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.
Across Dumfries and Galloway and Dumfries and Galloway, old units are removed with their refrigerant recovered by an F-gas certified engineer. New outdoor units in Dumfries and Galloway may differ in size from the old one, so the base and position are checked at survey. Every replacement in Dumfries and Galloway starts with a fresh heat loss survey, not just a copy of the old unit's size.
Who it suits
- Older units where parts are becoming hard to source
- Units that have failed with a major fault, such as a compressor failure
- Oversized systems that short cycle and cost more to run than expected
- Systems that were undersized and struggle in cold weather
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 Dumfries and Galloway, apply and receive the written offer before the installation date is fixed.
Heat pump replacement prices in Dumfries and Galloway
These are guide prices including VAT. The rate for your visit in Dumfries and Galloway 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 | £6,100–£9,700 |
| Full system replacement, 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | £10,700–£13,750 |
| Full system replacement, 3 bedroom semi or small detached | £12,250–£15,800 |
| Full system replacement, 4 bedroom detached | £14,300–£18,350 |
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 Dumfries and Galloway
We cover 8 towns in Dumfries and Galloway for heat pump replacement. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Scotland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dumfries | DG1 | Lockerbie | 7 h 09 min |
| Annan | DG12 | Lockerbie | 7 h 10 min |
| Castle Douglas | DG7 | Dalbeattie | 7 h 11 min |
| Dalbeattie | DG5 | Castle Douglas | 7 h 11 min |
| Kirkcudbright | DG6 | Castle Douglas | 7 h 12 min |
| Lockerbie | DG11 | Annan | 7 h 08 min |
| Newton Stewart | DG8 | Kirkcudbright | 7 h 10 min |
| Stranraer | DG9 | Newton Stewart | 7 h 11 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.
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.
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.
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.