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Are you in the market for an air source heat pump and wondering what the best option is? In truth, there really isn’t a proper answer to this, only to say that the best heat pump is the one that is most suitable for your own requirements.
While all air source heat pumps function in largely the same way — transferring heat from the air outside and using it to heat the home — each has different features and capacities that impact on their suitability for your particular needs.
Here we outline some of the best air source heat pumps available plus some of the common questions that are commonly asked to heat pump installers by customers trying to decide which high energy efficiency heat pump system to choose.
With a range of top brands, the choice of air source heat pump can be somewhat overwhelming. Here we select a few of the best air source heat pump brand options that may be suitable, depending on your requirements.
While known for their range of home electronic goods and appliances, the South Korean manufacturer has been carving itself a position in the manufacturing of renewable energy systems, including heat pumps, since 2007. Their heat pump range offers a variety of options to suit different property sizes and budgets, including more compact monobloc unit systems, split heat pump systems and hydrosplit heat pumps.
Find out more about LG’s range of air source heat pumps below:
LG Split heat pumps | Monobloc heat pumps | |
Installation | Flexible installation | Single compact unit |
Common models | R32 Split 4/ kW Hydro, R32 Split 5/7/9 kW Hydro Box, R410A Split Hydro Box High Temperature | R32 Monobloc S, 1Ø, 5kW – 16kW, R32 Monobloc S, 3Ø, 12kW – 16kW |
Energy class | A+++ (average climate at 35℃ water outlet) | A+++ (average climate at 35℃ water outlet) |
Leaving water temperature | up to 65 ℃ for R32 / 5,7,9kW models / 57 ℃ for R410A models / 55 ℃ for R32 4,6kW models / 80℃ for High temperature model | Up to 65 ℃ |
Minimum outdoor temperature | As low as -25 ℃ for R32 5,7,9kW, R410A and High Temperature models / -20 ℃ for R32 4,6kW models | As low as -25 ℃ |
Unit type | Wall-mounted hydro box or floor-standing integrated water tank type indoor unit | No indoor space for indoor unit needed |
View our more extensive LG heat pump review
Daikin made its mark as a world-leading air conditioning unit company, but since 2009 has been selling residential heat pumps. As a Japanese company, their reputation as an innovative quality manufacturer makes them a brand you can trust. While their Altherma product range can be somewhat more expensive than other manufacturers, the quality of engineering makes them a price that many feel is worth paying.
Perhaps the main appeal of any Daikin air source heat pump is their modern, Japanese design, allowing them to fit seamlessly with any home. But their ability to operate in cold temperatures make them more than just a stylish option – they’re incredibly practical too for most UK homes. They have a range of heat pumps covering all needs. Need a high temperature heat pump or one that excels in lower temperatures? Daikin has you covered.
Find out more about the Daikin air source heat pump range below:
Altherma low-temperature heat pumps | Altherma mid-temperature heat pumps | Altherma high-temperature heat pumps | |
Installation | Clever build means simple installation | Smart design simplifies installation, maintenance and service | Smart build simplifies installation |
Common models | Altherma 3 R F, Altherma 3 R W, Altherma 3 M, | Altherma 3 H MT F, Altherma 3 H MT W | Altherma 3 H HT F, Altherma 3 H HT W |
Energy class | A+++ | A+++ | A+++ |
Leaving water temperature | up to 60 ℃ | Up to 65 ℃ | Up to 65 ℃ |
Minimum outdoor temperature | As low as -25 ℃ | As low as -28 ℃ | As low as -28 ℃ |
Unit type | A sleek and modern design that blends into your interior | Perfect solution to boiler replacements and can connect to domestic hot water tank or thermal store | Designed to be a heating system replacement in older homes |
View our more extensive Daikin heat pump review
A well-known boiler brand in the UK, Vaillant have branched into heat pumps with great success and offer a reliable solution for those looking to upgrade their heating system. With most of their products having been awarded the ‘Quiet Mark’ this marks them out as a low-decibel heat pump unit perfect for domestic use.
The aroTHERM line is Vaillant’s air-to-water heat pump main range and can be paired with a Vaillant hot water cylinder, making it suitable for a wide range of properties. The aroTHERM hybrid heat pump systems which enables properties to operate their heat pump system alongside existing heating, such as a boiler, so that the most efficient generator is selected at the right time.
The best thing about the aroTHERM air source heat pump is that it is so compatible with UK heating systems, making it an easy option for many UK homeowners. Many consider a Vaillant air source heat pump to be the best air source heat pump simply because its installation is so seamless. But there are a range of other benefits to them, too.
Read more about the aroTHERM air source heat pump:
aroTHERM air source heat pump | |
Installation | Compact size for easy fitting |
Common models | aroTHERM, aroTHERM Plus |
Energy class | A+++ |
Leaving water temperature | Up to 63 ℃ |
Minimum outdoor temperature | -15 ℃ (5kW), -20 ℃ (8kW, 11kW, 15kW) |
Unit type | Solid case design with in-built vandalism measure |
The long-standing Japanese company has an exceptional Ecodan heat pump range, which has been sold commercially since 2007. Its award-winning Ecodan range is made, according to the company, specifically with the UK climate in mind. While its range can be somewhat pricier than some of its competitors, it’s the quality and reliability from a trusted brand that marks it out as one of the best air source heat pump options available.
Mitsubishi’s air source heat pump range shines thanks to the high quality products they produce. The Ecodan range is award-winning for a reason, and it’s thanks to their premium performance and outstanding reliability. Not to mention their easy connectivity to most UK boilers for those looking to keep a backup power source in place. Essentially, a Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump offers the best of both worlds.
