Air Source Heat Pumps in Northern Ireland: Costs & Grants (2024)

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are highly efficient low-carbon systems that can extract heat from the air outside and transfer it inside your home to provide heating and hot water (in the case of air to water heat pumps). It also acts in reverse for cooling purposes.

ASHPs offer remarkable advantages for homeowners in Northern Ireland, including high efficiency ratings of up to 400%, which can translate into potential savings of up to £1,200 when replacing an old electric storage heater with a brand new air source heat pump in Northern Ireland.

Despite the numerous benefits, adopting ASHPs in Northern Ireland has been relatively slow due to upfront costs and viability concerns. However, with the availability of incentives and the potential for long-term cost savings, ASHPs present an attractive option for homeowners seeking energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling solutions.

Has this left you intrigued for more? In this article, we’ll explain everything there is to know about air source heat pumps in Northern Ireland, from their costs and savings to the pros and cons and the financial incentives available to support homeowners in 2024.

Are you sure about what you want and wondering where to find reputable air source heat pump installers in Northern Ireland? Finding vetted installers can take hours, if not days, of painful research.

To streamline finding a reputable ASHP installer in Northern Ireland, GreenMatch offers invaluable assistance by connecting you with up to 4 vetted installers in your area. Simply click the button below, and GreenMatch will handle the rest, ensuring a seamless experience. Our service is completely free and non-binding.

Air source heat pumps in Northern Ireland can reach up to 400% efficiency, meaning they provide 4 units of heating or cooling for every unit of electricity used. This efficiency is measured by the Coefficient of Performance (COP), with a higher COP indicating greater efficiency

This is possible since ASHPs extract heat from the air rather than produce it by burning fossil fuels as oil or gas boilers do. Ideally, you can pair your air source heat pumps in Northern Ireland with a solar panel system. This will essentially allow you to heat and cool your home for free and halve your carbon footprint.

An additional aspect to consider in terms of air source heat pump efficiency in Northern Ireland is that, while it is true that their efficiency declines when the temperature drops below -1°C, Northern Ireland has a soft Atlantic climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0 degrees celsius during the winter months.

Nevertheless, even if they do, an air source heat pump in Northern Ireland will still work efficiently and provide heating and hot water for your home.

Air source heat pump costs in Northern Ireland range from £2,400 to £14,050 on average. This will depend on the brand, the complexity of the installation, and whether you choose an air to water or an air to air heat pump.

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

Despite the high upfront costs, air source heat pump installation in Northern Ireland remains a smart choice, given the savings and the availability of financial support to help offset the upfront costs.

By embracing this highly efficient and environmentally friendly technology, you protect your household finances from the volatility of fossil fuel prices and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Recent dramatic increases in oil and gas prices have highlighted the advantages of heat pumps, as they insulate you from such fluctuations and potential price spikes. With their long-term cost savings and the potential for grants, heat pumps offer a compelling solution for homeowners seeking energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.

When considering the cost of an air source heat pump, looking at the long-term picture is essential. While heat pumps may require a higher initial investment than traditional heating systems, their remarkable efficiency can lead to significant savings over time.

Here’s a comparison of the savings of replacing different types of heating systems with an air source heat pump in Northern Ireland:

The estimated air source heat pump savings for Northern Ireland are updated every three months and are subject to quarterly fluctuations due to changes in fuel and energy prices.

We strongly advise consulting with a local heat pump installer to ensure you receive accurate and personalised guidance. They can provide tailored recommendations on selecting the most suitable air source heat pump for your specific circumstances. It's important to note that pricing in Northern Ireland may differ from other regions of the UK, so seeking local expertise is crucial.

Unfortunately, no direct heat pump grants are currently available in Northern Ireland. While there are no dedicated schemes for heat pumps in Northern Ireland, there are partial ways to seek financial support:

The 0% VAT scheme, which has been available in the rest of the UK for quite some time, has now been extended to Northern Ireland. From May 2023 onwards, the zero VAT rate also applies to certain energy-saving materials, including air source heat pumps in Northern Ireland.

Furthermore, the NISEP grant offers a 50% discount on air source heat pumps with heating controls in Northern Ireland. However, it's crucial to note that this grant is limited to a specific number of installations as part of the heating upgrade for households not connected to the gas network.

It's important to highlight that air source heat pump grants in Northern Ireland differ from those available in the rest of the UK. Due to Northern Ireland's unique situation regarding grants and fuel prices, we highly recommend seeking professional advice to ensure you make the most informed decision.

However, finding reputable professionals isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Luckily, here at GreenMatch, we can connect you with local heat pump experts near you for free and with no obligation to accept any of their quotes.

So, instead of wasting countless hours of your time researching installers, simply get started by clicking the button below and completing our short 30-second form. It takes less than a minute!

To better understand the implications of air source heat pump installation in Northern Ireland, we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to help you decide.

It's important to note that the pros and cons may vary depending on individual circumstances, and it's advisable to thoroughly evaluate each household's specific needs and eligibility for available incentives.

Despite a low installation rate, air source heat pumps in Northern Ireland are worth considering due to financial incentives like the 0% VAT scheme and NISEP grant. These renewable, energy-efficient systems offer long-term cost savings and reduced emissions. 

Moreover, over their 10-15 year lifespan, replacing an old electric storage heater with an air source heat pump could save up to £12,000 in Northern Ireland under current conditions.

If you're still reluctant to get the best air source heat pump for your home in Northern Ireland due to concerns about the weather conditions, it is safe to say that this should not be a major concern. Air source heat pumps have gained significant traction and widespread adoption in other European countries that experience similar or even harsher climatic conditions than Northern Ireland.

Countries like Norway and parts of Germany share comparable weather patterns and temperature ranges with Northern Ireland. The successful implementation and extensive use of air source heat pumps in these regions demonstrate their effectiveness and suitability in environments akin to Northern Ireland's climate.

For alternatives to air source heat pumps, consider ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), which are more efficient in colder climates due to relying on stable ground temperatures. Hybrid heat pumps offer another option, combining ASHP technology with traditional heating methods for flexibility based on weather and efficiency.

Have we convinced you to choose an ASHP for your home in Northern Ireland? Finding the right installer can take days of research, involving calls to companies and assessing their prices. Even then, you might not find the best one. If that sounds like too much hassle, our service has you covered.

Fill out our simple 30-second form and get up to 4 free quotes from qualified installers near you. Get started by simply clicking on the button below: