Air-Source Heat Pumps | ENERGY STAR

An ENERGY STAR certified ASHP provides highly efficient heating and cooling by extracting heat from outside into your home in winter and pulling the heat out of your home in the summer. For some, it may be helpful to think of a ducted ASHP as a central air conditioner that also works in reverse to provide whole-house space heating in winter. The illustration demonstrates how ASHP works in both cold and warm seasons, doing double duty to keep your home comfortable no matter the temperature outside.

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Ducted vs. Mini Split Systems

Ducted ASHP systems can be installed and connected to the conventional forced-air ductwork system that is typical of most American homes. A central ASHP can use pre-existing ductwork in your home to deliver heating and cooling, making installation even easier. In most climate zones, an ASHP can be installed as a drop-in replacement when either a central air conditioner or a furnace needs replacement.

If your home doesn’t have existing ductwork or you are planning an addition or renovation where running ductwork will be difficult, you can still install a heat pump to heat and cool a portion of your house. Mini Split Heat Pumps, also called Ductless Heat Pumps, do not need ductwork in order to be installed—instead they are mounted directly onto an interior wall or ceiling with an accompanying outdoor unit. To learn more about Mini Split Heat Pumps, visit www.energystar.gov/minisplit. 

Additional Benefits of ASHPs:

• Lower energy bills by switching from electric resistance, propane, and oil to heat pumps.
• No combustion means better indoor air quality because there are no direct emissions such as NOx, carbon dioxide, or carbon monoxide.
• No fuel storage or risk of running out of fuel.

Proper Sizing

Installing properly sized HVAC equipment for your home is essential to getting the best performance and comfort. A system that is either too large or too small for its intended space will struggle to meet your home comfort needs. Your HVAC contractor can help determine what size system is right for your home. Your contractor should verify the proper size system for your home using a tool called "Manual J" – a calculation of the amount of heating and cooling your home requires to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Dual Fuel

If you have a relatively new furnace with an older central AC, or if you are planning to add a new central AC to the furnace, consider an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump. This creates a dual-fuel system for a modest extra cost over an AC system. Dual fuel systems allow for the flexibility of heating with a heat pump or with a more traditional gas or oil furnace and enables you to use each system optimally based on costs and environmental benefits.

Cold Climate Considerations

Many new ENERGY STAR certified ASHPs excel at providing space heating even in the coldest of climates, as they use advanced compressors and refrigerants that allow for improved low temperature performance. If you live in a climate where winter temperatures regularly dip below freezing, talk to your contractor to choose an ENERGY STAR unit suited to your particular home. When you ask your contractor for an ENERGY STAR certified cold climate ASHP, you can be confident that your new AHSP system will deliver the heating performance and efficiency benefits you expect on even the coldest winter days. A good contractor will work with you to determine the size and potential integration with a back-up heating system that will work best for your home.

Climate ASHP technology has improved significantly over the past several years, and many ASHP systems are capable of delivering heating capacity and efficiency at low outdoor temperatures. The ENERGY STAR certification requires third-party verified performance for low temperatures, testing ASHPs down to 5°F. Testing cold climate ASHP performance at 5°F ensures that your ASHP will provide all the heat you need to keep your home comfortable all winter. Your cold climate ASHP will continue working at temperatures below 5°F, but pairing it with a back-up energy source will heat your home the most efficiently when temperatures are even lower.

Take Advantage of Incentives

Air source heat pumps that earn the ENERGY STAR are eligible for a federal tax credit up to $2,000. This tax credit is effective for products purchased and installed between January 1, , and December 31, . Learn more at www.energystar.gov/taxcredits. Many utilities also offer incentives for installing ENERGY STAR certified ASHPs. Check with your local utility for more details or go to: www.energystar.gov/rebatefinder.

What else should I look for when buying an air-source heat pump?

If you've decided that you need to purchase a new air-source heat pump, learn how to hire a contractor. Remember, even though these products can be more expensive to purchase up front, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills. Consider regular maintenance of your heating and cooling system to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. ASHPs are one of six high-impact improvements to your home that work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings. Learn more about additional improvements with the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade.

How to Find Certified Equipment

Be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR when shopping for an air-source heat pump. Use the ENERGY STAR Product Finder to help you identify high efficiency equipment that meets the latest ENERGY STAR certification criteria and then work with a professional installer to find the model that is right for you. ENERGY STAR offers tips on how to hire a contractor.

Air-source heat pumps originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in April, .

Current Requirements effective date: January 1,

Air-Source Heat Pumps and Central Air Conditioners Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

As energy costs soar and climate targets tighten, more UK homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners are turning to heat pump technology as a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to gas boilers. Among the most popular options is the air source heat pump, a renewable solution that extracts heat from the air to warm your home or business premises.

But with numerous brands, models, and specifications available, how do you choose the best air source heat pump for your property in Newcastle & the surrounding areas across the North East?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, whether you’re upgrading your home, improving your property’s EPC rating as a landlord, or looking to slash overheads and boost sustainability as a business. 

We’ll break down the top-rated systems, installation factors, government grants, and return on investment to help you make an informed decision.

Top 4 Best Air Source Heat Pumps in the UK Right Now

Based on MCS certifications, Energy Saving Trust data, and homeowner reviews, here are the top-rated brands in the UK:

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• Mitsubishi Ecodan
• Vaillant aroTHERM Plus
• Daikin Altherma 3
• Samsung EHS Monobloc

Choosing the best air source heat pump depends on your specific property type, your budget, and the level of efficiency you require. The UK market offers a range of high-performance models, each with different features, output levels, and installation requirements.

