What to expect from an air source heat pump installation
12 April 2024 | OVO
It’s fairly straightforward replacing your gas boiler with a more energy efficient heating system like an air source heat pump. The installation can take a few days though, so it’s good to know what’s involved.
It’s important to use a skilled installer, who takes the time to understand your heating needs and home set up. It’ll mean you’ll get a properly thought-out system design, and a more efficient heat pump that runs on less energy.
OVO and Heat Geek
Because of their quality installations, OVO is working with Heat Geek. Their nationwide network of award-winning installers have all had intensive training. And heat pumps fitted by Heat Geek are around 50% more efficient than the UK average.1 A more efficient heat pump means lower heating bills – so Heat Geek customers could save around to £180 on heating every year!2
Find out more about getting a heat pump installed by OVO.
It’s also good to know there’s no one size fits all heat pump journey. The UK’s homes vary a lot, but here’s an idea of what your heat pump installation could involve. Your home’s size, age, layout, and condition will all play a part.
What your heat pump journey could look like
1. Design consultation or survey
Your installer will usually visit your home first. They’ll look at things like where heat escapes from your home, your radiator and pipework set up, and outdoor space. With this information, they’ll give you a proposal and quote that’s tailored to your home. This’ll include the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, if you’re eligible. If you get your heat pump through OVO, your Heat Geek installer will apply for the grant on your behalf.
There might be some back and forth at this stage to make sure you’re happy with everything. The proposal should also include a forecast of how efficient your heat pump will be.
2. Pre-installation
To prepare for the installation, some kit might arrive at your home. This’ll make it easier for your installer to get started. If you’re having radiators or pipes replaced, you might want to make them accessible ahead of time by moving furniture.
3. Installation
- The first couple of days of your installation might involve fitting new pipework and replacing your hot water cylinder. Usually installers try to switch the cylinder as quickly as possible, to cut the amount of time you’re without hot water.
- Days 3–4 will usually involve installing the heat pump itself, plus the pipes and pumps that connect the system. If new radiators are needed, they’re usually fitted at this point too.
- The last day of your install will involve the installer commissioning your heat pump system. This usually includes them taking you through the set up, and showing you how to control your home’s temperature.
How long does it take to install a heat pump?
Most installs will take less than a week, and once it’s done you’ll get greener heating for a long time to come.
How long do heat pumps last?
Heat pumps have an average lifespan of 20–25 years. In comparison, a gas boiler can last up to 15 years. Once the basic pipework has been installed, replacing a heat pump unit itself is fairly straightforward.
Interested in saying goodbye to gas? Get your heat pump through OVO.
You can now get your heat pump installed through our exclusive partnership with Heat Geek. You’ll also unlock our free add-on, Heat Pump Plus, which gives you a better electricity rate for powering your heat pump. It means you can save up to £150 a year on your heating bills compared to a gas boiler.3
And if you have any more queries about air source heat pumps, why not head to the OVO Forum? The Forum is where our community comes together to share their firsthand experiences of living with tech. There are tonnes of discussions about every aspect of heat pumps, so why not get involved and join the conversation?
Sources and references:
1 Based on Heat Geek’s average SCOP of 4.2 versus the UK average SCOP of 2.8.
2 Savings of £182 are based on a customer with a UK average SCOP of 2.8 on a standard variable tariff with OVO’s Heat Pump Plus add-on and a heating bill of £547, versus a Heat Geek customer with a SCOP of 4.2 on a standard variable tariff with OVO’s Heat Pump Plus add-on with a heating bill of £364. Rates correct as of July 2024.
3 Savings of £150 are based on the following comparison: a gas boiler running at 90% efficiency (as per the national average for A-rated boilers) with an annual consumption of 11,500 kWh at 5.21p/kWh, and 77% of consumption used for heating and hot water, versus an air source heat pump with a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (or efficiency rating) of 4 and an annual consumption of 1,992 kWh at 15p/kWh with the Heat Pump Plus add-on.