Homes across Dorset — in Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and Christchurch and beyond — can book a survey for an air source heat pump. Prices below are guide ranges for Dorset, installed and including VAT.
Towns we cover in Dorset
Heat pump services in Dorset
Grants and rules for heat pumps in England
Homes in Dorset can use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which takes £7,500 off the cost of an air source heat pump when it replaces fossil-fuel or electric heating. Replacing oil or LPG heating qualifies for £9,000 for installations from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, and air-to-air systems for £2,500. The MCS-certified installer named in your quote applies for the grant and deducts it from the price.
Installing heat pumps is zero-rated for VAT across the UK until 31 March 2027. Since 29 May 2025, permitted development in England allows up to two air source heat pumps on a house, each up to 1.5 m³, with no blanket 1 m boundary rule — the installation must still meet the MCS planning standards, including the noise check. Listed buildings, flats and some conservation-area positions need extra consent, which we check at survey.
Guide prices in Dorset
| Home | Typical size | Installed guide price | After £7,500 grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat or small terrace | 4–5 kW | £9,600–£12,650 | £2,100–£5,150 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £10,600–£13,650 | £3,100–£6,150 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £12,100–£15,650 | £4,600–£8,150 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £14,150–£18,200 | £6,650–£10,700 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £16,650–£22,750 | £9,150–£15,250 |
Installed, inc VAT: unit, cylinder, controls, minor pipework and commissioning.
Questions
Do I need planning permission for a heat pump in England?
In England, an air source heat pump on a house usually does not need planning permission, because it counts as permitted development if it meets set conditions. Since 29 May 2025, permitted development allows up to two air source heat pumps on a house, each outdoor unit up to 1.5 m³, and the old rule requiring permission within 1 m of a boundary has been removed. The installation must still meet the MCS planning standards, including the noise assessment. Flats, listed buildings and some positions may need permission, which we check at survey.
Does my home need to be well insulated before I get a heat pump?
Your home does not need to be perfectly insulated, but insulation affects the size of heat pump you need and how much it costs to run. A room-by-room heat loss calculation shows where heat escapes, and the system is sized to match. Simple measures such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and draught-proofing can lower heat loss. We point out worthwhile improvements at survey, so you can decide whether to do them first.
Does an air source heat pump need servicing?
Yes, annual servicing is recommended for an air source heat pump and is often a condition of the manufacturer warranty. A service checks the outdoor unit and coil, filters, system pressure, expansion vessel, anti-freeze protection, controls and performance, and cleans what needs it. Servicing is a paid visit, with a guide price of £120–£250, including VAT. Refrigerant work on split systems must be done by an F-gas certified engineer. See heat pump servicing.
What happens at the home survey?
The home survey is a visit to measure your home room by room and calculate its heat loss, which sets the size of heat pump and radiators you need. We also look at your existing radiators and pipework, where the cylinder and outdoor unit can go, your electricity supply and the position of neighbouring homes for the noise check. Afterwards you receive a written quote with the system design and price. See heat loss surveys.