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Last updated: 29 August 2024

Vaillant Heat Pumps in the UK: Costs, Reviews & Benefits (2024)

Vaillant heat pumps in the UK
  • A Vaillant air source heat pump can cost between £4,000 and £15,000, depending on the size and model.
  • Vaillant heat pump prices are very competitive, coming with some of the best warranties on the market.
  • The company has received highly positive feedback from customers, scoring a 4.5 on TrustPilot.

Given the existing incentives and policies, there is an anticipation of significant growth in the UK heat pump market. The industry is striving to align with the UK's Net Zero objective of installing 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028. Vaillant heat pump solutions play an essential role in this strategy. In fact, according to a 2023 YouGov poll, Vaillant is the UK's 4th most popular energy and utility brand.

Vaillant is a leading heat pump manufacturer using natural energy sources like air, ground, or water to generate heating and hot water for homes and buildings. In this piece, we will walk you through various Vaillant models, compare their prices, and then dig into some reviews so you can find a ground-source, air-source, or water-source heat pump.

Looking for a heat pump? Doing all the searching, calling, and texting on your own takes hours and might not turn out as productive as you'd expect. Fortunately, GreenMatch can help you avoid all the stress. Fill out our short form and we’ll provide you with up to 4 free quotes from professional installers in your area. Compare the prices with no obligation to place any orders.

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Vaillant heat pump product range

The Vaillant heat pump product range includes the aroTHERM and the flexoTHERM models, with the former being an ASHP (air source heat pump) and the latter operating with multiple sources. For most homes in the UK (2-3 bedroom households), a 12kW heat pump can be appropriate, costing roughly between £6,000 to £11,500.

Vaillant heat pump product range
Product line aroTHERM aroTHERM Plus aroTHERM Split flexoTHERM Exclusive
Source Air source Air to water source / hybrid Air source Air, ground, and water source
Capacity (kW) 3.5 - 12 3.5 - 12 3.5 - 12 14 - 46
Efficiency A+++ A++/A+++ A++ A++/A+++

Vaillant air source heat pumps are represented by the aroTHERM line, which offers various output sizes – 5, 8, 11, and 15kW. It is recommended to have a well-insulated home for optimal performance, with a heat loss calculation by a Vaillant Advance Renewable Installer determining the most suitable model.

The Plus version adds a water tank allowing it to act as a hybrid or air to water source heat pump. Similarly, the aroTHERM Split has a detached unit that can be placed up to 15 metres away, allowing for different setups and less noise from the unit.

In terms of ground source heat pumps, the Vaillant flexoTHERM Exclusive can use the air, groundwater, or the ground as a heat source. It can also work with water bodies much like water source heat pumps.

The full installation cost for Vaillant heat pump can vary, but heat pump grants are available that can help out. The company’s products are MCS accredited, making them eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) which grants £6,000 for heat pumps.

Discontinued models

It is worth noting that Vaillant has discontinued geoTHERM heat pumps, making them available only on second-hand markets with no warranty. Vaillant ground-source heat pump prices are very high, so it’s best to buy a model with a warranty.

Vaillant heat pump costs in the UK

Vaillant heat pumps' cost varies depending on the model, capacity, and installation. With a new Vaillant heat pump, you’ll be looking at a price between £3,000 and £15,000, not including the unit's installation.

It is hard to evaluate any heat pump cost in the UK since the final result is affected by additional variables such as the size of the house, the homeowner’s budget, and the overall energy consumption that is connected to the desired warmth level.

System type Air-source/ Air to water Ground-source Water-source
Product line aroTHERM/ plus/ split flexoTHERM Exclusive flexoTHERM Exclusive
Capacity (kW) 3.5, 5, 7, 10, 12 22, 30, 38, 46 5, 8, 11, 14, 19
Efficiency A++ A++ A++/A+++
Sound power (dB) 53–60 54-61 41–50
Max. heating temp. (°C) 63 62 65
Warranty Up to 7 years Up to 7 years Up to 7 years

Despite the price tag, heat pumps can save a lot of money in running costs and cut carbon emissions. Compared to inefficient, G-rated boilers, UK residents can save a lot more on their heating expenses. The table below showcases the average savings for UK homes:

Annual heat pump savings compared to older boilers
Air source heat pump Ground source heat pump
Cost savings (UK) £290 £550
Carbon savings (UK) 1900kg 3000kg
Cost savings (NI) £800 £1,400
Carbon savings (NI) 2900kg 2900kg

Vaillant’s technologies are available in the form of ground, water, and air source heat pumps in the UK. Currently, Vaillant is the only manufacturer that also offers hybrid heat pump solutions allowing you to use both renewable and traditional heating sources like boilers. Vaillant hybrid heat pump technologies can provide a more powerful system during winter months.

