Installing an air to air heat pump is one of the best decisions UK homeowners can make for their heating and cooling needs. But what does the air to air heat pump installation process actually involve?
Whether you’re planning your first air-to-air heat pump system or simply want to know what to expect, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what happens during installation, outline the step-by-step process, cover typical timeframes, detail what to prepare before work begins, break down installation costs and how they contribute to the total price, explore common challenges, provide a post-installation checklist, and answer frequently asked questions.
Let’s walk through the installation process so you know exactly what to expect.
What is an Air to Air Heat Pump ?
This system captures heat from the outside air and transfers it into your home. Compared to ground source systems, the process is relatively simple, which has made this type of installation increasingly popular across the UK.
Key Components Installed During Air to Air Heat Pump Installation
During the installation process, several key components are fitted throughout your property:
- Outdoor Unit: Mounted on an outside wall to extract heat from the air during installation
- Indoor Unit: Installed inside rooms to distribute heat throughout your home
- Refrigerant Lines: Run between units to carry heat efficiently throughout the system
- Electrical Connections: Installed throughout to power the entire system
- Thermostat: Wall-mounted for easy temperature control after installation
- Drainage System: Set up outdoors to remove condensation effectively
Each of these components plays an essential role in ensuring the system operates efficiently and reliably.
Why Air to Air Heat Pump Installation is Popular
It has become increasingly popular across the UK for several compelling reasons that make it the preferred choice for many homeowners:
- Faster installation than ground source systems, taking just 1-2 days versus 7-14 days
- Lower installation costs, with air to air heat pump ranging from £4,000-9,500 compared to £8,000-15,000 for air-to-water systems
- No connection to existing plumbing required during installation, avoiding extensive disruption
- Suitable for flats and homes without central heating, making air to air heat pump installation accessible
- Can provide both heating and cooling for year-round comfort after installation
Air to air heat pump installation is becoming more common in the UK because it’s quick, affordable, and effective. Most homeowners can have their setting completed in just 1-2 days with minimal disruption.
Discover the other types of heat pumps in our full guide.
Pre-Installation Checklist: Preparing for Your Air to Air Heat Pump Installation
Before installation begins, there are several steps you should take to prepare. Proper planning helps ensure a smooth process and reduces the risk of delays.
Survey and Site Assessment
Your installer will carry out a pre-installation survey to assess several key factors. This includes identifying the best location for the outdoor unit (usually wall-mounted), selecting suitable indoor unit positions (often in living areas or hallways), planning refrigerant line routes, checking electrical requirements, and reviewing any structural considerations that may affect the work. This survey is essential for planning the installation correctly.
Space Requirements for Air to Air Heat Pump Installation
Understanding the space requirements helps confirm that your property is suitable for an air-to-air heat pump system:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Unit Space | 1m clearance on all sides for proper airflow |
| Indoor Unit Space | Wall space 2-3m high for optimal heat distribution |
| Refrigerant Lines | Maximum distance of 10-15m between units |
| Electrical Access | Nearby power supply must be available |
| Drainage | Outdoor access needed for condensation removal |
These space requirements are essential for a successful installation in any UK home.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installation day arrives, make sure you’ve completed the following essential tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Schedule a survey with a certified installer
- Confirm outdoor unit location with your installer
- Decide on indoor unit placement for each room needing heating
- Clear access to installation areas throughout your home
- Arrange time off work for the 1-2 day installation period
- Prepare your budget for the project
- Check if you’re eligible for government grants that reduce installation costs
- Arrange furniture removal if needed for indoor unit placement
- Inform neighbors about potential noise during air to air heat pump installation
- Plan for temporary heating if needed during the installation process
Completing this checklist in advance helps prevent delays and allows installers to work efficiently.
Curious about what you need to do before installing a heat pump? See our ultimate checklist.
