Air to Air Heat Pumps in the UK
An air to air heat pump heats your home with warm air blown through indoor units, the same kit as air conditioning, rather than heating water for radiators. It is cheaper to fit than an air to water system, can cool in summer, but does not make hot water and does not qualify for the £7,500 grant. That makes it a different tool for a different job.
Quick Answer
An air to air heat pump costs £2,500 to £4,500 and heats with warm air rather than radiators. It can also cool in summer, but it does not heat water and does not qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, unlike air to water systems.
Prices as of early 2026, based on UK installer quotes.
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
Air to air vs air to water vs water source
The heat pump types differ in where they take heat from and how they deliver it. Air to water is the mainstream UK home choice. Here is how the main types compare.
| Type | Delivers Heat Via | Hot Water? | Cost | BUS Grant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air to air | Warm air (indoor units) | No | £2,500–£4,500 | No |
| Air to water | Radiators / underfloor | Yes | £8,000–£14,000 | £7,500 |
| Water source | Radiators / underfloor | Yes | £10,000–£20,000 | £7,500 |
| High temperature | Existing radiators (65°C+) | Yes | £9,000–£15,000 | £7,500 |
Most UK homes want air to water. See our air source (air to water) guide and ground source guide.
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Get a Quote →Air to air heat pump cost
A single-room air to air system costs around £2,500 to £4,500 installed, with multi-room systems costing more as you add indoor units. Because it does not heat water and is not BUS-eligible, there is no £7,500 grant, but the lower upfront cost and the cooling function make it attractive for specific uses. Running cost is low, the same 3 to 4 times efficiency as other heat pumps.
Who should consider air to air?
Good fit
- Homes that want heating and summer cooling in one unit
- Flats or extensions without a wet radiator system
- Rooms needing extra heat without a full retrofit
- Holiday homes and offices used intermittently
Look at air to water instead if
- You want to replace a whole-house wet heating system
- You need hot water from the heat pump
- You want the £7,500 grant
- You are replacing a gas, oil or LPG boiler
Air to Air Heat Pump FAQ
What is an air to air heat pump?
An air to air heat pump takes heat from the outside air and delivers it as warm air through indoor units, the same hardware as air conditioning. It heats rooms directly rather than heating water for radiators, and most models can also cool in summer.
How much does an air to air heat pump cost?
A single-room air to air system costs around £2,500 to £4,500 installed, with multi-room systems costing more as indoor units are added. It is cheaper to fit than an air to water system but does not qualify for the £7,500 grant.
What is the difference between air to air and air to water?
Air to air delivers warm air through indoor units and cannot heat water, while air to water heats your radiators, underfloor heating and hot water cylinder. Air to water is the mainstream UK home choice and qualifies for the £7,500 grant; air to air does not.
Does an air to air heat pump qualify for the grant?
No. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant covers air to water (air source) and ground source heat pumps, not air to air systems, because air to air does not provide whole-house wet heating and hot water.
Can an air to air heat pump cool as well as heat?
Yes. Most air to air systems run in reverse to provide cooling in summer, like air conditioning. This dual heating and cooling function is one of the main reasons people choose air to air over a wet system.
What is a water source heat pump?
A water source heat pump draws heat from a nearby body of water such as a river, lake or borehole, instead of from air or the ground. It is efficient and qualifies for the £7,500 grant, but needs suitable water access, so it is less common than air or ground source.
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Related Guides
Can Heat Pumps Cool?
Which heat pumps cool, vs air conditioning, cost, and grants.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Cost, best brands, running costs, and pros and cons for UK homes.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Cost, efficiency, ground loops vs boreholes, and the £7,500 grant.
Heat Pump Cost
Full price breakdown by type and home size, plus running costs.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust: Heat Pumps
- GOV.UK: Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- MCS: Certified Products & Installers
Last updated: June 2026
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.
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