What You Pay for Electricity4. How You Use Your Heating System5. How Efficient Your Heat Pump IsHow to Calculate Air Source Heat Pump Running CostsExample of What a Heat Pump Might Cost You to RunHow to Lower Heat Pump Running CostsIs an Air Source Heat Pump Worth It?Heat Pump Running Cost FAQs
Air source heat pumps come with a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for many people in the UK. They’re highly energy efficient, often delivering three or even four times as much heat as the electricity they use, which can help cut your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Plus, they’re environmentally friendly, have a long lifespan and can provide both heating and hot water for your home. However, with any investment, cost is an important consideration and this is no exception.
On average, running an air source heat pump in the UK can cost around £450 to £1,200 per year. However, it’s important to remember that this is just an average and your actual costs will depend on many factors.
In this article, we’ll look at what influences running costs, break down typical expenses and help you decide if an air source heat pump is the right choice for your home.
If you’d like to talk through your expected running costs with a heat pump expert, simply fill in the form below to request a free quote and one of our specialists will be in touch:
According to E.ON Next, the yearly cost to run an air source heat pump generally falls between £450 and £1,200, with your home’s size and heating habits affecting the final bill. This means if you live in a smaller, well-insulated property and use your heating sensibly, you’re likely to be at the lower end of that range. On the other hand, if your home is larger or less efficient, or if you like to keep it very warm, your running costs could be higher.
It’s important to remember that these figures are just averages and your actual costs will depend on a few key factors. For example, how well your home retains heat, what electricity tariff you’re on and how you use your heating system all play a big part in determining your final bill. Some energy companies now offer special tariffs for heat pump users, which can help you save even more on your running costs if you use off-peak electricity wisely.
It’s also important to note that, on average, an air source heat pump will cost more to run than a gas boiler. This is mainly because electricity is more expensive than gas, and even though heat pumps are highly efficient, the higher price per unit of electricity usually results in higher annual running costs. However, over time, heat pumps can potentially provide significant savings compared to traditional heating systems, especially if your home is well suited to one.
Several factors influence how much it will cost you to run an air source heat pump. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions and potentially save money on your energy bills:
The size of your home plays a major role in your heat pump’s running costs. Larger homes require more heat to keep every room comfortable which means your heat pump will need to work harder and use more electricity. This naturally leads to higher energy bills, especially during colder months when demand for heating is greatest.
On the flip side, if you live in a smaller property, your heat pump won’t have to run as long or as intensely. This means you’ll likely see lower running costs compared to someone in a bigger house, even if you both use similar systems. Choosing a heat pump that’s the right size for your home is crucial for both comfort and efficiency.
Your home’s insulation quality has a big impact on how efficiently your heat pump operates. If your house is well insulated, less heat escapes through walls, windows and the roof. This allows your heat pump to maintain a comfortable temperature without working too hard, which helps keep your running costs down.
If your home isn’t well insulated, you’ll lose heat quickly, and your heat pump will have to run more often and for longer periods to keep up. Investing in better insulation, like upgrading your loft or cavity wall insulation, can make a noticeable difference in both your comfort and your heating bills.
The price you pay for electricity directly affects your heat pump’s running costs. If your electricity rates are high, your heating bills will be higher, even if your heat pump is efficient. This is because your heat pump runs on electricity so any increase in the unit price will be reflected in your overall costs.
Some energy suppliers offer special tariffs for homes with heat pumps which can help reduce your electricity costs. Comparing tariffs and switching suppliers when possible can help you keep your running costs as low as possible.
Your own heating habits can make a big difference to your running costs. If you like to keep your home at a high temperature all the time, your heat pump will need to run more frequently, increasing your energy use and bills.
However, if you set your thermostat to a moderate, consistent temperature and lower it when you’re out or asleep, you can reduce your heat pump’s workload. This approach is often more efficient and can help you save money without sacrificing comfort.
The efficiency of your heat pump is a key factor in determining your running costs. Modern, high-efficiency models can produce more heat from the same amount of electricity, helping you keep your bills lower. Look for heat pumps with a high Coefficient of Performance (CoP) or Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) for the best results.
Regular maintenance and proper installation are also important for keeping your heat pump running efficiently. A well-maintained system will use less energy and last longer, giving you better value for your investment.
Figuring out how much it will cost you to run an air source heat pump is easier once you know what information you need. To calculate your running costs, you’ll want to look at how much electricity your heat pump uses and what you pay for each unit of electricity. You’ll also need to consider how long your heat pump runs each day, especially during colder months when heating demand is highest. This helps you estimate your daily, monthly or yearly costs more accurately.
Here’s a simple checklist of what you’ll need to work out your air source heat pump running costs:
Your heat pump’s power consumption (in kilowatts, kW).
The number of hours your heat pump runs each day.
Your current electricity price (per kWh).
Your home’s heat demand.
Any special electricity tariffs for heat pump users.
