Heat Pump Water Heaters In the UK: Costs, Pros & Cons 2024

Saturday, September 23rd, marked this year’s autumn equinox, kicking off the start of shorter days as winter looms. For many of us living in the UK, this translates into more indoor time, higher heating use, and less daylight.

For this reason, now is an ideal moment to consider enhancing your home’s water heating system by opting for a solution that offers 2 to 3 times the efficiency of traditional gas boilers or older electric heaters. This article will delve into the workings of heat pump water heaters, discuss their costs and savings, highlight any available grants, and provide a thorough review to assist you in making a well-informed decision.

Interested in heat pump water heaters? We can help you get the best deal! Don’t waste hours contacting installers on your own. Simply fill out our 30-second form, and we’ll do the rest. We’ll connect you with up to 4 trusted installers near you for free, no-obligation quotes. Click below to get started!

Heat pump water heaters are specifically designed to heat water for domestic use, while traditional heat pumps primarily focus on space heating and cooling. Both systems use electricity to move heat from one place to another and operate efficiently.

Having said this, it’s worth noting that the efficiency of a heat pump water heater relies on the system's quality, the calibre of the installation, the average temperatures of your region and the positioning of the compressor unit.

The average cost of a heat pump water heater in the UK ranges from £5,075 to £8,300. Generally, these water heaters are more affordable than other types of heat pumps, such as air source heat pumps or ground source heat pumps.

Here’s an overview of how much you can expect to pay for a heat pump water heater in the UK:

These costs are estimates. Get a local installer QUOTE now!

It’s important to mention that the heat pump water heater prices shown above are a mere estimation and that the final cost will depend on heat pump sizing, referring to its capacity and how many litres of water it can process, as well as other relevant factors such as the brand, model, and the complexity of the installation.

Despite the high heat pump water heater prices, replacing your boiler with a heat pump can yield significant savings. Heat pumps operate at 300-400% efficiency, compared to an average A-rated gas boiler's 92%. This means they produce 3 to 4 times more heat for every unit of energy used.

Heat pump water heaters in the UK offer a great balance between efficiency and cost. Although they rely on electricity, which is generally more expensive than gas, their high efficiency helps offset their price tag.

Currently, there are no heat pump grants available for heat pump water heaters in the UK. Existing schemes, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, focus on technologies that provide both heating and hot water, such as air to water heat pumps or water source heat pumps, whereas heat pump water heaters only produce hot water. As a result, these systems do not qualify for funding.

There is potential for future support through initiatives like ECO4, particularly for installations in social housing. However, the new phase of ECO4, which may include funding for heat pump water heaters, has not yet been implemented. As energy policies evolve, there may be opportunities for these efficient systems to receive government incentives in the future.

Air source heat pump installation typically begins with getting in touch with a qualified installer. This professional will first thoroughly inspect your property to assess its suitability for the heat pump water heater system. Once the site is deemed suitable, the installer will proceed with the following key steps:

The installation of the heat pump water heater will typically take 1 to 3 days, depending on the complexity involved in the design and planning process. It's crucial to have at least 28.3 cubic metres of air space around the water heater and to install it in a location with excess heat, such as a furnace room.

Similar to their air to air heat pump counterparts or any other heat pump for that matter, they require some maintenance after installation to ensure optimal performance throughout their lifespan. Luckily, this only involves occasional checks to ensure the system operates accordingly. By doing this, you can avoid the possibility of incurring any additional repair costs.

Furthermore, consulting with a qualified plumbing and heating contractor is always advisable to ensure proper installation and compliance with local building regulations.

These systems stand out for their affordability compared to other heat pump costs and their remarkable efficiency rating ranging from 300% to 400% compared to more traditional water heaters. Their high efficiency means that for every unit of energy consumed, a heat pump water heater can produce three to four times more hot water, making them an attractive long-term investment.

While heat pump water heaters require significant upfront investment and currently lack government grant support, they still offer an exceptional opportunity for environmentally conscious homeowners seeking highly efficient water heating solutions. So, if you’re looking for your next best air source heat pump, they’re well worth the consideration.

The cost of heat pumps will be affected by potential extras and installation costs, which vary by installer. That’s why it’s best to compare several installers in your area. Instead of spending days on research and comparisons on your own, why not fill out our 30-second form and let us do the rest? We’ll find you up to 4 free quotes from trusted installers in your area. Click below to get started!