Not every replacement is about age. Some heat pumps were sized by rule of thumb, paired with radiators that are too small or set up without weather compensation, leaving homes cold or bills high. Replacing the unit alone will not fix those problems, so we start with a fresh heat loss survey and check the radiators, pipework, cylinder and controls.
Every replacement in Aberdeenshire and Moray starts with a fresh heat loss survey, not just a copy of the old unit's size. Homes in Aberdeenshire and Moray with a heat pump that never kept them warm can have the whole design checked before a new unit is chosen. Across Aberdeenshire and Moray and Aberdeenshire and Moray, old units are removed with their refrigerant recovered by an F-gas certified engineer.
Who it suits
- Systems that were undersized and struggle in cold weather
- Heat pumps nearing the end of their typical life with rising repair costs
- Older units where parts are becoming hard to source
- Oversized systems that short cycle and cost more to run than expected
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Scotland
In Scotland, heat pump funding comes through Home Energy Scotland rather than the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: a grant of up to £7,500 (up to £1,500 extra for eligible rural and island homes) and an optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500. For a home in Aberdeenshire and Moray, apply and receive the written offer before the installation date is fixed.
Heat pump replacement prices in Aberdeenshire and Moray
These are guide prices including VAT. The rate for your visit in Aberdeenshire and Moray is confirmed before we book it, and any repair is priced in writing before parts are ordered.
| Work | Installed guide price |
|---|---|
| Replacing an old outdoor unit like-for-like | £6,200–£9,800 |
| Full system replacement, 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | £10,800–£13,900 |
| Full system replacement, 3 bedroom semi or small detached | £12,350–£15,950 |
| Full system replacement, 4 bedroom detached | £14,400–£18,550 |
Installed, inc VAT. Grant funding rarely applies to replacing a heat pump, so these prices are shown without any deduction; we check eligibility at survey.
Towns we cover in Aberdeenshire and Moray
We cover 14 towns in Aberdeenshire and Moray for heat pump replacement. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Scotland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | AB11 | Portlethen | 6 h 40 min |
| Elgin | IV30 | Forres | 6 h 33 min |
| Peterhead | AB42 | Ellon | 6 h 35 min |
| Banchory | AB31 | Westhill | 6 h 42 min |
| Buckie | AB56 | Elgin | 6 h 32 min |
| Ellon | AB41 | Inverurie | 6 h 37 min |
| Forres | IV36 | Elgin | 6 h 33 min |
| Fraserburgh | AB43 | Peterhead | 6 h 32 min |
| Huntly | AB54 | Turriff | 6 h 36 min |
| Inverurie | AB51 | Westhill | 6 h 38 min |
| Portlethen | AB12 | Aberdeen | 6 h 42 min |
| Stonehaven | AB39 | Portlethen | 6 h 43 min |
| Turriff | AB53 | Huntly | 6 h 34 min |
| Westhill | AB32 | Aberdeen | 6 h 40 min |
Heat pump replacement questions
Can I replace just the outdoor unit?
Often, yes, if the rest of the system is sound and correctly designed. The cylinder, controls and radiators can stay where they are compatible with the new unit. Some older cylinders and controllers do not work with a new heat pump, and the survey checks this. If the original design was the problem, replacing only the unit will not fix it.
Can I get a grant to replace my heat pump?
Usually not. In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme cannot normally fund a home that has already been funded for a heat pump, and it is aimed at replacing fossil-fuel or electric heating. Your circumstances may differ, so we check eligibility before quoting. In Scotland, check Home Energy Scotland's criteria. Northern Ireland has no dedicated grant at present.
What happens to my old heat pump?
The old outdoor unit is removed and disposed of responsibly. Its refrigerant is recovered first, which must be done by an F-gas certified engineer, and metals and components are recycled where facilities allow. If the old cylinder or controls are replaced too, they are removed at the same time, and pipework that is no longer needed is capped or taken out.
How much does it cost to replace a heat pump?
Replacing an old outdoor unit like-for-like has a guide price of £6,000–£9,500, installed and including VAT. Re-sizing, a new cylinder, radiator upgrades or new controls add to that, and each is itemised in your written quote. The final price is fixed after a survey, once we know what the existing system needs.