If you’re looking for a certified and trusted heat pump installer and don’t want to waste a weekend doing it, GreenMatch will be right up your alley. Simply fill out a 30-second form, and we'll provide you with 4 quotes from experienced heat pump installers near you. Our services are free and come with no obligation to place any orders. Click below to begin!

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Vaillant heat pump review: the pros & cons

There are several advantages of installing a Vaillant heat pump, including reduced heating bills, government incentives, no emissions, efficient operations, sustainability, flexibility, quiet operation, and remote access.

Pros
  • Reduced energy bills
  • Quiet operation
  • Government incentives
  • High efficiency
  • Remote control
  • Hybrid options
  • Durable lifespan
  • UK headquarters
Cons
  • Discontinuation
  • Space requirements
  • High upfront costs

Advantages of Vaillant heat pumps

  • Reduced energy bills: Vaillant heat pumps take up 75% of natural power from the air, water, or ground, which saves you quite a few pennies.
  • Quiet operation: Vaillant heat pumps are considered the quietest on the market, with some models like the flexoTHERM ground-source heat pump being as quiet as a coffee percolator even when transferring heat.
  • Government incentives: According to “The Boiler Upgrade Scheme,” homeowners in England and Wales are eligible for heat pump installation grants – up to £6,000 for GSHP and £5,000 for ASHP. 
  • High efficiency: Vaillant heat pumps have a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of up to 5.2, making them exceptionally efficient, which also allows for a lower carbon output. This allows for £290 in annual savings.
  • Remote control: Vaillant comes with an app-based heating control system vSMARTᵀᴹ allowing heat pump owners to control heating anytime and anywhere. You can also access holiday functions and maintenance indications like low water pressure or any other faults.
  • Hybrid options: Vaillant offers a range of heat pump options, including hybrid heating systems that combine an air-source heat pump with a boiler. Such shared workload contributes to the Vaillant products’ life and boosts their energy efficiency by automatically switching between the boiler and the pump, especially when outside temperatures are colder. 
  • Durable lifespan: With proper maintenance, Vaillant heat pump solutions can last up to 25 years. This is especially handy since heat pumps break even in 16 years, allowing for optimal savings from that point on.
  • UK headquarters: Vaillant UK has a heat pump factory in Belper, Derbyshire and can suggest heat pump installers all over the country for delivery and installation.

Disadvantages of Vaillant heat pumps

  • Discontinuation: Some Vaillant heat pump models like geoTHERM are only available on second-hand markets with no warranty as they have been discontinued.
  • Space requirements: Heat pumps require a lot of space for an outdoor unit and piping and indoor space for a hot water cylinder which might not suit smaller properties.
  • High upfront costs: Installing a heat pump system is more expensive than traditional heating systems despite their cost-effectiveness in the long run. Buying and installing a Vaillant heat pump might cost between £3,000 and £15,000 depending on the system type, property size, and project complexity.

To truly understand whether a heat pump is for you, we recommend asking an installer.

At GreenMatch we only collaborate with certified heat pump professionals. All you need to do to access them is fill out a 30-second form on our website. We’ll provide you with up to 4 free heat pump quotes from experienced installers in your area. It’s free and you’re good to compare them without placing any orders. Click the button below to get started.

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Vaillant air source heat pumps per house size

Vaillant heat pumps come in a variety of sizes, each of which is appropriate for different homes. An 8kW heat pump will be best for a single-bedroom home, while 12kW systems can be best for 2-to-3 bedroom homes. For homes with 4-bedrooms and more a 16kW system is the best.

For this reason, the Vaillant flexoTHERM will be more appropriate for larger homes (4-bedroom+) while the aroTHERM can be ideal for 2-to-3 bed houses or smaller, with the exact size depending on the heat pump’s output.

