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.
In County Tyrone homes where the clearest unit position is away from the plant cupboard, a split system allows a longer route indoors. In County Tyrone, a hydrobox often goes in an utility room or garage, with the cylinder alongside. Properties on exposed sites around County Tyrone can avoid outdoor water pipes altogether with a split system.
Who it suits
- Exposed or frost-prone sites where outdoor water pipes would be a risk
- Homes where the outdoor unit must sit some distance from the plant space
- Small yards, roofs or balconies that suit a more compact outdoor unit
- Owners who would rather not use glycol or anti-freeze valves
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 Tyrone is therefore shown without a grant deduction; if support becomes available we will tell you how it applies.
Installing heat pumps has been zero-rated for VAT in Northern Ireland since 1 May 2023, in line with the rest of the UK, until 31 March 2027. Northern Ireland has its own permitted development rules and building regulations, and we confirm what applies to your property at survey.
Split system heat pumps prices in County Tyrone
The ranges below are typical installed prices for homes in County Tyrone, including VAT. A survey sets the exact figure, because two similar-looking houses in County Tyrone can need quite different radiators and pipework.
| Home | Typical size | Installed guide price |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat or small terrace | 4–5 kW | £9,200–£12,150 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £10,200–£13,100 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £11,650–£15,050 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £13,600–£17,450 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £16,000–£21,850 |
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 Tyrone
We cover 6 towns in County Tyrone 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omagh | BT78 | Fivemiletown | 7 h 15 min |
| Coalisland | BT71 | Dungannon | 7 h 16 min |
| Cookstown | BT80 | Coalisland | 7 h 14 min |
| Dungannon | BT71 | Coalisland | 7 h 16 min |
| Fivemiletown | BT75 | Lisnaskea | 7 h 18 min |
| Strabane | BT82 | Derry/Londonderry | 7 h 12 min |
Split system heat pumps questions
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.
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.
Is a split system more efficient than a monobloc?
Not inherently. Efficiency depends far more on design, meaning correct sizing, low flow temperatures and good controls, than on whether the unit is split or monobloc. A split system can avoid the heat loss and glycol of a long outdoor water run, which helps in certain layouts. The survey estimates seasonal efficiency for the specific units proposed, so you can compare like for like.
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.