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An air source heat pump can be a great way to brave the Welsh seasons, providing both heating and cooling when necessary. When the scorching sun is out, they can cool things down and during the less pleasant winters, they keep the home nice and comfy. Moreover, they are a great, sustainable way to save money, allowing for up to £1,200 deductions in annual heating expenses.
Let’s examine the prices, benefits, disadvantages, and various funding options related to heat pumps in Wales.
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An air source heat pump can be very efficient in the Welsh weather, being 5 times more efficient than an A-rated boiler. As most of the country experiences average temperatures above 0° and under 40° all year around, the technology can work at its best.
While this can vary from region to region in Wales, most segments of the country (especially those at lower altitudes) are perfect for operating an air source heat pump. That said, extreme conditions can be a problem at higher altitudes where heat pumps might experience difficulty maintaining efficiency or might even freeze.
In such cases, you can instead opt for a high temperature heat pump, which will provide a higher heat output. Overall, standard heat pumps will operate normally and provide up to £1,200 in savings, although this can depend on a number of factors like how well-insulated your home is and how cold your area is.
Like most of the UK, Welsh weather is suitable for air source heat pumps. The main factor to consider is altitude and the insulation of your home. With adequate insulation, most homes in Wales can reap the benefits of air source heat pumps, allowing for adequate home heating with reduced energy bills and a lower carbon footprint.
Pros:
Cons:
The average air source heat pump cost is typically between £2,400 to £14,050. This large variance is because air source heat pumps come in two main types: air to air and air to water heat pumps (not to be confused with water source heat pumps). While the former is cheaper, the latter offers a lot of different functionality.
Air source heat pump cost in Wales | ||
---|---|---|
Heat pump type | House size | Total cost (supply + installation) |
Air to air heat pump | 1 bedroom + lounge | £2,400 |
2 bedrooms + lounge | £4,000 | |
3 bedrooms + lounge | £6,500 | |
4 bedrooms + large lounge | £8,800 | |
Air to water heat pump | 1 bedroom + lounge | £8,750 |
2 bedrooms + lounge | £11,500 | |
3 - 4 bedrooms + lounge | £14,050 |
An air to air heat pump tends to cost between £2,400 and £8,800 in Wales, with air to water heat pumps costing between £8,400 to over £14,000. In contrast, a ground source heat pump in Wales will cost from £13,200 to £19,000 (excluding installation). Another factor to consider is the running costs and whether they will be better for you compared to your current heating system.
Air source heat pump savings compared to home energy consumption | |
---|---|
Yearly energy consumption | Annual running cost |
7,312.5kWh | £730 to £1,115 |
11,212.5kWh | £1,135 to £1,590 |
16,575kWh | £1,380 to £2,250 |
Maintenance and repair can also be an issue pertaining to heat pumps. Maintenance costs are generally not that high and can increase depending on the size of the heat pump. For context, a boiler usually requires half the cost of maintenance, being around £60 to £80.
Air source heat pump repair cost | |
---|---|
Type of job | Cost |
Maintenance | £150 - £300 |
Repair | £250 - £2,000+ |
Getting your heat pumps checked out every 2 years or so can allow them to function for upwards of 25 years. The most common issues that heat pumps face are refrigerant leaks, blockages in or around the outdoor unit, or a build-up of ice. Check for these and call a professional if the issue is severe.
For a more accurate set of prices, it’s always better to contact an installer. However, you need a reliable one if you want to get the best prices. Finding one on your own can take days of research and calling up companies to compare prices, which is why we offer a far better alternative. We have a network of installers we’ve personally vetted, ready to help you out.
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Heat pumps can lead to abundant annual savings for homes in Wales, although you may want to consider your home energy consumption and current heating system before buying one. The table below outlines where it can be the most handy.
Annual air source heat pump savings compared to other systems | |
---|---|
New (A-rated) gas boiler | -£3 |
Old (G-rated) gas boiler | £290 |
Old electric storage heaters | £1,200 |
New electric storage heaters | £700 |
Old (G-rated) oil boiler | £280 |
New (A-rated) oil boiler | -£55 |
Old (G-rated) LPG boiler | £650 |
New (A-rated) LPG boiler | £260 |
Coal | £650 |
There are some situations where a boiler may be more suitable compared to a heat pump. For certain medium-sized properties with inadequate insulation, an A-rated gas boiler might be preferable in terms of costs. However, in most instances, heat pumps provide better heating.
However, heat pumps have another advantage over boilers since they provide both heating and cooling. They are a multi-season air conditioning solution, allowing you to make use of them even in the summer. This is worth taking into account when comparing them with boilers, which can only provide heating.
Air source heat pump grants in Wales | ||
---|---|---|
Grant name | Savings | Available till |
ECO4 | Up to £10,000 | March 2026 |
Boiler Upgrade Scheme | £7,500 | April 2028 |
0% VAT | Discount of £480 to £2,800 | March 2027 |
Warm Homes Programme | Grant amount varies | April 2025 |
Other grants like the Nest Scheme Wales grant are no longer available. Similarly, grants like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund are available but they are meant for private companies and organisations and are very regionally specific.
An air source heat pump can be a great idea in Wales. Heat pumps potentially provide up to £1,200 in savings annually, eliminating reliance on the gas grid. They also make homes more sustainable and less subject to volatile electricity prices. They have multiple uses since they can provide heating, cooling, and water (in the case of air to water heat pumps).
Wales has many different grants like the ECO4 and Boiler Upgrade Scheme, allowing homeowners to cut down costs. They can also allow for saving of up to £1,200 per year when replacing an old boiler. While certain boilers can outperform heat pumps slightly in terms of running costs, they will not be able to provide cooling as well.
If you want to find out whether a heat pump is a suitable choice for your home, you’ll need to have your home assessed by a professional installer. Finding one can be difficult, requiring days of research and calling up companies to gather prices. Luckily, you can avoid all that hassle and obtain 4 free, non-binding quotes from trusted installers in your area.
All you need to do is click the button below and fill out an easy 30-second form.
Air source heat pumps can cost between £2,400 to £14,050 while a ground source heat pump will cost from £13,200 to £19,000 in Wales. These costs may seem high but they can be mitigated with the aid of solar panel grants.
Eligibility can vary depending on the grant. Some are geared towards everyone, like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, while others, like the ECO4 scheme, are means-tested for low-income households.
No. Installing an air source heat pump does not require planning permission. However, if you plan to install a second one, it would require authorisation.
Heat pumps can be highly effective in Wales, reducing heating expenses by up to £950 for air source heat pumps.
Yes. Numerous government programs and grants can help decrease the cost of air source heat pumps in Wales.
Rawal Ahmed is a writer at GreenMatch with an interest in sustainability and a background in tech journalism and digital marketing.
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