Electrical Requirements Before Air to Air Heat Pump Installation
Most installation projects require electrical upgrades to ensure the system operates safely. Your installer will check if your current electrical system can handle the heat pump before air to air heat pump installation begins. You may need a new circuit breaker, upgraded wiring, or an additional power supply to support your system. These upgrades are typically included in your air to air heat pump installation cost, ranging from £500-1,000 depending on your home’s current electrical setup.
Step-by-Step Air to Air Heat Pump Installation Process
This process typically takes 1-2 days and is much simpler than air-to-water systems. Here’s what happens during your installation.
Main Installation Work
During installation, professional installers complete several key tasks. They begin by protecting your property with protective coverings, then install the outdoor unit mounting bracket on your external wall and securely position the outdoor unit.
Inside your home, the team installs indoor unit mounting brackets and securely fixes the units to walls at the optimal height (usually 2-3m). They run refrigerant lines between the outdoor and indoor units through small holes drilled in your walls, connecting all units together.
The installers complete all electrical connections to your main power supply and connect the drainage system for condensation removal. They perform pressure tests on the refrigerant system and check all connections are secure and leak-free.
Testing and Commissioning
After the physical installation is complete, installers conduct comprehensive system testing. This includes heating function tests, cooling function tests (a key feature of air to air systems), and remote control setup. They verify heating and cooling output meets specifications and confirm all remote controls operate correctly.
Handover and Training
The final stage of air to air heat pump installation involves cleaning up all installation debris from your property and providing comprehensive training on operating your new system. The handover includes detailed instructions on using the remote controls, adjusting temperature settings, switching between heating and cooling modes, and understanding the maintenance requirements. Installers provide all documentation including user manuals, warranty information, and emergency contact details to ensure you’re completely confident operating your new air to air heat pump system.
Air to Air Heat Pump Installation Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Total Timeline from Survey to Completion
The complete timeline is significantly faster than other heat pump types:
| Stage | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Survey | 3-7 days | Assessment and planning before installation |
| Installation | 1-2 days | Actual air to air heat pump installation work |
| Commissioning | Same day | Final testing and handover |
| Total | 1-2 weeks | From survey to completed installation |
Understanding this timeline helps you plan your project effectively and set clear, realistic expectations.
Why Air to Air Heat Pump Installation is Faster
The timeline is much shorter than air-to-water systems because no plumbing modifications are needed, refrigerant lines are simpler to install than water pipework, no radiator upgrades or replacements are required, electrical work is straightforward, and the system doesn’t connect to existing central heating. Most of the work happens in 1-2 days during the actual installation, making it ideal for homeowners who want minimal disruption.
Fastest Installation Timeline
Your setting can be completed in just 1-2 weeks total. Week 1 covers the initial survey and planning phase, while work takes just 1-2 days plus same-day commissioning. This is significantly faster than air-to-water heat pumps which can take 3-5 days, making air to air heat pump installation the quickest option for UK homeowners.
Common Challenges During Air to Air Heat Pump Installation
Although this installation is generally straightforward, a few challenges can arise along the way. Below are some of the most common issues to consider.
Challenge 1: Difficult Outdoor Unit Placement
Selecting the right location for the outdoor unit is crucial for long-term performance. Common obstacles include limited wall space, visual concerns about unit placement, proximity to neighbours and potential noise complaints, wind exposure that could affect efficiency, and shading from trees that reduces performance. Collaborating closely with your installer helps identify a location that balances efficiency, compliance, and aesthetics, which is an important part of a successful air to air heat pump installation.
Challenge 2: Electrical Upgrades Required
Some homes require electrical upgrades before installation can proceed safely. Typical issues include an insufficient power supply to support the system, outdated wiring that doesn’t meet current standards, a lack of available circuit breaker slots, or a long distance from the main electrical panel. These upgrades can add £500–1,500 to overall costs and may delay the start of work by 1–2 weeks.
Challenge 3: Refrigerant Line Routing
Connecting the outdoor and indoor units with refrigerant lines can sometimes be complex. Common obstacles include long distances—usually capped at 15 metres—physical barriers requiring creative routing, aesthetic concerns around visible pipework, and structural modifications needed to pass lines through walls. Experienced installers can usually resolve these issues by routing lines discreetly through walls or along building edges.
