Heat pumps are a growing choice for home heating across the UK. If you are comparing an air source vs ground source heat pump, cost and performance will be central to your decision. This guide outlines how each type works, typical installation and running costs, real-world efficiency, and practical site requirements.
Understanding Air Source and Ground Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps
Air source heat pumps draw heat from the outside air and lift it to a usable temperature for space heating and hot water. Even in winter, outdoor air holds energy that can be captured through a refrigerant circuit using a compressor, evaporator, and condenser. Air-to-water systems feed radiators and a hot water cylinder. They are compact, typically placed outside, and suit a broad range of UK homes.
Ground source heat pumps
Ground source heat pumps use stable temperatures in the ground to provide heating and hot water. A closed loop filled with a water and antifreeze solution is buried in trenches or installed in vertical boreholes. As the fluid circulates, it absorbs heat from the ground and transfers it to the heat pump inside the property. Because subsurface temperatures fluctuate less than air, GSHPs often achieve higher and more consistent efficiency, especially during colder months.
So, what's the difference?
The core differences lie in the heat source and installation. ASHPs extract energy from air and therefore see greater seasonal variation. They are quicker and usually cheaper to install, requiring suitable outdoor location and indoor connections. GSHPs depend on ground loops or boreholes, which means excavation or drilling, more space, and higher upfront costs. In return, GSHPs typically offer higher seasonal efficiency and stable output, which can reduce running costs over the system’s life. Check out our range of air source heat pumps below.
Heat pump installation costs
Installation costs depend on property size, heat demand, emitter upgrades, and site conditions. In general, ASHPs have lower upfront costs. Typical domestic installations can start from several thousand pounds and increase with specification, cylinder sizing, and any necessary radiator or insulation improvements. GSHP systems involve trenching or borehole drilling and more complex ground design, so overall costs are commonly higher than ASHPs.
Heat pump running costs
Running costs are driven by efficiency and electricity prices. With the ground’s stable temperature, GSHPs often deliver a higher coefficient of performance (COP), translating to lower electricity use for the same heat output. Modern ASHPs, however, are highly capable and can achieve strong results when paired with low-temperature emitters, well-designed controls, and correct sizing. The building’s heat loss, chosen flow temperatures, and your usage patterns will ultimately determine the difference in bills.
Air source heat pump grants
Evaluate long-term savings by considering available grants in the UK and the value of improved efficiency over time. Support from an air source heat pump grant can improve affordability and shorten payback for homeowners.
Heat pump funding
If you're looking at getting a heat pump installed, there are government schemes available to make it more affordable. Find out what help you can get.
Heat pump installation requirements
Air source heat pumps require an outdoor unit positioned on a suitable base with clear airflow and access for maintenance. Indoors, space is sometimes needed for a hot water cylinder, buffer tank and control unit. ASHPs can be installed in properties with limited garden space, provided the unit maintains adequate ventilation.
Ground source heat pumps require space for ground loops. Horizontal loops need sufficient garden area for trenches, often around a metre or more deep depending on design. Vertical boreholes occupy less surface area but involve specialist drilling to greater depths, which can suit homes with limited outdoor space. Indoors, GSHPs include the heat pump, cylinder, and manifolds.
Contact one of our MCS Certified Accredited Installers who understand regulations and standards to find out more about building considerations, compliance and eligibility for grants.
Choosing the Right Heat Pump for Your Home
From initial assessment and system design to installation and commissioning, our expert team can tailor the solution to your property. Find out if your home is right for a heat pump by using our simple checker. Answer a few simple questions and our expert team will be in touch to discuss your options.