Air Source Heat Pumps in Northern Ireland: Costs & Savings

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are a revolutionary form of renewable energy. By drawing heat directly from the outside air, these innovative systems can heat your home or even provide hot water without the need to burn any fuel. In the best of cases, these systems can enable up to {renew-ashp-oldelectric-savings-est-ni} in annual energy bill savings while significantly slashing domestic carbon emissions. In the energy frontier, ASHPs stand out as a truly renewable option.

According to the National Energy Action (NEA), a staggering 68% of Northern Irish homes rely on oil-fuel boilers for their heating as of 2024. In comparison, this figure sits at a measly 4% in England. Air source heat pumps provide a great opportunity to transition away from harmful heating methods, leading to huge financial savings and reduced carbon footprints for the entire housing stock. This complete guide will give you all the vital information you need about air-source heat pumps, including costs, savings, benefits, and much more.

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Air source heat pumps (ASHPs), much like their counterpart ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), are completely functional in Northern Ireland. As their names suggest, ASHPs draw heat from the air while ground source heat pumps draw heat from the ground, both converting it to heat to be used in the home. 

In terms of air source heat pump efficiency in Northern Ireland, these unique systems stand out due to their outstanding efficiency capabilities of up to 400%. In other words, this means they provide 4 times the heating or cooling per unit of electricity used. The efficiency of an energy system is measured by the Coefficient of Performance (COP), in which a higher value indicates higher efficiency.  

In addition, Northern Ireland has a softer Atlantic climate in comparison to more northern countries, meaning the base temperature is rarely below zero degrees Celsius in the winter months. This ensures that your air source heat pump will continue to work at a high efficiency. The same is true for heat pumps in Scotland.

On average, air source heat pump prices in Northern Ireland range from as little as £4,000 to a much higher £16,500, depending on factors such as home size, heat pump type, location, installation complexity and much more. 

The most significant impact on your cost will relate to the type you opt for: an air to air heat pump, or an air to water heat pump. The former converts heat from outside air into hot air inside your home, and it works the same for cooling. The latter converts heat from outside air into hot water to be used in your home and tends to be much more expensive. Here’s a more thorough look at the differing average costs per system type:

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Unfortunately, there are no direct heat pump grant schemes in Northern Ireland for air-source heat pumps at this moment that are widely accessible or long-term, however, there are some key incentives in place that make the investment very viable. 

It’s crucial to note that Northern Ireland has incentives that differ drastically from those offered for heat pumps in the UK. For example, heat pump installation in the UK is widely supported by several grant scheme options, while there is no direct heat pump grant in Northern Ireland. It’s highly recommended to consult with your relevant authorities and energy companies for the best course of action to meet your needs.  

Air source heat pumps are most renowned for the huge savings they can bring to homes. For example, replacing an outdated electric storage heater can save up to £1,300 every year. Most standard homes replacing outdated gas or LPG boilers can expect savings more around £550 - {renew-ashp-glpgboiler-savings-est-ni} every year. Your final cost and savings may vary based on the heat pump manufacturers you go for.  

In Northern Ireland, where a significant portion of the housing stock still relies on oil-fueled boilers, a transition to air-source heat pumps can be a great help to savings. Here’s a breakdown of what savings to expect per system replacement to an air source heat pump:

These values are obtained via the Energy Saving Trust UK and are accurate as of November 2024. We make sure to conduct quarterly checks to ensure that the values we provide are as up-to-date as possible.

Heat pumps are innovative energy systems that bring with them a whole host of advantages. From environmental consciousness to financial savings, here’s a breakdown of the key perks you can enjoy with an air source heat pump system:

However, like any upgrade, some disadvantages are worth considering before making your decision, most notably regarding price and procurement. Here are some key pitfalls to consider when choosing an air-source heat pump system:

With all the pros and cons in consideration, air source heat pumps still emerge as a worthy investment in Northern Ireland, capable of delivering unparalleled energy efficiency and savings on annual bills.

Unrivalled in their energy efficiency, air source heat pumps stand out as one of the most effective long-term energy solutions for any home in Northern Ireland, especially those that are off-grid. They can bring with them the potential for massive savings on your energy bills, significant reductions to your domestic carbon footprint, and an all-season temperature solution for your home that can last many years.

While air source heat pumps in the UK are heavily subsidised, unfortunately, Northern Ireland lacks a wide-ranging grant scheme. Still, a 0% VAT on air source heat pump purchases and potential installation support via NISEP make it a worthwhile investment. 

However, deciding to get an air-source heat pump remains the easy step. The next step is to get multiple quotes and secure a professional, accredited installer at a good price. With the sea of options out there, many prospective customers find themselves stuck in an endless cycle of researching and vetting their options. WhatCost can handle the pesky work for you. 

By simply filling out our 30-second online intake form, you can receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our nationwide network of pre-vetted professionals at absolutely no charge or obligations. Simply click below to begin and let the bargains come to you!