Heat pump replacement means removing an existing outdoor unit, and sometimes the cylinder and controls, and fitting a new heat pump sized and set up for the home as it is now. Air source heat pumps typically last 15–20 years, so systems fitted when the technology was newer to UK homes are reaching the point where repairs become harder to justify.
Some of the earlier heat pumps in the Scottish Borders are now reaching the age where replacement is worth considering. Every replacement in the Scottish Borders starts with a fresh heat loss survey, not just a copy of the old unit's size. New outdoor units in the Scottish Borders may differ in size from the old one, so the base and position are checked at survey.
Who it suits
- Older units where parts are becoming hard to source
- Heat pumps nearing the end of their typical life with rising repair costs
- Oversized systems that short cycle and cost more to run than expected
- Units that have failed with a major fault, such as a compressor failure
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 the Scottish Borders, apply and receive the written offer before the installation date is fixed.
Heat pump replacement prices in the Scottish Borders
Guide prices for the Scottish Borders, including VAT. We agree the visit rate before anyone attends, so there are no surprises on the day.
| 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 the Scottish Borders
We cover 8 towns in the Scottish Borders for heat pump replacement. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Scotland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duns | TD11 | Eyemouth | 7 h 00 min |
| Eyemouth | TD14 | Duns | 6 h 58 min |
| Galashiels | TD1 | Selkirk | 7 h 02 min |
| Hawick | TD9 | Selkirk | 7 h 04 min |
| Jedburgh | TD8 | Kelso | 7 h 04 min |
| Kelso | TD5 | Jedburgh | 7 h 02 min |
| Peebles | EH45 | Penicuik | 7 h 01 min |
| Selkirk | TD7 | Galashiels | 7 h 03 min |
Heat pump replacement questions
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.
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.
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.