This February, Channel 4 aired Guy Martin’s House Without Bills, a documentary showing how tackling energy inefficiency and upgrading an older home in Greater Manchester can transform heating costs. One of the key technologies featured was the air source heat pump, a renewable heating system that is increasingly popular in the UK for its efficiency and environmental benefits. Watch the TV show here.
At Solarus Energy Ltd, we’ve been helping homeowners across Stockport, Greater Manchester and Cheshire install air source heat pumps and other renewable systems. In this article, we’ll explain the benefits, typical costs and real-world performance of air source heat pumps, and why they’re worth considering if you want to cut your energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a renewable heating system that extracts heat from the outside air and uses it to heat your home and hot water. Unlike a gas boiler, it doesn’t burn fossil fuels and therefore produces significantly lower carbon emissions.
ASHPs can operate efficiently even in cooler UK temperatures, and modern systems can deliver heating at a fraction of the cost of traditional boilers. They’re especially compelling when paired with renewable electricity (for example, from solar panels).
Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps
1. Lower Heating Bills
Because heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it by burning fuel, they can deliver up to three to four times the energy they consume in electricity. This efficiency can translate into noticeably lower heating costs over time compared with oil or gas boilers.
2. Reduced Carbon Emissions
Air source heat pumps produce no on-site carbon emissions and are fully compatible with low-carbon electricity supplies, making them an attractive choice for homeowners aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Year-Round Comfort
Unlike traditional boilers, heat pumps provide gentle, consistent warmth and can also deliver hot water. They work well with underfloor heating or larger surface radiators and remain efficient even in colder weather.
4. Government Support (Where Eligible)
Although Guy Martin’s House Without Bills showed a real-world renovation scenario, many UK households can take advantage of national schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) which offers up to £7,500 towards the installation of a heat pump when installed by a certified installer, like us. Check your eligibility here.
Typical Costs of a Heat Pump in the UK
The cost of installing an air source heat pump varies based on size, property type and existing infrastructure. According to independent sources, typical UK installation costs range from approximately £7,000 to £13,000 for air source systems — though grants can significantly reduce this outlay.
What Affects Cost?
- Heat pump size required (based on property size)
- Insulation and heat distribution upgrades
- Radiator or underfloor heating compatibility
- Location and accessibility for installation
Before committing, it’s advisable to get a professional assessment to determine the best system for your property.
Real-World Inspiration: Guy Martin’s House Without Bills
On Guy Martin’s House Without Bills (Channel 4, 9 Feb 2026), Guy explored how domestic energy bills could be dramatically reduced through a combination of insulation, draught-proofing and renewable heating in a 1930s semi-detached home in Greater Manchester.
While Guy’s project involved extensive retrofit measures, including high-performance insulation and airtightness, it highlighted a key point: well-designed renewable systems such as air source heat pumps must be integrated with overall energy efficiency strategies in a home to deliver the best results.
Heat Pumps and the UK Climate
One common concern is whether heat pumps work in cooler climates. UK research shows that modern air source heat pumps are designed to deliver efficient heating even in cold weather conditions, though performance improves with good insulation and appropriate system sizing.
Why Professional Installation Matters
A poorly designed or installed heat pump can under perform, leading to higher running costs and reduced comfort — something highlighted in recent media discussion around these systems. Choosing an experienced, certified installer is essential.
We are proud to be Vaillant approved installers, delivering air source heat pump systems that are correctly sized, efficiently installed and tailored to your home’s needs.
Pairing a Heat Pump With Solar or Battery Storage
For even greater savings and energy independence, air source heat pumps can be combined with a solar PV system, generating clean electricity that helps power your heating and with battery storage to optimise self-consumption and reduce grid reliance.
Learn more about Solar PV options here.
Solarus Energy – Your Local Installer
At Solarus, we specialise in renewable heat and energy solutions for homes across Stockport, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
As Vaillant approved installers, we are qualified to assess, supply and fit air source heat pumps and can guide you through grant eligibility, system design and aftercare.
We also install:
- Solar PV systems
- Battery storage
- Full electrical services