Air Source Heat Pumps
Professional air source heat pump installation across Devon and Somerset. Government grants available.
What is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump is a renewable heating system that extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it into your home. Even when it's cold outside, there's still heat energy in the air that can be captured and concentrated to warm your home and provide hot water.
How It Works
Heat Extraction
The outdoor unit contains a fan that draws air across an evaporator coil filled with refrigerant, which absorbs heat from the air even at temperatures as low as -15°C.
Heat Amplification
A compressor increases the temperature of the refrigerant, concentrating the heat energy to make it hot enough to heat your home effectively.
Heat Distribution
The hot refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger, transferring warmth to your central heating system and hot water cylinder.
Continuous Cycle
The refrigerant returns to its liquid state and the cycle repeats, providing consistent, efficient heating throughout your home.
Is Your Home Suitable for a Heat Pump?
Not every home is suitable for an air source heat pump. Here's what we look for during our free assessment to ensure you get the best results.
- Adequate insulation (loft insulation at least 270mm thick)
- Double glazing or equivalent thermal efficiency
- Space for outdoor unit (minimum 1m clearance)
- Existing wet central heating system or underfloor heating
- Hot water cylinder (or space to install one)
- Electrical supply capable of handling the unit
- Listed buildings with planning restrictions
- Flats without suitable outdoor space
- Homes with electric storage heaters only
- Very poor insulation that can't be improved
- Neighbours very close to proposed unit location
- Extremely large homes requiring multiple units
Don't worry if you're unsure - our free assessment will determine exactly what's possible for your home and what improvements might be needed.
Why Choose an Air Source Heat Pump?
Air source heat pumps offer significant advantages over traditional heating systems, from lower running costs to environmental benefits.
How Does It Work?
Understanding the technology behind air source heat pumps helps you appreciate why they're so efficient and reliable.
Air Intake
The outdoor unit draws air across an evaporator coil. Even at -15°C, there's enough heat energy in the air to power your heating system.
Compression
A compressor increases the refrigerant temperature from around 5°C to 65°C, concentrating the heat energy for use in your home.
Heat Exchange
Hot refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger, transferring warmth to your central heating water and hot water cylinder.
Cycle Reset
The refrigerant cools and returns to liquid state, ready to absorb more heat from the air and repeat the efficient cycle.
Air Intake
The outdoor unit draws air across an evaporator coil. Even at -15°C, there's enough heat energy in the air to power your heating system.
Compression
A compressor increases the refrigerant temperature from around 5°C to 65°C, concentrating the heat energy for use in your home.
Heat Exchange
Hot refrigerant passes through a heat exchanger, transferring warmth to your central heating water and hot water cylinder.
Cycle Reset
The refrigerant cools and returns to liquid state, ready to absorb more heat from the air and repeat the efficient cycle.
What to Expect During Installation
Our systematic approach ensures minimal disruption to your daily routine whilst delivering a high-quality installation.
Free Home Survey
Comprehensive assessment of your property, heating needs, and existing system. We'll identify the best location for your heat pump and any preparatory work needed.
System Design & Quote
Detailed system design with heat loss calculations, equipment selection, and comprehensive quotation. We'll explain everything clearly before you commit.
Site Preparation
Electrical upgrades if needed, outdoor unit base installation, and indoor equipment positioning. We protect your property throughout.
System Installation
Outdoor unit installation, indoor unit connection, pipework installation, and electrical connections. Most installations complete in 1-2 days.
Testing & Commissioning
System testing, performance verification, thermostat programming, and handover training. We ensure everything works perfectly before leaving.
Free Home Survey
Comprehensive assessment of your property, heating needs, and existing system. We'll identify the best location for your heat pump and any preparatory work needed.
System Design & Quote
Detailed system design with heat loss calculations, equipment selection, and comprehensive quotation. We'll explain everything clearly before you commit.
Site Preparation
Electrical upgrades if needed, outdoor unit base installation, and indoor equipment positioning. We protect your property throughout.
System Installation
Outdoor unit installation, indoor unit connection, pipework installation, and electrical connections. Most installations complete in 1-2 days.
Testing & Commissioning
System testing, performance verification, thermostat programming, and handover training. We ensure everything works perfectly before leaving.
Available Grants & Funding
Take advantage of government schemes to make your heat pump installation more affordable. We handle all the paperwork for you.
£7,500
Direct grant towards air source heat pump installation costs. We handle all the paperwork and apply on your behalf.
£6,000-£12,000
Total cost varies by system size and complexity. Most installations fall within this range after the government grant is applied.
£800-£1,500
Typical annual savings for homes switching from oil or LPG heating. Gas conversions typically save £200-£600 annually.
