Air source heat pump running costs: compare the numbers in your quote

Ask for heat demand and seasonal performance

Ask for a room-by-room heat-loss assessment, proposed flow temperatures and any radiator or pipework changes. Check how hot water is included. A brochure rating is not a prediction of a whole year in your property.

For a worksheet, annual heating electricity is useful heat demand divided by seasonal efficiency. Keep system boundaries consistent: if the estimate excludes hot water, pumps or backup heating, include those separately rather than calling it your whole electricity bill.

Work through an illustrative comparison

Fictional inputs: 12,000 kWh of useful annual heat, seasonal performance of 3 and electricity at 30p/kWh. That gives 4,000 kWh of electricity and £1,200. At seasonal performance of 4, the same heat requires 3,000 kWh, costing £900.

An assumed gas alternative at 90% efficiency and 7p/kWh would supply the same heat for about £933. These are arithmetic examples, not current tariff quotes or predictions. They exclude standing charges, servicing, capital cost and other energy use. Either option can cost more as the inputs change.

Use a tariff you can actually operate

Compare cost using the hours your heating and hot water need electricity. A cheap overnight rate alone is not an annual heating price. Include other rates and standing charges, and check whether the controls, home and routine allow the proposed schedule.

If you retain gas for another appliance, do not count removing its standing charge as a saving. For solar or storage alongside heating, request a combined model that avoids counting the same avoided electricity twice.

Separate installation price from funding

Request the gross installed price, any proposed grant deduction and your remaining payment. List radiator changes, cylinder, electrical work, assessments, commissioning and aftercare. Do not assume each quote includes the same work.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales subject to eligibility and technology rules. Use GOV.UK for current support amounts. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different routes. Possible eligibility is not an approved award, and a grant does not guarantee a free installation.

Decide what you need next

For an urgent boiler replacement, explain your deadline and ask what can realistically be delivered. If researching, gather annual energy use, property details, existing heating and possible outdoor/cylinder space before a survey.

Ask who commissions the controls, explains everyday operation and handles warranty issues. A useful proposal lets you check design assumptions and total costs instead of relying on one promised saving.

Common questions