Air conditioning and air source heat pump systems aren't exactly interchangeable, claim the specialists
In the realm of home heating and cooling solutions, a shift is underway in the UK. Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are emerging as a viable, future-proof replacement for gas boilers, offering energy efficiency and carbon emissions reduction benefits.
Unlike conventional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, ASHPs are specific HVAC devices that both heat and cool by transferring heat between indoor air and outside air using a refrigeration cycle. While HVAC systems often have separate units for heating and cooling functions, ASHPs provide both heating and cooling in a reversible system.
ASHPs are particularly beneficial in the UK. They are up to three times more energy efficient than gas boilers because they transfer heat rather than generate it. Effective even in colder weather, they extract heat from the outdoor air down to below freezing. Suitable as a low-carbon heating alternative, ASHPs are compatible with the UK’s push for renewable and energy-efficient home heating technologies.
ASHPs are particularly beneficial when:
- Replacing gas boilers in homes for greener heating.
- You want an integrated system for year-round temperature control (heating and cooling) without separate appliances.
- You want to lower carbon emissions and benefit from energy efficiency incentives or tariffs.
- Your property is suitable for external installation of the system and has adequate insulation.
While ASHPs are more efficient than conventional electric heating and significantly lower in carbon emissions when powered by the UK’s increasingly decarbonised grid, it's important to note that in cases of extreme heat, traditional air conditioners may provide more effective cooling.
The average cost to install an air source heat pump in the UK is £13,000, but the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can offer homeowners £7,500 off the cost. However, the upfront investment can be offset by lower running costs and potential savings from energy efficiency incentives or tariffs.
In conclusion, using an air source heat pump in the UK is more beneficial particularly for energy-efficient, low-carbon heating combined with cooling, fitting the climate and environmental goals of the region. The choice between HVAC and heat pumps depends on the property and the homeowner’s needs.
Sources: [1] BKV Energy (2025) [2] Homebuilding.co.uk (2025) [3] Arco Distributing (2025) [4] EDF Energy (2025) [5] Palmetto Solar (2025) [6] Michael Zohouri, founder of Pyramid Eco [7] Mars Mlodzinksi, the founding editor of Renewable Heating Hub and author of 'Bodge Buster' about air source heat pump installation.
- In the UK, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are being seen as a future-proof replacement for gas boilers, offering energy efficiency and carbon emissions reduction benefits in home heating and cooling solutions.
- ASHPs are specific HVAC devices that both heat and cool by transferring heat between indoor air and outside air using a refrigeration cycle, providing both heating and cooling in a reversible system.
- ASHPs are particularly beneficial when replacing gas boilers in homes for greener heating, offering an integrated system for year-round temperature control without separate appliances.
- For those wanting to lower carbon emissions and benefit from energy efficiency incentives or tariffs, ASHPs provide an attractive option, especially for properties suitable for external installation and have adequate insulation.
- Although ASHPs are more efficient than conventional electric heating and significantly lower in carbon emissions when powered by the UK’s increasingly decarbonised grid, traditional air conditioners may provide more effective cooling in cases of extreme heat.
- The average cost to install an air source heat pump in the UK is £13,000, but the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers homeowners £7,500 off the cost, potentially offsetting the upfront investment through lower running costs and potential savings from energy efficiency incentives or tariffs.
- Guides from experts like Michael Zohouri, founder of Pyramid Eco, and Mars Mlodzinksi, the founding editor of Renewable Heating Hub, can provide valuable information about air source heat pump installation, maintenance, and performance.
- The UK government's push for renewable and energy-efficient home heating technologies, aligned with its goals for climate change and environmental protection, makes ASHPs a compelling choice for the industry and homeowners interested in environmental science and finance.
- Data and cloud computing, as well as technology advancements, are crucial in optimizing the performance of air source heat pumps, minimizing costs, and maximizing energy savings over time.
- Solar panels on roofs can complement air source heat pumps for enhanced energy efficiency, as surplus energy generated from solar can be used to power the heat pump during off-peak hours.
- Effective door and window insulation, ventilation, and overall home design are essential factors in ensuring optimal heating and cooling performance, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for air source heat pump systems.