Heat Pump Sizes per Household
Household Size Min. Heat Pump Output Size Estimated Supply Cost Estimated Installation Cost Estimated Total Cost
1 bedroom 8kW £4,000 - £8,400 £350 - £1,700 £4,350 - £8,700
2-3 bedrooms 12kW £6,000 - £9,800 £350 - £1,700 £6,350 - £11,500
4+ bedrooms 16kW £8,000 - £12,350 £350 - £1,700 £8,350 - £14,050

Comparatively, the prices are quite competitive with top brands. There are multiple brands that offer lower prices but may not manage the features, such as a 7-year warranty.

Vaillant heat pump customer reviews

Vaillant Heat Trustpilot score

Vaillant UK has predominantly favourable feedback from homeowners and boasts a score of 4.4 on TrustPilot.

Vaillant heat pump reviews highlight its outstanding quality installation and customer service. Vaillant customers laud quieter operation, long warranty, higher efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The company seems to value its reputation, so the company doesn’t hesitate to resolve issues and disputes with those who have concerns regarding Vaillant products. Vaillant air source heat pump reviews are generally favourable.

Vaillant has won a QuietMarkᵀᴹ accreditation – a special award from the Noise Abatement Society as a brand that prioritises noise reduction within its boilers and heat pump design.

How do Vaillant heat pump solutions compare to other brands?

air source heat pumps per brand

Also, Vaillant contributes to the longevity of its products by using a blue fin coating evaporator with an anti-hydro coating to prevent corrosion and improve the heat pump performance within the damp UK climate. This allows Vaillant to withstand the competition as NIBE and Viessman also use identical technologies.

Heat Pump Brands Specs Comparison
Brand/Specs Daikin Vaillant Samsung Panasonic Nibe LG
Heat pump types on offer Air to air and air to water Air to air, air to water, and ground source Air to air and air to water Air to air and air to water Air to air, air to water, and ground source Air to air and air to water
Output Size Range 2 – 16kW 3.5 – 19kW 9 – 16kW 2 – 16kW 8 – 20kW 9 - 16kW
Efficiency ratings A+++/A++ A+++/A++ A+++/A++/A+ A+++/A++/A+ A+++/ A++ A+++
Estimated Cost £1,500 – £9,000 £3,100 – £8,700 £3,400 – £7,400 £675 – £8,000 £3,800 – £10,000 £6,000 – £12,000
Warranty Period 5 - 7 years 2 - 7 years 2- 7 years 3 - 7 years 7 years 5-7 years
Noise Levels 19 - 50dB 30 - 40dB 35 - 40dB 50 - 60dB 20 - 50dB 39dB
Biggest USP Low noise Versatile heat pump range Lots of smart features Low cost with higher initial warranty Very popular High quality and energy-efficient

Generally, Vaillant doesn’t give its competitors a chance in terms of high efficiency, effortless installation, lengthy warranties, and extremely low noise pollution. However, other models, such as Daikin or Samsung heat pumps, could also be worth considering in terms of high efficiency.

Should I get a Vaillant heat pump?

When choosing a heat pump, Vaillant can be a great choice. Vaillant air source heat pump models can be fairly competitive with many top brands. Despite competing with quite a few cheaper models, they can be worth the price since they offer a warranty of up to 7 years, A+++ efficiency, and allows for quiet but effective temperature control.

It may not be ideal if your home often experiences temperatures under -20°C. Since this doesn’t apply to a lot of UK homes, there is a high chance you can do fine with Vaillant systems. Vaillant heat pumps can also help reduce your carbon footprint and lower energy expenses by up to £290 compared to an old gas boiler.

Whichever heat pump you choose, Vaillant or otherwise, It’s important to find an installer you can trust. Why not fill out our 30-second form instead of going it alone? We’ll provide you with up to 4 free quotes from professional installers near you. Our service is free and non-binding, and can save hours on searching for installers. Click the button below to get started.

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Whichever Vaillant heat pump you choose, rest assured that you will receive a high-quality product from the industry's long-term leader. We wish you the best with finding a heat pump system that will both satisfy your needs and budget. Good luck!

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