Air source heat pump Pros and Cons
When thinking about switching to a heat pump, there are a number of pros and cons to consider.
Pros​​​
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Energy Efficiency
ASHPs can deliver 2–4 times more heat energy than the electricity they consume, thanks to their ability to extract heat from the air rather than generating it.
This can significantly lower heating bills compared to electric resistance heaters or oil/gas boilers.
Lower Carbon Emissions
Since they use electricity instead of fossil fuels, ASHPs can drastically reduce your home’s carbon footprint, especially if powered by renewable energy (like solar panels or green tariffs).
Low Maintenance
Require less servicing than combustion systems — usually just an annual check-up.
No fuel deliveries, flue cleaning, or combustion safety issues.
Eligibility for Incentives
In many regions (like the UK, EU, or US), government rebates or tax credits are available for installing ASHPs.
Safe and Clean Operation
No on-site combustion → no carbon monoxide risk, no fumes, no fuel storage.​​
Cons​
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Higher Upfront Cost
Installation can cost £7,000–£14,000 (UK) more than a typical gas boiler. Savings depend on local energy prices and insulation quality.
Performance Depends on Home Insulation
Best suited for well-insulated homes; poor insulation can make them less effective and costlier to run.
Aesthetic and Space Considerations
Outdoor unit requires space with good airflow and may be visually intrusive in smaller gardens or near windows.
Electricity Dependency
While efficient, ASHPs rely entirely on electricity — so during power outages, you lose heating and cooling unless you have backup power.​
Note that many of these downsides are one-time-only when you install your first heat pump, or can be simply addressed by getting the correct set-up and good advice from our competent installers.