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 County Antrim starts with a fresh heat loss survey, not just a copy of the old unit's size. New outdoor units in County Antrim may differ in size from the old one, so the base and position are checked at survey. We replace heat pumps in County Antrim whoever fitted the original system, including monobloc and split units.
Who it suits
- Units that have failed with a major fault, such as a compressor failure
- Systems that were undersized and struggle in cold weather
- Older units where parts are becoming hard to source
- Heat pumps nearing the end of their typical life with rising repair costs
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 Antrim.
Heat pump replacement prices in County Antrim
These are guide prices including VAT. The rate for your visit in County Antrim 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 | £5,800–£9,200 |
| Full system replacement, 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | £10,200–£13,100 |
| Full system replacement, 3 bedroom semi or small detached | £11,650–£15,050 |
| Full system replacement, 4 bedroom detached | £13,600–£17,450 |
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 County Antrim
We cover 11 towns in County Antrim for heat pump replacement. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Northern Ireland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | BT1 | Newtownabbey | 7 h 15 min |
| Lisburn | BT27 | Belfast | 7 h 16 min |
| Newtownabbey | BT37 | Belfast | 7 h 14 min |
| Carrickfergus | BT38 | Newtownabbey | 7 h 13 min |
| Ballymena | BT42 | Antrim | 7 h 12 min |
| Antrim | BT41 | Ballyclare | 7 h 13 min |
| Larne | BT40 | Carrickfergus | 7 h 12 min |
| Ballycastle | BT54 | Ballymoney | 7 h 07 min |
| Ballyclare | BT39 | Antrim | 7 h 13 min |
| Ballymoney | BT53 | Coleraine | 7 h 09 min |
| Portrush | BT56 | Portstewart | 7 h 07 min |
Heat pump replacement questions
How long does an air source heat pump last?
Air source heat pumps typically last 15–20 years, depending on the quality of the original design, how hard the unit has worked, where it is sited and how well it has been serviced. Units that short cycle or run at high flow temperatures for years may wear sooner. Annual servicing helps components last and spots problems early.
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.
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.
Will a new heat pump fit where the old one was?
Sometimes. A new unit may be a different size, weight or shape and may have different clearance requirements, so the existing base and position are checked at survey. The MCS noise assessment is carried out for the new unit, and a different position may be suggested if it improves performance or reduces sound at neighbouring windows.