How many heat pumps are installed in the uk?

As of 2026, over 1.2 million heat pumps have been installed in UK homes, according to the latest data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ, 2026). This figure covers both air source and ground source heat pumps, with the vast majority being air source units.

The total number includes installations under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and other grant programmes, but the pace of uptake is accelerating. DESNZ reports that around 180,000 heat pumps were installed in 2025 alone, up from 120,000 in 2024. However, the UK still lags behind countries like France and Germany, where annual installations exceed 500,000.

Air source heat pumps dominate the market

Air source heat pumps account for roughly 95% of all domestic heat pump installations in the UK. The Energy Saving Trust confirms that a typical air source heat pump can deliver a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of around 3.0 to 3.5, meaning it produces three to four times the heat energy it consumes in electricity (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Ground source heat pumps, which are more efficient but costlier to install, make up the remaining 5%. The average installation cost for an air source heat pump in 2026 is around £10,000 to £15,000, with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offering a grant of £7,500 towards the cost (GOV.UK, 2026).

Regional disparities in heat pump uptake

Installation rates vary significantly across the UK. Scotland has the highest proportion of heat pumps per household, driven by a higher share of off-gas grid homes and targeted Scottish Government grants. In England, the South East and South West lead, while London and the North East have lower uptake. Ofgem data shows that in 2025, 42% of Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers were redeemed in the South East and South West combined, compared to just 8% in the North East (Ofgem, 2026). This reflects factors like property type, age of housing stock, and installer availability.

The UK needs far more heat pumps to hit net zero

The Climate Change Committee has stated that the UK needs around 19 million heat pumps installed by 2050 to meet net zero targets. At the current installation rate of roughly 180,000 per year, the UK would take over 100 years to reach that figure. The government has set a target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, but industry bodies like the Heat Pump Association warn that installer capacity and consumer awareness must improve significantly to meet this goal (DESNZ, 2026). For now, the 1.2 million figure represents just 6% of the required total.

A worked example

A typical 1930s semi-detached house in Manchester with 100m² of floor space and solid walls would see an air source heat pump costing around £10,500 after the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is applied. The Energy Saving Trust estimates this home would save roughly £395 per year on heating bills compared to an older gas boiler, assuming a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance of 3.2 and current energy prices. With 0% VAT on heat pump installations until March 2027, the total upfront cost drops further. The payback period on this investment works out at around 27 years based on annual savings alone, though the real value comes from the 25-year lifespan of a modern heat pump and the avoided cost of replacing a gas boiler every 10 to 15 years. Over 25 years, the total savings including avoided boiler replacements reach approximately £9,875. This example assumes the property has adequate insulation and the homeowner is not eligible for ECO4 funding, which could reduce costs further.

What homeowners often get wrong

The most common mistake is assuming heat pumps only work in modern, well-insulated homes or that they cannot cope with UK winters. Here are three frequent misunderstandings that cost homeowners time and money.

1. Believing heat pumps are too noisy for neighbours Modern air source heat pumps produce about 40 to 50 decibels at 1 metre, quieter than a fridge or a conversation. The MCS installation standards require units to be placed at least 1 metre from property boundaries, and many models now have a silent night mode. Fitting a unit without checking the permitted development rights or the MCS 020 standard can lead to a noise complaint and a costly relocation bill of up to £2,000.
2. Thinking heat pumps need constant high temperatures to work Many homeowners set their heating to 55°C or higher, matching a gas boiler flow temperature, which forces the heat pump to run inefficiently and increases electricity bills. The correct approach is to use weather compensation controls and set a lower flow temperature of around 35°C to 45°C. This allows the heat pump to run for longer periods at its most efficient SCOP of 3.5. This mistake can add £150 to £300 to annual running costs.
3. Ignoring the need for a hot water cylinder upgrade A heat pump cannot produce the instant high-temperature water that a combi boiler delivers, so homeowners often try to keep their old combi boiler system and end up with lukewarm showers. The right solution is to install a hot water cylinder of at least 180 litres with a heat pump-compatible coil, which adds around £1,500 to £2,500 to the installation cost. Skipping this upgrade can void the MCS warranty and make the system unusable for domestic hot water.

Quick reference

• The UK had over 1.2 million heat pump installations by 2026, with 180,000 units added in 2025 alone.
• Air source heat pumps make up 95% of all domestic installations, with ground source units accounting for the remaining 5%.
• To qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, the heat pump must be installed by an MCS-certified installer and the property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate.
• A typical air source heat pump saves a UK household between £300 and £600 per year compared to an older gas boiler, depending on insulation levels and energy tariffs.
• Heat pumps work effectively at temperatures below freezing and are built to operate down to -15°C, with modern units maintaining a SCOP of 3.0 even in cold weather.