Air-source vs ground-source heat pumps

What this guide covers

This page brings together air-source vs ground-source heat pumps, preparing you to compare written proposals without treating general guidance as a site-specific design.

For air-source vs ground-source heat pumps, begin with a room-by-room heat-loss calculation and the home’s design outdoor temperature; The heat pump, emitters, controls and hot-water cylinder must be assessed as one system.

Current reference figures

• 3 units: For air-source vs ground-source heat pumps, uK Government guidance says a well-designed heat pump can deliver about three units of heat per unit of electricity. Official context (accessed 27 September 2026).
• £7,500: For air-source vs ground-source heat pumps, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 for eligible air-to-water and ground-source systems. Official context (accessed 27 September 2026).
• £2,500: For air-source vs ground-source heat pumps, eligible air-to-air heat pumps can receive £2,500 under the current scheme. Official context (accessed 27 September 2026).

For air-source vs ground-source heat pumps, these numbers are comparison anchors rather than promised costs, savings or performance; confirm the date, eligibility conditions and property assumptions behind every figure in a quotation.

How to compare proposals

For air-source vs ground-source heat pumps, request the proposed design flow temperature, heat-pump output at design conditions and any radiator or pipework changes; A headline seasonal efficiency cannot replace these details.

For air-source vs ground-source heat pumps, compare running-cost scenarios using the household’s tariff and a stated seasonal performance assumption; Include hot water, auxiliary heating and changes in occupancy or comfort.

Worked household example

A three-bedroom semi-detached household in Leeds is assessing air-source vs ground-source heat pumps, so it records present energy use and asks three suppliers to quote the same scope; one quotation is set aside because access work and commissioning are omitted, a second gives a plausible headline result without its supporting calculation, and the third progresses because its survey, assumptions, exclusions, warranties and responsibilities can be checked line by line.

This air-source vs ground-source heat pumps example does not identify a universally best product; it demonstrates why comparable evidence should influence the decision before the equipment choice does.

UK rules and responsibilities

For air-source vs ground-source heat pumps, check which planning, network, consumer-protection and funding requirements apply in the relevant UK nation; confirm the council, network operator and scheme administrator before signing, and request written cancellation information for a distance or off-premises contract.

Questions to ask

• What property evidence supports this recommendation?
• Which calculations determine the proposed specification?
• What work and permissions are excluded?
• Which warranties apply, and who handles claims?
• What commissioning evidence will I receive?
• Which current standards govern the work?

Independent sources

• UK Government heat-pump guidance (accessed 27 September 2026).
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme amounts (accessed 27 September 2026).