Air Source Heat Pump

An air-source heat pump is one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home. It uses the natural warmth from the air outside to provide heating and hot water, even when the temperature drops below zero.

Switching to a renewable heating system can help you save money, cut carbon emissions, and future-proof your home against rising energy costs.

What Is an Air-Source Heat Pump?

An air-source heat pump (ASHP) is a renewable heating system that extracts heat from the air outside and uses it to warm your home. It’s a sustainable alternative to gas and oil boilers, offering efficient heating and lower running costs.

The technology works by absorbing heat from the air — even at low temperatures — and transferring it indoors through radiators, underfloor heating, or a hot water system.

A standard air-source heat pump system includes:

• Outdoor Unit: Draws in air and extracts heat energy from it.
• Refrigerant Circuit: Transfers heat using a special fluid that evaporates and condenses as it circulates.
• Compressor: Increases the temperature of the refrigerant to generate usable heat.
• Heat Exchanger: Transfers heat into your home’s heating or hot water system.
• Indoor Unit (Optional): Manages the distribution of heat inside your property.

Because heat pumps move heat rather than generate it, they can produce around three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity they use. This makes them far more efficient than most traditional heating systems and helps to significantly lower both energy use and emissions.

How Does an Air-Source Heat Pump Work?

The process behind an air-source heat pump is simple but highly effective. It’s based on the same principles as a household refrigerator, but instead of removing heat, it collects and concentrates it for heating your home.

Here’s how it works step-by-step:

1. Heat Extraction: The outdoor unit draws in air from outside, even in cold conditions. Inside the unit, a refrigerant absorbs the air’s heat energy.
2. Compression: The refrigerant is compressed, which raises its temperature. This high-pressure, high-temperature gas is now ready to be used.
3. Heat Transfer: The heat is transferred into your home’s heating and hot water system through a heat exchanger.
4. Distribution: Warm water circulates through your radiators, underfloor heating, or water cylinder, delivering comfortable and consistent warmth.
5. Cycle Restart: The refrigerant cools, turns back into a liquid, and the process begins again.

Modern air-source heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently throughout the year and can perform effectively at outdoor temperatures as low as -15°C.

They are powered by electricity, but because they generate more heat energy than they consume in electricity, they can reduce overall heating costs — particularly when combined with other renewable technologies such as solar PV.

Who Can Get Help with an Air-Source Heat Pump Grant?

Upgrading to an air-source heat pump may be more affordable than you think. Under the government’s ECO4 scheme, funding is available to help households install energy-efficient systems that reduce carbon emissions and improve living standards.

The scheme is designed to support low-income and vulnerable households or those living in properties with poor energy efficiency.

You could be eligible for ECO4 funding if you:

• Receive qualifying benefits or tax credits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
• Have a low household income.
• Live in a home with a poor energy performance certificate (EPC rating of E, F, or G).
• Are upgrading from an outdated or inefficient heating system.

If your household doesn’t receive benefits but still struggles with high energy costs, you may qualify under flexible eligibility rules, depending on your local council’s criteria.

We’ll assess your situation, confirm your eligibility, and help you understand what level of funding you could receive. Many households can have an air-source heat pump installed at little or no cost through ECO4.

Why Choose Green Homes Group?

We’re passionate about helping homeowners and tenants access energy-efficient upgrades through trusted government-backed initiatives.

We are not installers, which means our advice is completely impartial. Our role is to assess your home, determine eligibility for funding, and connect you with reliable installers who meet our high standards of professionalism and quality.

Here’s why households across the UK choose us for their air-source heat pump assessments:

1. Independent Expertise

Our qualified assessors have years of experience in energy-efficiency evaluations. We assess your property with care and accuracy, offering tailored recommendations based on your home’s heating needs and energy performance.

2. Funding Knowledge

Government schemes like ECO4 can be complex, but we simplify them for you. We explain what you’re entitled to, handle the paperwork, and help you complete your application from start to finish.

3. Trusted Network of Installers

Once you’re approved for funding, we connect you with a reliable installer from our trusted network. All our partners are certified, experienced, and committed to quality workmanship.