1. Mitsubishi Ecodan

• Best for: All-round efficiency and reliability.
• COP: Up to 4.5
• Noise level: ~45 dB
• Smart controls: Yes
• Warranty: Up to 7 years
• RRP: £6,000–£10,000 (excluding installation)

2. Vaillant aroTHERM Plus

• Best for: Quiet operation and compact size.
• SCOP: 4.6
• Quiet Mark certified: Yes
• R32 refrigerant: Lower GWP
• Warranty: 7 years
• RRP: £7,000–£11,000

3. Daikin Altherma 3

• Best for: Advanced smart features and hybrid systems.
• Smart thermostats: Compatible
• Grid balancing ready: Yes
• SCOP: 4.65
• RRP: £7,000–£12,000

4. Samsung EHS Monobloc

• Best for: Modern homes and commercial retrofits.
• All-in-one unit: Easier install
• Wi-Fi monitoring: Yes
• RRP: £5,500–£9,000

With so many high-performance options available, it’s important to find the right air source heat pump that matches your home, your goals, and your budget. Whether you prioritise quiet operation, smart controls, or energy efficiency, we’ve got a solution for you. 

Check out our full range of air source heat pumps to find the perfect fit for your property and start your journey toward greener, lower-cost heating.

How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost to Install in the UK?

Property Type Cost Range (Installed) Small Home (1–2 bed) £7,000–£9,500 Medium Home (3–4 bed) £9,500–£12,500 Large Property/Commercial £12,000–£20,000+

Installation costs vary based on:

• Existing heating system
• Home insulation and EPC rating
• Whether a hybrid or standalone system is used
• Location and installer rates

It is possible to install air source heat pumps yourself, but you must be a qualified professional with a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate.

If you’re considering making the switch to renewable heating, the best way to get an accurate idea of your installation cost is to request a tailored quote. 

At Future Heat, we’re MCS certified and proudly serve Newcastle and the North East. Let us handle the hard part. Request a free, no-obligation air source heat pump installation quote today and take the first step toward a warmer, more energy-efficient home.

Are Air Source Heat Pumps Worth It for UK Homeowners?

If you’re a homeowner looking for an alternative to gas or oil heating, an air source heat pump can be a game-changer. Not only do they help reduce monthly energy bills, but they also future-proof your home against government restrictions on fossil fuel boilers.

Here’s what you need to know about the value they can provide.

Homeowner benefits: Savings, grants & future-proofing

• Lower energy bills: Save up to £1,000 annually (Source: Energy Saving Trust)
• Zero VAT: Until March (gov.uk)
• Government grants: £7,500 via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
• Smart Export Guarantee: If combined with solar, you can sell excess electricity

Considerations

• Insulation matters—your home must be well-insulated to maximise efficiency.
• Radiator upgrades may be required for lower flow temperatures.
• Pairing with solar panels boosts ROI and sustainability.

What About Landlords: Do Heat Pumps Improve EPC Ratings?

With new energy efficiency regulations looming, landlords are under increasing pressure to improve the energy performance of their rental properties. Installing an air source heat pump is a powerful way to achieve a better EPC rating while also offering long-term savings and attracting environmentally conscious tenants.

EPC improvements with air source heat pumps

Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), rental properties must have an EPC rating of E or above. The government has proposed raising this to C by .

Installing a heat pump can increase your property’s EPC by 1–2 bands, helping landlords:

• Avoid future compliance fines
• Attract eco-conscious tenants
• Increase rental value

Landlords can also apply for Green Heat Network Fund support for multi-property upgrades.

Are Air Source Heat Pumps Suitable for Commercial Properties?

For commercial properties, energy efficiency and carbon reduction aren’t just environmental goals, they’re also good business. Air source heat pumps offer a viable path to lowering heating bills and achieving Net Zero targets across industries.

Here’s how businesses can benefit from integrating this technology.

Business case for heat pumps

Commercial air source heat pumps can significantly reduce operational energy costs, especially in sectors like hospitality, retail, warehousing, and education.

Benefits:

• Up to 350% efficiency
• Supports Net Zero carbon goals
• Lower maintenance than gas systems
• Eligible for 100% first-year capital allowance (via Annual Investment Allowance)

What to Consider Before Choosing the Best Air Source Heat Pump

Before investing in a heat pump, it’s crucial to evaluate your property’s heating needs and how well it supports heat pump technology. From system sizing to brand reputation and installer quality, many factors influence both performance and long-term savings.

Let’s look at the essential decision-making criteria.

Key buying factors

• COP (Coefficient of Performance): Higher = more efficient
• Noise levels: Important for residential areas
• Size of unit: Must suit available outdoor space
• Smart controls: For real-time efficiency monitoring
• Warranty & support: Look for long-term service packages

Installer tips

• Always use an MCS-certified installer
• Ensure the system is tailored to your specific property and heating demand
• Request a heat loss calculation before installation

Are There Any Government Incentives or Grants Available?

Yes, under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), you can receive:

• £7,500 grant for replacing a fossil fuel system with an air source heat pump
• Must be an owner-occupier or private landlord
• Property must meet minimum insulation standards and have an EPC

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our Verdict

Choosing the right heating system for your property is an important decision—one that impacts your energy bills, environmental footprint, and long-term comfort. Air source heat pumps have proven themselves to be a smart, sustainable alternative to traditional gas boilers, with financial incentives and government backing making them more accessible than ever.

For more Commercial Heat Pump Manufacturerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.