Air source heat pump installation is the full job of replacing your heating with an air-to-water system: a survey and room-by-room heat loss calculation, the outdoor unit, a hot water cylinder, controls, any radiator or pipework changes, commissioning and registration. A heat pump takes heat from the outside air using a refrigerant cycle and delivers it to your radiators or underfloor heating and to a cylinder of stored hot water. In a well-designed system it typically produces about 3–4 units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses.
For older properties in Argyll and Bute, the heat loss calculation looks closely at solid walls, single glazing and draughts before any unit is sized. Installers working in Argyll and Bute plan the order of work so heating and hot water are off for as short a time as practical. In Argyll and Bute, cylinder space is planned with you, often in an airing cupboard, utility room or garage.
Who it suits
- Houses with reasonable insulation, or a plan to improve it
- Households with room for a hot water cylinder
- Homes replacing a gas, oil, LPG or electric heating system
- Owners who want one contract covering design, fitting and paperwork
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Scotland
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not apply in Scotland. Instead, homeowners in Argyll and Bute can apply to Home Energy Scotland for a grant of up to £7,500 towards a heat pump, with up to £1,500 more for eligible rural and island homes, plus an optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500. You need a written funding offer before any work starts.
There is no VAT on installing a heat pump anywhere in the UK, Scotland included, until 31 March 2027. Scottish permitted development rules and building standards apply, and the surveyor checks the unit position and any listed or conservation-area constraints.
Air source heat pump installation prices in Argyll and Bute
Here are typical prices for air source heat pump installation in Argyll and Bute, installed and including VAT. Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your home, then a survey confirms it in writing.
| Home | Typical size | Installed guide price |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat or small terrace | 4–5 kW | £10,250–£13,500 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £11,350–£14,600 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £12,950–£16,750 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £15,100–£19,450 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £17,800–£24,300 |
Installed, inc VAT: unit, cylinder, controls, minor pipework and commissioning. In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland grants of up to £7,500 and interest-free loans may reduce the cost.
Towns we cover in Argyll and Bute
We cover 6 towns in Argyll and Bute for air source heat pump installation. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Scotland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campbeltown | PA28 | Girvan | 7 h 04 min |
| Dunoon | PA23 | Gourock | 6 h 57 min |
| Helensburgh | G84 | Greenock | 6 h 57 min |
| Lochgilphead | PA31 | Dunoon | 6 h 56 min |
| Oban | PA34 | Lochgilphead | 6 h 51 min |
| Rothesay | PA20 | – | 6 h 59 min |
Air source heat pump installation questions
Do I need new radiators for a heat pump?
Not always; many homes keep most of their radiators and change only a few. Because a heat pump runs at a lower water temperature than a boiler, each radiator gives out less heat, so the survey checks every room against its heat loss. Rooms where the existing radiator falls short get a larger one, with a guide price of £250–£450 each, installed and including VAT.
What grants can I get for a heat pump?
It depends on where you live. In England and Wales the Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air-to-water heat pump, which the installer claims and deducts from your quote. In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland offers a grant of up to £7,500, with up to £1,500 more for eligible rural and island homes, but you need a written funding offer before work starts. Northern Ireland has no dedicated homeowner heat pump grant at present.
How long does an air source heat pump installation take?
A typical home installation takes 2–4 days on site. It takes longer if several radiators are being replaced, pipework is being upgraded or the cylinder is going in a new location. Your quote sets out the expected programme, including when you will be without heating and hot water. Timings are typical rather than fixed, because older homes sometimes reveal surprises once floorboards are lifted.
Will an air source heat pump be noisy?
Heat pumps are designed to run quietly, but where the unit sits makes a real difference. The survey looks for a position away from bedroom windows and neighbours, with clear airflow, and the installation must pass the MCS noise assessment. The fan is most noticeable on very cold days when the unit works hardest, and a little vapour during the periodic defrost is normal.