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.
New outdoor units in Tyne and Wear may differ in size from the old one, so the base and position are checked at survey. Across Tyne and Wear and Tyne and Wear, old units are removed with their refrigerant recovered by an F-gas certified engineer. Every replacement in Tyne and Wear starts with a fresh heat loss survey, not just a copy of the old unit's size.
Who it suits
- 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
- Systems that were undersized and struggle in cold weather
- Heat pumps nearing the end of their typical life with rising repair costs
Grants and rules for heat pumps in England
Homes in Tyne and Wear can use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which takes £7,500 off the cost of an air source heat pump when it replaces fossil-fuel or electric heating. Replacing oil or LPG heating qualifies for £9,000 for installations from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, and air-to-air systems for £2,500. The MCS-certified installer named in your quote applies for the grant and deducts it from the price.
Heat pump replacement prices in Tyne and Wear
Guide prices for Tyne and Wear, 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 | £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 Tyne and Wear
We cover 10 towns in Tyne and Wear for heat pump replacement. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for England.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle upon Tyne | NE1 | Wallsend | 7 h 10 min |
| Sunderland | SR1 | Washington | 7 h 11 min |
| South Shields | NE33 | Tynemouth | 7 h 10 min |
| Washington | NE38 | Houghton-le-Spring | 7 h 11 min |
| Tynemouth | NE30 | South Shields | 7 h 10 min |
| Wallsend | NE28 | Jarrow | 7 h 10 min |
| Newburn | NE15 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 7 h 10 min |
| Whitley Bay | NE26 | Tynemouth | 7 h 09 min |
| Houghton-le-Spring | DH4 | Washington | 7 h 12 min |
| Jarrow | NE32 | Wallsend | 7 h 10 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.
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.
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.
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.