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 Staffordshire can avoid outdoor water pipes altogether with a split system. In Staffordshire, a hydrobox often goes in an utility room or garage, with the cylinder alongside. Flats and terraces in Staffordshire with a small yard or flat roof can suit a compact split outdoor unit.
Who it suits
- Houses with indoor wall space for a boiler-sized hydrobox
- 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
- Owners who would rather not use glycol or anti-freeze valves
Grants and rules for heat pumps in England
Homes in Staffordshire 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.
Installing heat pumps is zero-rated for VAT across the UK until 31 March 2027. Since 29 May 2025, permitted development in England allows up to two air source heat pumps on a house, each up to 1.5 m³, with no blanket 1 m boundary rule — the installation must still meet the MCS planning standards, including the noise check. Listed buildings, flats and some conservation-area positions need extra consent, which we check at survey.
Split system heat pumps prices in Staffordshire
The ranges below are typical installed prices for homes in Staffordshire, including VAT. A survey sets the exact figure, because two similar-looking houses in Staffordshire can need quite different radiators and pipework.
| Home | Typical size | Installed guide price | After £7,500 grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bedroom flat or small terrace | 4–5 kW | £9,500–£12,500 | £2,000–£5,000 |
| 2–3 bedroom terrace or semi | 5–7 kW | £10,500–£13,500 | £3,000–£6,000 |
| 3 bedroom semi or small detached | 6–9 kW | £12,000–£15,500 | £4,500–£8,000 |
| 4 bedroom detached | 8–12 kW | £14,000–£18,000 | £6,500–£10,500 |
| 5+ bedroom or larger older house | 11–16 kW | £16,500–£22,500 | £9,000–£15,000 |
Installed, inc VAT: unit, cylinder, controls, minor pipework and commissioning.
Towns we cover in Staffordshire
We cover 13 towns in Staffordshire for split system heat pumps. Each links to local guide prices and the grant position for England.
| Town | Postcode district | Nearest town | Midwinter daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stoke-on-Trent | ST4 | Newcastle-under-Lyme | 7 h 34 min |
| Newcastle-under-Lyme | ST5 | Stoke-on-Trent | 7 h 34 min |
| Burton upon Trent | DE14 | Swadlincote | 7 h 36 min |
| Cannock | WS11 | Burntwood | 7 h 37 min |
| Tamworth | B77 | Lichfield | 7 h 38 min |
| Stafford | ST16 | Stone | 7 h 36 min |
| Lichfield | WS13 | Burntwood | 7 h 37 min |
| Kidsgrove | ST7 | Newcastle-under-Lyme | 7 h 33 min |
| Burntwood | WS7 | Lichfield | 7 h 37 min |
| Rugeley | WS15 | Burntwood | 7 h 36 min |
| Leek | ST13 | Kidsgrove | 7 h 32 min |
| Stone | ST15 | Stoke-on-Trent | 7 h 35 min |
| Uttoxeter | ST14 | Rugeley | 7 h 35 min |
Split system heat pumps questions
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.
How big is a hydrobox?
A hydrobox is typically about the size of a wall-mounted boiler, though sizes vary by make and model. It needs wall space near the cylinder with room around it for servicing and pipe connections. Some manufacturers combine the hydrobox and cylinder in a single floor-standing unit similar in size to a tall fridge-freezer, which can suit a utility room or garage.
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.