A commercial heat pump installation is an air source system designed for a non-domestic or multi-unit building, such as an office, shop, surgery, small workshop or block of flats, where the heating load and hours of use are larger or more varied than in a single home. Rather than one unit, these systems often use several outdoor units working together, called a cascade, so output can step up and down with demand and one unit can be serviced while the others keep running.
On busy Derbyshire high streets, deliveries and crane lifts are scheduled around access restrictions and opening hours. Businesses across Derbyshire can arrange a site survey of premises in Derbyshire before any equipment is specified. Offices and shops in Derbyshire with a flat roof or rear yard often have space for outdoor plant, checked for structure and access.
Who it suits
- Landlords and managing agents planning low-carbon upgrades
- Buildings with roof or yard space for outdoor plant
- Offices, shops and small commercial premises replacing gas or oil boilers
- Blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation needing shared or per-flat systems
Grants and rules for heat pumps in England
Homes in Derbyshire 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.
There is no VAT on installing a heat pump anywhere in the UK until 31 March 2027. In England most houses can have an air source heat pump under permitted development, provided the unit meets the MCS noise and siting standards; the old 1 m boundary limit was removed on 29 May 2025. We flag listed buildings, flats and sensitive conservation-area positions at survey.
Prices
Commercial systems are priced after a site survey and load calculation.
Towns we cover in Derbyshire
We cover 16 towns in Derbyshire for commercial heat pump installation. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for England.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derby | DE1 | Belper | 7 h 34 min |
| Chesterfield | S41 | Staveley | 7 h 31 min |
| Long Eaton | NG10 | Ilkeston | 7 h 35 min |
| Ilkeston | DE7 | Heanor | 7 h 34 min |
| Swadlincote | DE11 | Ashby-de-la-Zouch | 7 h 36 min |
| Staveley | S43 | Chesterfield | 7 h 31 min |
| Belper | DE56 | Ripley | 7 h 33 min |
| Heanor | DE75 | Ripley | 7 h 33 min |
| Alfreton | DE55 | Ripley | 7 h 33 min |
| Dronfield | S18 | Chesterfield | 7 h 30 min |
| Ripley | DE5 | Heanor | 7 h 33 min |
| Buxton | SK17 | Bakewell | 7 h 31 min |
| Glossop | SK13 | Hyde | 7 h 29 min |
| Ashbourne | DE6 | Belper | 7 h 33 min |
| Bakewell | DE45 | Matlock | 7 h 31 min |
| Matlock | DE4 | Bakewell | 7 h 32 min |
Commercial heat pump installation questions
Can heat pumps go on a flat roof?
Yes, flat roofs are a common position for commercial plant. The roof needs a structural check for the weight of the units and their frames, and the installation usually needs a lifting plan, anti-vibration mounts, drainage for defrost water and safe access for maintenance. Pipe and cable routes from the roof into the building are planned at survey.
Can commercial heat pumps provide cooling as well?
Some can. Air-to-water heat pumps are mainly used for heating and hot water, but certain units can also supply chilled water for fan coil units. Air-to-air systems heat and cool directly through indoor units and suit offices and shops where cooling is wanted. The survey identifies which areas need cooling and recommends a system to match.
What is a cascaded heat pump system?
A cascaded system links two or more outdoor heat pump units to one controller, which runs as many units as demand needs. On mild days one unit might run; on cold days all of them. This keeps each unit working efficiently, spreads wear across the units and means heating can usually continue at reduced output if one unit needs repair or servicing.
How much does a commercial heat pump cost?
Commercial heat pumps are priced after a site survey, because cost depends on the building's heat load, the number and size of units, where the plant goes, access, and any changes to the heating system inside. We then give a written quote setting out the equipment, the programme and what is included. There is no reliable guide price for commercial work without seeing the building.