Design is what separates a comfortable, economical system from a disappointing one. Heat pumps run most efficiently at low flow temperatures, around 35–50°C, so the survey checks every room's heat loss against the radiator in it and sizes the unit to the whole house rather than to the old boiler's output. Weather compensation controls then adjust the water temperature to the weather outside, so the system runs gently for long periods instead of in short bursts.
In County Londonderry, cylinder space is planned with you, often in an airing cupboard, utility room or garage. For older properties in County Londonderry, the heat loss calculation looks closely at solid walls, single glazing and draughts before any unit is sized. Many homes in County Londonderry have a side passage or rear garden with room for an outdoor unit, and the survey checks airflow and distance from neighbouring windows.
Who it suits
- Houses with reasonable insulation, or a plan to improve it
- Homes replacing a gas, oil, LPG or electric heating system
- Owners who want one contract covering design, fitting and paperwork
- Households with room for a hot water cylinder
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland does not have a dedicated heat pump grant for homeowners at present, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not apply here. Heat pumps have sometimes been funded through the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme, so it is worth checking what is open when you enquire about a home in County Londonderry.
There is no VAT on installing a heat pump in Northern Ireland until 31 March 2027, the same as in Great Britain. Planning and building control here follow Northern Ireland's own rules, so the survey checks the unit position against them.
Air source heat pump installation prices in County Londonderry
The ranges below are typical installed prices for homes in County Londonderry, including VAT. A survey sets the exact figure, because two similar-looking houses in County Londonderry can need quite different radiators and pipework.
| Home | Typical size | Installed guide price |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat or small terrace | 4–5 kW | £9,200–£12,150 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £10,200–£13,100 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £11,650–£15,050 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £13,600–£17,450 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £16,000–£21,850 |
Installed, inc VAT: unit, cylinder, controls, minor pipework and commissioning. No dedicated heat pump grant currently applies in Northern Ireland.
Towns we cover in County Londonderry
We cover 7 towns in County Londonderry for air source heat pump installation. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Northern Ireland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derry/Londonderry | BT48 | Limavady | 7 h 10 min |
| Coleraine | BT52 | Portstewart | 7 h 08 min |
| Dungiven | BT47 | Limavady | 7 h 11 min |
| Limavady | BT49 | Dungiven | 7 h 09 min |
| Maghera | BT46 | Magherafelt | 7 h 12 min |
| Magherafelt | BT45 | Maghera | 7 h 13 min |
| Portstewart | BT55 | Coleraine | 7 h 08 min |
Air source heat pump installation questions
Can I cancel after accepting the quote?
Nothing is ordered until you accept the written quote. Where the contract is agreed away from our premises, for example at your kitchen table, you can cancel within 14 days under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. If you ask us to start sooner and then cancel, you pay only for work done up to that point.
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.
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.
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.