7-12 years
Full payback period including grant support. Factor in 15-20 year lifespan for excellent long-term value.
Real Customer Results
See what our customers are saying about their heat pump installations
"Ben has sorted out the mcs paperwork for us a couple of times now and has allowed us to flawlessly transition from our own bespoke plans to installation. On average we are achieving 1kw-7kw COP"
Devon Ash
Local Guide
Excellent MCS Paperwork Support
"Reformenergy provided an amazing and professional service from start to finish. For us they removed our old night storage heaters and installed a complete new air source heat pump system."
Robin Toy
Local Guide
Professional Air Source Heat Pump Installation
"Highly recommend Ben, and the team at ReformEnergy. Extremely knowledgeable and helpful."
Rob Duncan
Highly Knowledgeable Team
"A swift, professional and successful install of our ASHP – one of the very best experiences in our journey of renovation and house improvement. It started with a swift pick-up of my web enquiry, a clear and comprehensive survey and quote."
Kingfisher Yachting Stephen West
Swift and Professional ASHP Install
"Ben helped me install a Heatpump in a local project of mine, he's so knowledgeable and made the whole process very simple with sound and comprehensive advice."
Matt Jenkins
Knowledgeable Heat Pump Expert
"All round reform provided a 5 star experience from initial enquiry to installation and even took extra time to explain how best to use my new heat pump. Will be using them again to look after my system."
Daniel Cotter
5 Star Experience Throughout
"Quick, efficient, and high quality install of a Vaillant heat pump from the team at Reformenergy. Took the time to design the system in the most efficient way which meant returning to balance and commission the system properly rather than rushing."
Jim Davis
Quality Vaillant Heat Pump Install
"Fantastic service. Helpful and trustworthy. New boiler was perfect and at a decent price. Positive experience overall."
Leah Cottrell
Local Guide
Perfect New Boiler Installation
"Because they weren't condescending, answered all my naive questions. Took time to explain and turned up on time, cleaned up afterwards. They never moaned once about my choice words."
katie allan
Patient and Professional Service
"I Would highly recommend this company! We had a brand new boiler fitted along with new radiator. Fantastic service."
Carl Tregale
Brand New Boiler and Radiator
"Professional presence online and in person. Prompt process from previsit, to quote, to coming to complete the work. Competitive pricing."
Sarah Dienes
Local Guide
Professional and Competitive
Available in These Areas
Find detailed information about our services in your local area
Why Choose Reform Energy Services?
MCS certified specialists with over 100 successful heat pump installations
MCS Certified
Fully MCS accredited for heat pump installations, ensuring you qualify for government grants and warranty coverage.
Local Expertise
Based in Devon, we understand local housing types, planning requirements, and climate conditions specific to the Southwest.
Full System Design
Every installation includes proper heat loss calculations and system sizing to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
7-Year Warranty
Comprehensive warranty coverage on all components and installation work, with local support throughout the warranty period.
Grant Application
We handle all government grant applications on your behalf, ensuring you receive the maximum support available.
Ongoing Support
Annual maintenance packages and 24/7 emergency support to keep your system running efficiently for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about air source heat pump installation
After the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, most installations cost between £6,000-£12,000. The exact cost depends on your home's size, existing heating system, and specific requirements. We provide detailed quotes after our free assessment.
Yes, modern air source heat pumps work efficiently down to -15°C. Even in cold weather, there's heat energy in the air that can be extracted. Our systems are designed for UK climate conditions and perform well throughout winter.
Most installations are completed within 1-2 days. The process includes removing your old system, installing the outdoor unit, connecting to your existing radiators, and commissioning the system. We'll give you a precise timeline during your survey.
Most air source heat pumps fall under permitted development rights and don't require planning permission. However, listed buildings or conservation areas may have restrictions. We'll advise you on any requirements during your survey.
Most existing radiators work well with heat pumps. We'll assess your current system during the survey and advise if any upgrades are needed. Sometimes larger radiators or additional units may be recommended for optimal efficiency.
Savings depend on your current heating fuel. Typical savings are £200-£600 annually when replacing gas boilers, and £800-£1,500 when replacing oil or LPG systems. We'll calculate your specific savings during the assessment.
Modern heat pumps are much quieter than older models, typically producing 45-50 decibels (similar to a quiet conversation). We carefully position units to minimise noise impact and ensure compliance with noise regulations.
Heat pumps require minimal maintenance - mainly annual servicing to check refrigerant levels, clean filters, and ensure optimal performance. We offer comprehensive maintenance packages to keep your system running efficiently.
Still have questions?
Ready to Cut Your Heating Bills?
Get a free assessment and quote for your air source heat pump installation