The Basics: Air Source Heat Pumps Explained
An Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is a modern heating system that uses heat from the outside air to warm your home and provide hot water. Even when it feels cold outside, there is still energy in the air, and an ASHP captures that heat and boosts it to a higher temperature.
You can think of it as working like a fridge in reverse. Instead of removing heat from inside, it takes heat from the air outside and brings it indoors, providing steady, reliable warmth without burning gas or oil.
A unit installed outside your home draws in air, and an efficient electric compressor transfers the heat into your central heating system, such as radiators, underfloor heating or a hot water cylinder. For every unit of electricity it uses, an ASHP can produce more than three units of heat, making it over three times as efficient as a typical boiler. Even in winter, it can extract enough heat from the air to keep your home comfortable all year round.
The Benefits of Switching to an Air Source Heat Pump
Making the switch to an air source heat pump comes with plenty of perks for homeowners:
- Lower Energy Bills: By moving heat rather than generating it from scratch, ASHPs use much less energy than traditional heating. Many homeowners see significant savings on their heating costs, potentially cutting bills by around 40% when replacing old electric heaters.
- Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly: Heat pumps are a green energy solution. They reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating on-site fossil fuel use, helping you lower CO₂ emissions while still keeping warm. It’s a win for you and the environment.
- Year-Round Comfort: Enjoy a cosy home through the winter and consistent hot water all year. An ASHP works in cold temperatures and provides steady, reliable heat in every season. Some models can even cool your home in summer for extra comfort.
- Low Maintenance and Long Lifespan: Air source heat pumps are built to last, often 15 - 20 years or more. They have few moving parts and generally only need a simple yearly service to keep running efficiently, giving you peace of mind with minimal upkeep.
- Grant Eligibility: Upgrading to an ASHP comes with a potential bonus: you may qualify for government grants or funding support (like Warm Homes:Local Grant or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme), which can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installation. In many cases, you could even get a heat pump fully funded at no cost to you if you meet certain criteria. Use our easy postcode checker in the link below to find out if you qualify.
Bringing Award-Winning Installation to Homes Across the East
When it comes to installing your new heat pump, experience and trust matter. We’ve been helping homeowners since 2004, providing energy efficiency improvements to thousands of homes across the East of England. Our friendly, knowledgeable team understand the needs of homes in Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and beyond.
Aran is an accredited, award-winning installer you can count on. In 2025, we were proud to be named the Regional Insulation & Fabric Installer of the Year for the East of England. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we deliver energy efficient solutions that keep homes comfortable, safe and sustainable.
From your initial inquiry to final aftercare, we take care of everything: advising you on the best solutions, carrying out professional installation, and ensuring you’re comfortable with your new system.
Discover More with Aran
At Aran, we provide support for residents via the Warm Homes Local Grant and Connected for Warmth schemes in order to make installing an air source heat pump more affordable. If you meet certain requalify, you could have a state-of-the-art ASHP system installed by Aran for free or at a significantly reduced cost, giving you the comfort and energy savings without the upfront expense.
Making your home warmer, greener and cheaper to heat has never been easier. Use our quick online eligibility checker or speak to our friendly team to see if you qualify for Local Authority grant funding. Aran is here to guide you every step of the way. Start your journey to a warmer home today, and contact us using the form below or simply call 01284 812520.
Read our FAQ's
If you have a question we haven't covered, you can contact us here
A. An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a low-carbon heating system that extracts heat from the outside air and uses it to warm your home and hot water. Even in cold weather, there is heat energy in the air that can be captured and used efficiently.
A. A heat pump takes heat from the air outside your home and uses a compressor to raise it to a higher temperature. Modern systems are designed to work efficiently even when outdoor temperatures fall as low as -20°C. The heat is then used to warm your radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water cylinder.
A. Most homes can have a heat pump installed, but suitability depends on factors such as insulation levels, radiator size, available outdoor space and your current heating system. A home assessment from one of Aran's experienced team will determine whether upgrades are needed to ensure maximum efficiency.
A. Air source heat pumps are highly efficient. For every unit of electricity used, they can generate two to four units of heat. This makes them much more efficient than traditional gas or oil boilers and can help reduce your carbon footprint.
A. Savings depend on your current heating system, insulation, and energy tariffs. Many households switching from oil, LPG, or electric heating see significant savings. Proper insulation and correct system design are key to maximising efficiency and lowering running costs.
A. Most air source heat pump installations take between two and five days. The exact time depends on your home, the heating system, and whether any upgrades are needed.
A. Yes. Heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in cold climates and can continue working even when outdoor temperatures drop well below freezing.
A. Air Source Heat Pumps are quiet and designed for residential areas. The outdoor unit sounds similar to a fridge or a gentle fan and most homeowners barely notice it.
A. Yes, a heat pump can provide hot water as well as heating. It usually works with a hot water cylinder to store water at the right temperature for daily use.
A. Sometimes. Heat pumps operate at lower flow temperatures than traditional boilers, so some homes may require larger radiators or improved insulation to maintain comfort levels. A professional assessment from one of Aran's team will confirm what’s needed.
A. Heat pumps should be serviced once a year to keep them running efficiently and to check key components. Regular servicing helps extend the lifespan of the system, maintain the warranty and keep energy bills lower.
A. With proper installation and regular servicing, an air source heat pump can last 15 to 20 years or more, often much longer than a traditional boiler.
A. Depending on eligibility, there may be government grants or funding schemes available to help with installation costs. A member of our experienced team can advise you on current schemes and whether you qualify. You can make contact with us here: Contact Us | Aran
Or, you can check your postcode using our eligibility checker here: Warm Homes Local Grant - Eligibility Checker | Aran