Heat pumps are rapidly becoming the UK’s first-choice low-carbon heating solution — and for good reason. Unlike a gas boiler, which burns fuel to create heat, a heat pump extracts warmth already present in the outside air, the ground,or a nearby water source, and transfers it efficiently into your home. The result is a heating system that delivers three to five units of thermal energy for every single unit of electricity it consumes — a level of efficiency no combustion boiler can come close to matching.
At Solar Briton, we supply air source heat pumps (ASHP), ground source heat pumps (GSHP), and hybrid heat pump systems suitable for a wide range of UK property types, from modern new builds to older rural farmhouses. All installations must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer to access available grant funding.
The UK Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) currently provides £7,500 per property toward the installed cost of an eligible air source or ground source heat pump in England and Wales. Extended to 2030 under the Government’s Warm Homes Plan, this is the single most valuable home energy grant currently available to UK homeowners — and Solar Briton can connect you with MCS-certified local installers
to ensure you access it in full.
Heat pumps work particularly well alongside underfloor heating, modern low-delta-T radiators, and solar panel systems. When paired with rooftop solar, a heat pump can run largely on self-generated electricity — dramatically cutting annual heating costs and accelerating your path to net-zero living. Modern units operate in UK outdoor temperatures as low as -20°C, making them genuinely year-round performers.
Whether you are replacing an ageing gas boiler, planning a new-build heating system, or looking to integrate renewable heating with your solar setup, Solar Briton’s heat pump range delivers an efficient, future-proofed solution backed by long-term manufacturer warranties.
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– Most Popular Choice
Installed Cost: £7,000 – £13,000 (before BUS grant)
After £7,500 BUS Grant: From approx. £500 – £5,500 net cost
COP (Efficiency): 3.5 – 3.9 (real-world UK average, HeatPumpMonitor.org 2026)
Lifespan: 15 – 20 years
Operating Range: Works in temperatures as low as -20°C
Best For: Most UK homes replacing a gas boiler; new builds
VAT: 0% on qualifying installations
Highest Efficiency
Installed Cost: £18,000 – £35,000 (before BUS grant)
After £7,500 BUS Grant: From approx. £10,500 – £27,500 net cost
COP (Efficiency): 4.0 – 5.0 (superior to air source year-round)
Lifespan: 20 – 25+ years (ground loop: 25+ years)
Running Costs: 20 – 30% cheaper to operate annually vs air source
Best For: Rural homes with sufficient garden for trenches or boreholes
Grant: BUS grant (£7,500) fully applicable
– Ideal for Older Properties
Installed Cost: £9,000 – £18,000 (system dependent)
How It Works: Pairs an ASHP with an existing gas boiler; automatically selects the most efficient heat source
Best For: Older, harder-to-insulate properties; pre-upgrade homes
Grant Status: Not eligible for BUS grant (due to retained gas boiler)
Benefit: Lower upfront cost; reduces gas consumption by 30–60%
Note: Ideal bridge solution while full electrification is planned
Updated July 2026 · UK Guide Heat Pumps in the UK: Costs, Grants & Is It Actually Worth It? Everything you need to make a smart decision — the real numbers on installation costs, the £7,500 grant you probably qualify for, whether your home is ready, and honest running cost comparisons with a gas boiler….