What are the benefits of Heat Pumps for installers?
As the demand for sustainable heating solutions grows, heat pump installations are becoming increasingly popular among UK homeowners. For installers, understanding the nuances of installing a heat pump is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction.
The most common type of heat pump installed in the UK is the air source heat pump, as it is suitable for the widest range of properties. So, if you're an installer looking to branch out into heat pumps, this is the recommended place to start.
In this guide, we will delve into the numerous benefits of air source heat pumps, address common concerns, and provide insights into the installation process to help you deliver optimal solutions to your customers.
For a broader look at this heat pump type, see our guide to air source heat pumps.
What are the advantages of installing air source heat pumps?
Before advising your customers on the installation of a heat pump, it’s important to highlight the numerous advantages heat pumps offer:
Energy efficiency of heat pumps
Air source heat pumps are highly efficient, providing significantly more heat output than the electricity they consume. Many models offer up to 3-4 units of heat for every unit of electricity (300-400% efficiency). This efficiency far surpasses that of conventional fossil fuel heating systems, which typically offer 0.7-0.9 units of heat per unit of fuel (70-90% efficiency).
Read our Installer’s Guide to Energy Efficiency to learn more about the efficiency of different devices you might install and how to explain the concept of energy efficiency to your clients.
Sustainability of heat pumps
ASHPs harness heat from the air, a renewable resource, and can be powered by electricity generated from renewable sources. This makes them a sustainable choice for modern heating solutions.
Carbon emissions of heat pumps
Installing heat pumps can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional, fossil-fuel-powered heating systems. This is an essential consideration for environmentally conscious customers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
If your customer is primarily motivated by reducing carbon emissions, you could suggest an R290 refrigerant heat pump, such as our HP290 domestic heat pump. This refrigerant type has a low carbon content, resulting in a zero Ozone Depletion Potential and a Global Warming Potential of just 3. See our blog explaining why our HP290 is a great low-carbon heating solution for your eco-conscious clients.
Space requirements of air source heat pumps
ASHPs require much less space than ground-source and water-source heat pumps. This makes them a viable option for various property types, provided there is sufficient outdoor space for installation.
Smart tariffs for heat pumps
When talking to customers about heat pump installation, be sure to let them know about the tariffs available from different energy companies. Key smart tariffs to mention include 3 low energy cost periods per day with Cosy Octopus, free heat pump use on Saturday and Sunday with OVO Weekend Warmer, and a twice daily discount with EDF Energy. .
Addressing common concerns about heat pumps
While the benefits of upgrading your home’s heating system to a heat pump are clear, it’s also important to address potential concerns customers might have about heat pumps:
Initial cost of an air source heat pump
The upfront cost of purchasing and installing an ASHP can be higher than that of traditional systems. Be sure to do your research on all the costs associated with heat pumps before you decide to invest in one or suggest one to a customer.
Understanding the grants available is crucial too, as these can reduce the price significantly. For instance, up until the 31st of December 2027, people in England and Wales can get a grant of up to £7,500 via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. You can also get an additional £1,500 off of your air source heat pump if the property is oil or LPG heated and not connected to the mains grid until March 2027.
Previously, homeowners were required to have cavity wall insulation to qualify for a heat pump grant. However, this has since been relaxed, so it’s worth mentioning to customers who might not be aware of the change.
Read our blog on heat pump costs to learn more.
Space requirements of an air source heat pump
ASHPs require outdoor space, which might not be suitable for all properties, such as flats. However, space requirements in England have changed under the May 2025 Permitted Development Rights. Changes include:
1 metre of clearance from property boundaries is no longer required if noise requirements are met. Our Quiet Mark-approved heat pumps can help with this.
The maximum outdoor unit volume limit was increased from 0.6m³ to 1.5m³ under PDR.
Detached properties can now install up to two outdoor units without formal planning permission.
Heat pump installation considerations
What does installing a heat pump involve?
The installation of a heat pump involves several critical steps, including site assessment, proper sizing, and ensuring the unit is placed in an optimal location. Installers must also consider electrical connections and integration with existing heating systems.
Who can install heat pumps?
Only qualified professionals should install heat pumps. Proper installation is crucial for the efficiency, safety, and longevity of the system. Ensuring your team is certified and trained in heat pump technology is essential.
If installing an R290 refrigerant heat pump, you will need specialist hydrocarbon safety and flammable refrigerant qualifications. These qualifications are certainly worthwhile, as from January 2027, newly installed monobloc heat pumps must use a refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential of under 150, which R32 heat pumps unfortunately don’t fit, but which R290 heat pumps comfortably clear.
Luckily, you can obtain both of these qualifications with our HP290 training course.
Benefits of air source heat pump training for installers and engineers
Investing in comprehensive training for installing air source heat pumps offers numerous benefits for installers and engineers. Proper training ensures that you are up-to-date with the latest installation techniques, safety protocols, and efficiency optimisation strategies.
Well-trained installers can provide better service, reduce installation errors, and enhance customer satisfaction. Additionally, training can help you stay ahead of industry regulations and standards, making your services more competitive in the market.
For more information on available training programmes, visit the Ideal Heating installers' training page.
Future heat pump considerations
Will heat pumps be compulsory?
Under the Future Homes Standard (effective for incoming new-build housing phases), new homes are required to meet strict carbon emission reductions (75–80%) that effectively preclude traditional fossil-fuel boilers, making air-source heat pumps or heat networks the de facto standard.
Is it worth installing a heat pump?
For most properties, the benefits of installing a heat pump, such as energy efficiency, sustainability, and lower carbon emissions, make it a worthwhile investment. Educating customers on these advantages can help them make informed decisions.
Discover more top tips over on the Ideal Heating blog.