4. Ongoing Guidance

We stay with you throughout the process – from your initial consultation to the completion of your installation. Our friendly, professional team ensures the process runs smoothly and efficiently.

What to Expect During Your Air-Source Heat Pump Assessment

We aim to make the process as clear and stress-free as possible. Here’s what happens when you book a free assessment with Green Homes Group:

1. Initial Consultation

We start with a short call to learn more about your home, your current heating system, and your energy goals. This helps us determine whether an air-source heat pump could be right for you.

2. Property Survey

One of our experienced assessors will visit your property to carry out a detailed inspection. We’ll look at:

• The layout and size of your home.
• The insulation levels and existing heating system.
• Space available for the outdoor heat pump unit.
• Any upgrades needed to maximise efficiency.

3. Eligibility and Funding Review

Based on your household income, property type, and heating system, we’ll check whether you qualify for the ECO4 scheme. We’ll also discuss any additional support that may be available.

4. Comprehensive Report

After the survey, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining your property’s current energy performance, the potential benefits of installing an air-source heat pump, and the funding available to you.

5. Application and Next Steps

If you decide to move forward, we’ll help with your ECO4 application and introduce you to an installer from our trusted network to carry out the work.

Our goal is to ensure you have all the information and support you need to make an informed decision.

Benefits of Installing an Air-Source Heat Pump

Switching to an air-source heat pump delivers a wide range of benefits for your home, finances, and the environment.

• Lower Heating Costs: Because heat pumps are highly efficient, they require less energy to produce the same level of warmth as a traditional boiler. This can result in significant savings on your energy bills, especially if your home is well insulated.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Air-source heat pumps run on electricity, making them a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. They help cut greenhouse gas emissions and support the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon.
• Reliable All-Year Performance: Modern systems can extract heat from the air even in sub-zero conditions, providing steady, comfortable warmth throughout the year. Some models can even reverse the process in summer, providing cooling if required.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional boilers, air-source heat pumps require minimal upkeep. An annual service is usually enough to keep the system working efficiently for many years.
• Long Lifespan and Property Value: Heat pumps are built to last – often 15–20 years or longer. Installing one can also increase your home’s value, as buyers are increasingly drawn to energy-efficient properties.
• ECO4 Grant Availability: With support from the ECO4 scheme, eligible households can often access partial or full funding to cover installation costs, making this renewable upgrade more accessible than ever.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

If you’re considering a switch to renewable heating, there’s never been a better time to explore air-source heat pumps.

We offer:

• Free home assessments to check your property’s suitability.
• Expert advice on the ECO4 funding process.
• Guidance on every stage, from eligibility to installation.
• Access to our network of trusted, approved installers.

Our assessments are free and carry no obligation. We’ll give you clear, honest advice to help you make the best decision for your home and budget.

Book your free home assessment today and take the first step towards a warmer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly home.

Frequently Asked Questions on Air-source Heat Pumps

1. Do air-source heat pumps work in cold weather?

Yes. Modern systems are designed to extract heat efficiently even in sub-zero temperatures. They work effectively across the UK climate.

2. Can I get ECO4 funding for an air-source heat pump?

You may qualify if you receive certain benefits, have a low household income, or live in a less efficient property. Our team can confirm your eligibility.

3. How long does installation take?

Most installations take two to five days, depending on your property and system size.

4. Will it work with my current heating system?

Many homes can integrate a heat pump with existing radiators or underfloor heating. Our assessors will confirm compatibility during your survey.

5. How noisy is an air-source heat pump?

They operate quietly — the outdoor unit produces only a gentle hum similar to a refrigerator.

6. How much maintenance is required?

Air-source heat pumps need minimal maintenance. A simple annual service is usually all that’s required to maintain top performance.

Book Your Survey Today

Learn more about how an air-source heat pump can make your home more efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.

Use our simple enquiry form to book your free home assessment with Green Homes Group. Our experts will review your property, check your eligibility for ECO4 funding, and guide you through the full process from start to finish.

Make the switch to renewable heating today and enjoy the benefits of cleaner, more affordable warmth for years to come.