Challenge 4: Condensation Drainage
The indoor unit produces condensation that must be drained correctly during installation. Typical drainage challenges include limited outdoor access for pipes, the risk of blockages that require preventative measures, freezing concerns during winter months, and noise from water flow. A well-designed and properly installed drainage system prevents these issues and ensures reliable, year-round operation, making it another critical consideration for a smooth air to air heat pump installation.
Challenge 5: Noise Concerns
Noise management is an important consideration when installing an air-to-air heat pump. After setup, typical noise levels are around 40–50 dB for the outdoor unit—similar to normal conversation—and 20–30 dB for the indoor unit, which is extremely quiet. Careful unit placement and effective vibration isolation help minimise noise and ensure comfort for both you and your neighbours.
Air to Air Heat Pump Installation Costs Breakdown
Understanding the cost breakdown helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises during your project.
We’ve written a more comprehensive piece on heat pump prices if you’d like to explore it further.
Typical Cost
| Component | Cost | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | £2,500-5,000 | 50% |
| Installation Labor | £1,000-2,500 | 30% |
| Electrical Work | £500-1,000 | 15% |
| Miscellaneous | £200-500 | 5% |
| TOTAL | £4,000-9,500 | 100% |
These figures represent typical costs across the UK in 2025. For a flat or small house, typical costs are around £4,500 according to UK Government data from November 2025.
What’s Included in Air to Air Heat Pump Installation Cost
Your cost covers equipment including outdoor and indoor units, professional labor for 1-2 days of installation work, refrigerant lines and all connections between units, electrical connections and integration with your home’s power supply, thermostat installation and programming, drainage system installation, comprehensive testing and commissioning, and warranty coverage typically lasting 5-10 years. Importantly, air to air heat pump installation also benefits from 0% VAT until 2027, reducing costs further.
We’ve covered this in much more detail in a separate article if you’d like to take a look.
What’s NOT Included in Installation Cost
The base cost does not include major structural modifications beyond standard mounting, hot water cylinder (air to air systems don’t provide hot water), connection to existing radiators (not needed for air to air), annual maintenance contracts, or extended warranty coverage beyond the standard period.
Factors That Increase Air to Air Heat Pump Installation Cost
Several factors can increase your cost beyond the typical £4,000-9,500 range. Difficult outdoor unit placement adds £300-800 to installation costs, electrical upgrades required before installation cost £500-1,000 extra, long refrigerant lines over 10m add £200-400, multiple indoor units for larger homes cost £800-2,000 more per unit, structural modifications for challenging installations cost £300-1,000 more, and remote location surcharges add £200-500. With these factors, total air to air heat pump installation cost can reach £6,000-12,000.
Government Support for Air to Air Heat Pump Installation
As of November 2025, this system is now eligible for government support through the expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme:
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant: £2,500 discount
- 0% VAT: Costs benefit from 0% VAT until 2027
- Net Cost: For a typical £4,500 installation, after the £2,500 grant, you pay around £2,000
This makes it significantly more affordable than ever before, with the government recognizing these systems as an important part of the UK’s net-zero strategy.
How to Reduce Cost
Several strategies can help reduce your cost. Getting multiple quotes from different installers can save £500-1,500 on installation, using the new government grant saves £2,500, combining installation with other home improvement work helps negotiate better rates, choosing off-season installation provides winter discounts, and preparing your home properly reduces labor time during installation. With the grant and 0% VAT, your net air to air heat pump installation cost can be as low as £2,000.