With these details, you can multiply your heat pump’s power by the hours it runs and the cost of electricity to get a rough estimate of your daily or annual running costs. Remember, the better insulated your home and the more efficient your heat pump, the lower your running costs will be.
To give you a better idea of what running an air source heat pump could cost in a real situation, let’s walk through a typical example.
Suppose your home needs about 11,500 kWh of heat each year to stay comfortable, and you’re using a highly efficient model like the Vaillant aroTHERM Plus (rated as one of the best air source heat pumps in our guide), which has a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of up to 5.03.
First, let’s figure out how much electricity your heat pump will use. The SCOP tells you how much heat the pump produces for each unit of electricity it consumes. With a SCOP of 5.03, the heat pump produces just over 5 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity it uses.
Step-by-step calculation:
Electricity used = Annual heating demand ÷ SCOP Electricity used = 11,500 ÷ 5.03 = 2,286 kWh per year
Now, let’s estimate the cost. The current average electricity cost per kWh in the UK, under the Energy Price Cap for April to June 2025, is 27.03p per kWh for those paying by Direct Debit:
So, in this example, you’d likely pay around £618 per year to run your Vaillant aroTHERM Plus heat pump for space heating.
Summary Table:
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual heating demand | 11,500 kWh |
| SCOP | 5.03 |
| Electricity used/year | 2,286 kWh |
| Electricity price (April–June 2025, Direct Debit) | £0.2703 per kWh |
| Estimated annual cost | £618 |
This estimate is just for the heat pump’s electricity use and doesn’t include your home’s other electrical appliances or the daily standing charge for your electricity supply. Your actual bill could be higher or lower depending on your home’s insulation, your heating habits and any special tariffs you might have.
For a more precise estimate of your running costs, we recommended consulting with a qualified air source heat pump installer like Glow Green.
Making sure your home is well insulated is one of the most effective ways to reduce your heat pump’s running costs. Good insulation keeps heat inside so your heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home warm.
Selecting a heat pump that’s the right size for your home is crucial. If your heat pump is too big or too small, it won’t run efficiently, and you’ll end up paying more in energy bills. A qualified installer, such as Glow Green, can help you determine the best size for your needs.
Instead of turning your heat pump on and off throughout the day, it’s usually more efficient to keep it running at a consistent, moderate temperature. This helps your system maintain comfort without using extra energy to reheat your home from scratch.
A smart thermostat can help you control your heat pump more precisely and save energy. These devices learn your routine and adjust the temperature automatically, so you’re not heating an empty home. You can also control your heating remotely, making it easy to adjust settings and keep costs down.
Some energy suppliers offer cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours, such as overnight. Running your heat pump during these times can help you cut your energy bills significantly. Check with your provider to see if you’re eligible for a special tariff or smart meter that supports off-peak pricing.
Older radiators may not be suitable for use with a heat pump which works best with modern, energy-efficient models. Upgrading your radiators can improve heat distribution and reduce the workload on your heat pump which may help you save money in the long run.
If you have solar panels, you can use the electricity they generate to power your heat pump. This reduces your reliance on the grid and can lower your running costs even further. It’s also a great way to make your home more environmentally friendly.
Maintenance is essential for keeping your heat pump running efficiently. Annual heat pump servicing by a qualified technician helps prevent breakdowns, improves performance and keeps your energy bills as low as possible.
After exploring what it might cost you to run an air source heat pump, it’s natural to wonder if making the switch is really worth it. The answer isn’t always straightforward, because it depends on your reasons for investing in a heat pump in the first place. If your main motivation is saving money on your energy bills over time, it’s important to remember that while heat pumps can be efficient, the savings may not always be huge, especially if you already have a modern, efficient boiler. On top of that, you’ll need to factor in the upfront cost of buying and installing the system which can be significant.
To decide if an air source heat pump is right for you, you need to look at the bigger picture. Consider not just the potential for lower running costs but also the environmental benefits of reducing your carbon footprint. Many people find that the combination of lower emissions and reliable heating makes a heat pump a worthwhile investment, particularly if you’re looking for a greener way to keep your home warm. If you’re eligible for government grants or incentives, these can also help offset the initial cost. In the end, whether a heat pump is worth it depends on your priorities, whether that’s saving money, reducing your impact on the planet or both.
The cost to run an air source heat pump in the UK varies depending on your home’s size, insulation and heating habits, but on average, the yearly cost generally falls between £450 and £1,200.
Several factors influence running costs including your home’s size, how well insulated it is, the efficiency of your heat pump (its SCOP or CoP), your current electricity tariff and your personal heating habits.
On average, an air source heat pump costs more to run than a modern gas boiler because electricity is currently more expensive than gas per unit. However, heat pumps are more efficient and can be cheaper to run than older or less efficient boilers, especially in well-insulated homes.
To get a more accurate idea of your running costs, consider getting a heat pump quote from a qualified installer, such as Glow Green, who can assess your home’s specific needs and provide a tailored estimate based on your heating demand and local electricity prices.
Yes, the UK government offers grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which provides up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump for eligible homeowners.
