Complete Guide to Air Source Heat Pumps & BUS Scheme
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Ready to Switch to a Heat Pump?
Get your free, no-obligation heat pump survey with LAMTANS Engineering. We'll assess your property, check your BUS grant and confirm your options within 72 hours following your free survey.
LAMTANS Engineering · 1023 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 2TB · +44 161 388 2037 · lamtansengineering.com · Manchester-based, serving homeowners across the UK
What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) extracts heat from the outside air — even at temperatures as low as −15°C — and uses it to warm your home and hot water. It works like a refrigerator in reverse: a fridge takes heat from inside and releases it outside; a heat pump takes heat from outside and releases it inside.
How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost?
Costs are estimates based on MCS-certified installer data (June 2026) and vary by property. Your exact price is confirmed in a fixed-price written quotation after a free survey.
Standard property (mains gas)
| System Size | Property Type | Cost Before Grant | Your Cost After £7,500 Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW | 1–2 bed flat/terrace | £7,000–£9,000 | £0–£1,500 |
| 8kW | 3 bed semi | £8,000–£11,000 | £500–£3,500 |
| 12kW | 4+ bed detached | £10,000–£13,000 | £2,500–£5,500 |
Off-gas property (oil or LPG) — higher £9,000 grant
| System Size | Property Type | Cost Before Grant | Your Cost After £9,000 Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8kW | 3 bed semi | £8,000–£11,000 | £0–£2,000 |
| 12kW | 4+ bed detached | £10,000–£13,000 | £1,000–£4,000 |
The BUS Scheme — £7,500 Heat Pump Grant
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants towards air source heat pump installation in England and Wales.
Eligibility
- You own your home (or are a small business owner)
- Your property is in England or Wales
- You are replacing a fossil-fuel heating system (gas, oil, LPG or electric)
- Your property has a valid EPC with no outstanding insulation recommendations (or insulation already installed)
How it works
The grant is applied as an upfront discount. We deduct the grant from your quote and claim it directly from Ofgem — you don't need to claim the money back. There's no income limit; the BUS Scheme is open to all eligible homeowners.
Is Your Home Suitable for a Heat Pump?
Most UK homes are suitable for an air source heat pump. Insulation, your existing heating system and available space all influence the design, but homes of almost any age can benefit when correctly specified.
Heat pumps work best in energy-efficient homes — loft and wall insulation should be at adequate levels.
Heat pumps run at lower temperatures than gas boilers, so radiators may need to be larger (or you use underfloor heating).
The unit needs airflow; it's typically similar in size to an air-conditioning unit.
Heat pumps need a cylinder (unlike combi boilers) — if you have space for one, you're fine.
Heat pumps work in homes of all ages when properly designed; older homes may need insulation upgrades first.
Heat Pump Installation Process
Delivered by an MCS Certified installer, LAMTANS Engineering manages every stage — including your Boiler Upgrade Scheme application — for a smooth installation.
We discuss your heating needs and check BUS Scheme eligibility.
We assess your property, insulation levels, radiator sizes and space for the outdoor unit and cylinder.
We design a heat pump system tailored to your home.
We provide a fixed-price quote showing your cost after grant, then apply for the BUS voucher on your behalf.
We install the outdoor unit and indoor cylinder and connect to your heating system.
We test the system, show you how to use it and provide all certification.
We're on hand for any questions after installation.
Heat Pump Running Costs vs a Gas Boiler
Actual running costs depend on your home's insulation, heating demand and electricity tariff. Air source heat pumps are typically cheaper to run than oil, LPG and electric heating — and with the right tariff can compete with, or cost less than, a mains gas boiler.
| Heating system | Typical annual running cost (3-bed semi) |
|---|---|
| Gas boiler | £800–£1,000 |
| Oil boiler | £1,200–£1,600 |
| LPG boiler | £1,500–£2,000 |
| Electric storage heaters | £1,800–£2,500 |
| Air source heat pump (standard tariff) | £700–£900 |
| Air source heat pump (Economy 7 / EV tariff) | £500–£700 |
Heat Pump Noise Levels — What to Expect
Are air source heat pumps noisy? No. Modern units are designed to run quietly, with typical sound levels of 40–55 decibels (dB) at one metre — similar to everyday household sounds.
Typical noise levels
- A refrigerator hum — around 40 dB
- Moderate rainfall — around 50 dB
- A quiet conversation — around 55 dB
Why Choose LAMTANS for Your Heat Pump?
Choosing the right installer matters as much as choosing the right system. LAMTANS Engineering is a Manchester-based retrofit specialist serving homeowners across the UK, with complete support through the Heat Pump and BUS Scheme.
- MCS Certified air source heat pump installer
- RECC Accredited for consumer protection and industry best practice
- TrustMark Registered and PAS 2030/2035 Compliant
- Fully industry accredited across recognised UK schemes
- Complete BUS Scheme support, including eligibility checks and grant application
- End-to-end service — survey, design, installation, commissioning and aftercare
- Free, no-obligation home surveys and fixed-price quotations
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a heat pump work in an old home?
Yes, but your home should be adequately insulated first. Heat pumps work best with good insulation and larger radiators or underfloor heating. We assess your property during the free survey.
Can I keep my gas boiler as a backup?
Yes — hybrid heat pumps combine a heat pump with a gas boiler. The heat pump runs most of the time; the boiler kicks in during very cold weather. The BUS Scheme covers hybrid systems in some cases.
Do I need planning permission for a heat pump?
Most heat pumps are permitted development. You may need permission if your property is listed or in a conservation area — we advise you during the survey.
How long does a heat pump last?
Typically 15–20 years, compared with 10–15 years for a gas boiler.
What maintenance does a heat pump need?
An annual service, similar to a boiler. We offer maintenance packages.
Is LAMTANS MCS accredited?
Yes. LAMTANS Engineering is MCS Certified, RECC Accredited, TrustMark Registered and PAS 2030/2035 Compliant, and is fully industry accredited — so every installation meets recognised UK standards.
Spread the cost of this work with 0% APR finance
Insulation, solar, heat pumps, boilers, windows and doors, kitchens, bathrooms, extensions and full renovations. Finance available through our partner Ideal4Finance: 0% APR over 3 to 60 months, or 10.9% APR over 120 months. A deposit might be payable, and we will agree this before you begin your application.
Representative example: £5,000 purchase over 5 years with a 25% deposit (£1,250); total credit £3,750; 0% APR fixed; 60 monthly repayments of £62.50; total amount payable £3,750; total interest £0. Finance available subject to status.
Ready to Switch to a Heat Pump?
Get your free, no-obligation heat pump survey with LAMTANS Engineering. We'll assess your property, check your BUS grant and confirm your options within 72 hours following your free survey.
LAMTANS Engineering · 1023 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 2TB · +44 161 388 2037 · lamtansengineering.com · Manchester-based, serving homeowners across the UK