Comparison: Installation Costs vs Running Costs
This is just an overview — the full explanation is covered in our dedicated article.
| System Type | Installation Cost | Government Grant | Net Cost After Grant | Annual Running Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air to Air Heat Pump | £4,000-9,500 | £2,500 | £1,500-7,000 | £855-1,700 |
| Air to Water Heat Pump | £8,000-15,000 | £7,500 | £500-7,500 | £855-992 |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | £20,000-30,000 | £7,500 | £12,500-22,500 | £790-939 |
| Gas Boiler | £2,500-4,000 | £0 | £2,500-4,000 | £853-1,035 |
Note: Running costs based on typical 3-bedroom home with 11,500 kWh annual heat demand, electricity prices at 25.9p/kWh, gas at 6.3p/kWh (October 2025). Heat pump COP assumed at 3.0-3.6. Air to air systems provide space heating and cooling but not hot water.
This comparison shows how air to air heat pump installation costs are lower than other heat pump types, though the grant amount is also lower at £2,500 versus £7,500 for air-to-water systems.
Post-Installation: What to Expect After
After your installation is complete, there are several important steps to ensure your system operates optimally for years to come.
Handover and Documentation
After setting up, your installer should provide comprehensive documentation including a detailed user manual, complete warranty documentation, a recommended maintenance schedule, emergency contact information, a system settings guide, and thermostat instructions. Keep all these documents safe for future reference throughout your system’s lifetime.
Initial System Testing
Immediately after process is complete, your installer will conduct thorough testing including heating function tests, cooling function tests if applicable, thermostat operation verification, safety feature checks, proper drainage confirmation, and electrical connection verification. Ask your installer to walk you through the system during this post-installation testing phase.
First Few Weeks After Installation
During the first few weeks after air to air heat pump installation, you should monitor system performance carefully, learn all thermostat controls and features, adjust temperature settings to find your optimal comfort level, check for any unusual noises that might indicate issues, verify heating and cooling output meets expectations, and monitor energy bills to track savings. Contact your installer if anything seems wrong during this post-installation period.
Maintenance After Installation
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Cost | Who Performs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter Cleaning | Every month to every 3 months (depending on the use) | Free (DIY) | Homeowner |
| Professional Service | Annually | £150-200 | MCS Installer |
| Refrigerant Check | Every 2 years | Included in service | MCS Installer |
| System Inspection | Annually | Included in service | MCS Installer |
| Emergency Repairs | As needed | £100-500 | MCS Installer |
Regular maintenance after installation keeps your system running efficiently and extends its lifespan significantly.
Warranty Coverage After Installation
Most air to air heat pump installation projects include equipment warranty lasting 5-10 years, labor warranty for 1-2 years covering installation workmanship, and optional extended warranty available for £300-800. Understand your warranty coverage completely before your installer leaves after completing installation.
FAQ: Common Questions About Air to Air Heat Pump Installation
How long does air to air heat pump installation take?
The actual process takes 1-2 days to complete. The total timeline from initial survey to completion is 1-2 weeks, significantly faster than air-to-water systems which take 8-15 weeks with grants.
Discover the full timeline to install an air to air heat pump.
How much does air to air heat pump installation cost?
It typically costs £4,000-9,500 in the UK, with government data showing around £4,500 for a flat or small house. With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant (£2,500) and 0% VAT, your net cost can be as low as £2,000.
If you’d like to explore this topic further, you can find more details in our full guide.
Can I get a government grant for air to air heat pump installation?
Yes, as of November 2025, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £2,500 for air to air heat pump installation in England and Wales. Your installation also benefits from 0% VAT until 2027, and you must use a certified installer to claim the grant.
For a complete breakdown of costs and examples, check out our detailed section.
Do I need planning permission for air to air heat pump installation?
In most cases, no – air to air heat pump installation is permitted development in the UK. However, you should check with your local authority if your home is listed, in a conservation area, or has restrictive covenants.
Can I install an air to air heat pump myself or do I need a professional?
No, this must be done by a certified installer with F-Gas certification to legally handle refrigerants. DIY installation voids your warranty, cannot access government grants, and handling refrigerants without F-Gas certification is illegal in the UK.
Don’t miss our full checklist before installing a heat pump.
Will air to air heat pump installation damage my home?
