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.
For blocks of flats in Northamptonshire, we assess whether individual units or a communal system suits the building and how it is managed. Businesses across Northamptonshire can arrange a site survey of premises in Northamptonshire before any equipment is specified. Landlords and managing agents in Northamptonshire can phase the work to keep tenants and staff comfortable during the switchover.
Who it suits
- Premises that also want cooling in some areas
- Offices, shops and small commercial premises replacing gas or oil boilers
- Landlords and managing agents planning low-carbon upgrades
- Buildings with roof or yard space for outdoor plant
Grants and rules for heat pumps in England
In England the Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 towards an air source heat pump (£9,000 if it replaces oil or LPG, from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027), and since 28 April 2026 a valid EPC is no longer needed. The grant is applied for by the MCS-certified installer and shown as a deduction on your quote.
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 Northamptonshire
We cover 10 towns in Northamptonshire for commercial heat pump installation. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for England.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton | NN1 | Wellingborough | 7 h 42 min |
| Corby | NN17 | Desborough | 7 h 39 min |
| Kettering | NN16 | Desborough | 7 h 40 min |
| Wellingborough | NN8 | Rushden | 7 h 41 min |
| Rushden | NN10 | Wellingborough | 7 h 41 min |
| Daventry | NN11 | Towcester | 7 h 42 min |
| Brackley | NN13 | Towcester | 7 h 44 min |
| Desborough | LE16 | Kettering | 7 h 40 min |
| Oundle | PE8 | Corby | 7 h 39 min |
| Towcester | NN12 | Northampton | 7 h 43 min |
Commercial heat pump installation questions
Are there grants for commercial heat pumps?
It depends on the building, its size and use, who owns it and which nation it is in, and the rules differ from those for homes. We check at survey whether any scheme applies to your building in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, and we do not include a grant in the quote unless eligibility has been confirmed.
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.
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.