A split system heat pump is an air-to-water heat pump in two parts: an outdoor unit that collects heat from the air, and an indoor unit called a hydrobox where that heat is passed into the water for your heating and hot water. The two are connected by insulated refrigerant pipes rather than water pipes, so there is no water outside to freeze.
Properties on exposed sites around County Fermanagh can avoid outdoor water pipes altogether with a split system. In County Fermanagh homes where the clearest unit position is away from the plant cupboard, a split system allows a longer route indoors. In County Fermanagh, a hydrobox often goes in an utility room or garage, with the cylinder alongside.
Who it suits
- Owners who would rather not use glycol or anti-freeze valves
- Homes where the outdoor unit must sit some distance from the plant space
- Exposed or frost-prone sites where outdoor water pipes would be a risk
- Houses with indoor wall space for a boiler-sized hydrobox
Grants and rules for heat pumps in Northern Ireland
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales only, and there is currently no dedicated heat pump grant for homeowners in Northern Ireland. Our quote for a home in County Fermanagh is therefore shown without a grant deduction; if support becomes available we will tell you how it applies.
There is no VAT on installing a heat pump in Northern Ireland until 31 March 2027, the same as in Great Britain. Planning and building control here follow Northern Ireland's own rules, so the survey checks the unit position against them.
Split system heat pumps prices in County Fermanagh
These are guide prices for County Fermanagh, installed and including VAT. Your final price is fixed in a written quote after the survey and depends on the heat loss of the house, the radiators that need changing and where the unit goes.
| Home | Typical size | Installed guide price |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat or small terrace | 4–5 kW | £9,300–£12,250 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £10,300–£13,250 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £11,750–£15,200 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £13,700–£17,650 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £16,150–£22,050 |
Installed, inc VAT: unit, cylinder, controls, minor pipework and commissioning. No dedicated heat pump grant currently applies in Northern Ireland.
Towns we cover in County Fermanagh
We cover 3 towns in County Fermanagh for split system heat pumps. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for Northern Ireland.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enniskillen | BT74 | Irvinestown | 7 h 18 min |
| Irvinestown | BT94 | Enniskillen | 7 h 16 min |
| Lisnaskea | BT92 | Enniskillen | 7 h 19 min |
Split system heat pumps questions
Can a split system replace my combi boiler?
Yes, but like any air-to-water heat pump it needs a hot water cylinder, because it does not heat water instantly. The hydrobox can sometimes go where the combi was, with the cylinder in a cupboard, utility room or garage. Integrated units combining both are useful where one larger space is available. The survey checks what fits before the design is finalised.
How far apart can the outdoor unit and hydrobox be?
It depends on the model: each manufacturer sets a maximum refrigerant pipe length and height difference, and longer runs may need extra refrigerant. In practice a split system allows more flexibility than a monobloc's water pipes, so the outdoor unit can often sit on the far side of a house, on a flat roof or round a corner. The survey measures the actual route.
Do I need an F-gas engineer for a split heat pump?
Yes. Split systems usually use a fluorinated refrigerant such as R32, so installing, servicing or repairing the refrigerant circuit must by law be done by an F-gas certified engineer. That covers joining the refrigerant pipes, testing them for leaks and charging the system. Your quote sets out who carries out each part of the installation, including the refrigerant work.
Is a split system eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Yes. A split air-to-water heat pump counts as an air source heat pump under the scheme, so in England and Wales eligible owners of existing homes can receive £7,500, or £9,000 when replacing oil or LPG within the published dates. The MCS-certified installer applies for you. Scotland's Home Energy Scotland funding is separate, and Northern Ireland has no dedicated homeowner grant at present.