No, professional installation causes minimal disruption with outdoor units mounted on walls (no digging) and refrigerant lines run through small holes. Your installer will protect your property throughout the installation process and include professional cleanup.
What is the difference between air to air and air to water heat pumps?
Air to air heat pumps heat and cool air directly through fan units and cannot provide hot water for taps or showers. Air to water heat pumps heat water for radiators, underfloor heating, and domestic hot water, making them suitable for replacing traditional boilers completely but costing £8,000-15,000 versus £4,000-9,500 for air to air.
Can I use air to air heat pump installation for cooling in summer?
Yes, all air to air heat pump installations provide both heating in winter and cooling in summer, functioning like reversible air conditioning. This dual functionality is a major advantage of air to air systems over air-to-water systems which only provide heating.
What happens to my old heating system during air to air heat pump installation?
Your old heating system (boiler, radiators) is usually kept as a backup during and after setting. Air to air systems work independently of your existing central heating, so you can use both systems depending on your needs.
Are air to air heat pumps worth it in the UK?
Yes, air to air heat pumps are worth it in the UK, saving up to £290 annually compared to old gas boilers and £1,200 compared to electric storage heaters. With £2,500 government grants and 0% VAT reducing net costs to £2,000-7,000, plus the benefit of both heating and cooling, they offer excellent value for UK homeowners, especially those without existing central heating.
Read our step-by-step guide to heat pump pricing.
Conclusion
Air to air heat pump installation is a straightforward process that professional installers can complete in just 1-2 days. From initial site preparation to final testing, experienced professionals handle every step of the process efficiently. Understanding what happens during installation helps you prepare properly and avoid surprises. With proper planning and a certified installer, your setting will be smooth and efficient.
Remember:
- Air to air heat pump installation work takes 1-2 days with a 1-2 week total timeline
- Typical installation cost is £4,000-9,500 before grants
We’ve broken everything down in more detail in a separate post you might find useful.
- Government grants reduce your cost by £2,500
- You benefit from 0% VAT
- Professional installation is required by law and not suitable for DIY
- Systems are ideal for flats and homes without central heating
- There’s minimal disruption to your home during the process
- Warranty coverage protects your investment after installation
Ready to take the next step? See our ultimate checklist before installing a heat pump, to make sure you avoid extra-cost and time.
Sources and References
This article was researched using verified data from the following authoritative UK sources:
- British Gas. (2024-2025). “Heat Pump Installation Guide and Costs.” https://www.britishgas.co.uk/heating/guides/
- Octopus Energy. (2024-2025). “Heat Pump Cost Explanation – Pricing and Running Costs.” https://octopus.energy/blog/heat-pump-cost-explanation/
- GreenMatch. (2025). “Air Source Heat Pump Costs and Installation Data.” https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/heat-pumps/cost
- EDF Energy. (2024-2025). “Air Source Heat Pump Costs – Running Costs and Efficiency Data.” https://www.edfenergy.com/heating/heat-pumps/air-source-heat-pump-costs
- Energy Saving Trust. (2024-2025). “Official UK Government Energy Efficiency Data – Heat Pumps.”
- UK Government. (2025). “Boiler Upgrade Scheme – Grant Statistics and Eligibility.” https://www.gov.uk/
- Ofgem. (2025). “Energy Price Cap Data and Typical Consumption Values – October 2025-January 2026.” https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/
- What Cost. (2025). “Heat Pump Installation Costs and Comparison Data.” https://whatcost.co.uk/heat-pumps/air-source/cost
- The Eco Experts. (2025). “Heat Pump Cost Guide and Savings Calculations.” https://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/heat-pumps/cost-guide
- UK Government. (2025). “Discounts for families to keep warm in winter and cool in summer – Boiler Upgrade Scheme Expansion.” https://www.gov.uk/government/news/discounts-for-families-to-keep-warm-in-winter-and-cool-in-summer
All cost figures, timelines, and technical specifications have been verified against multiple sources to ensure accuracy as of January 2026. Energy prices based on Ofgem price cap October 2025-January 2026 period.