You can read more about the Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump below:
Ecodan Monobloc heat pumps | |
Installation | Single compact unit requiring minimal space |
Common models | R32 Ultra Quiet PUZ, R290, R32 Compact PUZ Monobloc, R32 Zubadan, Coastal Protection |
Energy class | A+++ |
Leaving water temperature | Up to 60 ℃ |
Minimum outdoor temperature | As low as -20 ℃ (R32 Compact), -28 ℃ (R32 Zubadan) |
Unit type | Self-contained unit to be placed outside the property |
Viessmann is a family name that’s gone global in recent years, known for their home heating solutions, Viessmann are now offering air source heat pumps with enough quality to warrant their inclusion on this list. The company employs around 14,500 employees around the globe. Located in 74 countries, with 22 production companies in 12 of those countries, the Viessmann Group continues to grow from the small family-run business set up by Johann Viessmann in 1917.
Their energy efficient heat pumps are known for their significant output and continuous reliability, making them an obvious inclusion on our best air source heat pump list. The Viessmann Vitocal range of heat pumps are available in a range of outputs, meaning you’re bound to find a Viessmann heat pump that suits your needs.
Check out a quick overview below:
Monobloc heat pumps | Commercial heat pumps | |
Installation | Single compact unit taking up 60% less space compared to other units | Large single unit commercial application |
Common models | Vitocal 150-A (2.1 to 14.9 kW), Vitocal 151-A (2.1 to 14.9 kW), Vitocal 200-A (4.0 to 12.0 kW), Vitocal 222-A (3.8 to 11.6 kW) | Vitocal 200-A PRO (32, 64, 128 kW), Vitocal 250-A PRO (39.5 kW) |
Energy class | A+++/A++ (depending on heat pump) | A+++/A++ (depending on heat pump) |
Leaving water temperature | Up to 70 ℃ | Up to 70 ℃ |
Minimum outdoor temperature | -10 ℃ | -2 ℃ |
Unit type | 1 x outdoor unit, 1 x indoor unit | Large external unit |
Perhaps the least well known brand, Aira title themselves as the ‘next generation energy champion’ and for good reason. With roots in Scandinavia, where heat pumps are not just more common, but actually are the industry standard, they know heat pumps like the back of their hands.
Aira looked at Sweden’s relationship with heat pumps and compared it to the rest of Europe and the UK, and found an interesting point. Despite Scandinavian countries being much colder, and therefore needing far more heating throughout the year, they actually contributed far less to Europe’s carbon footprint – and heat pumps were the reason.
Now Aira is on a mission to change the way UK households are powered with affordable heat pump options that benefit from Scandinavian technology, efficiency and reliability. With so much more experience in the field than most other countries, why wouldn’t you trust the technology that’s been perfected over many years and perfect for operating in cold climates.
The company’s offering is streamlined and simple – just the Aira Outdoor Unit, the Aira Indoor Unit, and the Aira Indoor Unit Compact. They stand on their own as not only an excellent cost effective heat pump, but one that holds its own in terms of power output, efficiency, and durability too.
Here’s an overview:
Aira Outdoor Unit | |
Installation | Simple outdoor unit + indoor unit or indoor unit compact for fast installation |
Common models | Aira 6kW, Aira 8kW, Aira 12kW |
Energy class | A++/A+++ |
Leaving water temperature | Up to 70 ℃ |
Minimum outdoor temperature | -25 ℃ |
Unit type | Sleek, Scandi design to suit any home – indoor and outdoor unit |
The different air source heat pumps we’ve covered all excel in different areas. Whether it’s their brand name and reputation, stylish design, or superior technology – each one stands up to scrutiny.
Improved energy efficiency will have a positive impact on energy bills and help you potentially upgrade from a traditional gas boiler, or existing heating systems, to an option with much lower running and maintenance costs.
Want a quote for an air source heat pump? Contact Heat Pumps UK today for a price or see if you qualify for the available government grants of up to £7,500 under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Make the first move today to reduce your energy consumption, carbon emissions and save money.
Unless you are completely gutting your own property and installing an entirely new heating system, you will need to take into account compatibility of your existing heating set up. If your property currently operates underfloor heating (or low temperature radiators) then low-temperature heat pumps will usually be more suitable. Alternatively, if you have a more traditional central heating system with standard or oversized radiators, high temperature heat pumps would probably be the best choice.
If you want your air source heat pump all packaged in one compact convenient package, then a monobloc heat pump should be your preferred option. Consisting of a single outdoor unit, they are a good option when you need to save indoor space.
Split system models consist of more than one unit, with a condenser collecting the heat outdoors and transferring this to an indoor unit inside the home where water is heated to serve the system. Some split systems come with an integrated hot water storage tank, whereas a monobloc system will require a separate tank in order to provide hot running water. Find out more about the differences of monobloc v split system air source heat pumps.
The output of an air source heat pump is measured in kilowatts (kW), and generally the larger your home, the greater sized air source heat pump you’ll need. Though other factors can influence this, such as the level of insulation in your property and the degree of seasonal fluctuations in temperatures, here are some rough estimates which may help give you an indication of potential heat pump output requirements:
Property type (based on one with good insulation) | Suggested ASHP output required |
1-bed flat/apartment | 2-3kW |
2-bed terrace | 4-5kW |
3-bed semi-detached | 6-8kW |
4-bedroom detached | 9-11kW |
5-bedroom detached | 12-16kW |
If you are still unsure what size heat pump you need, get in touch with Heat Pumps UK for advice or check out our heat pump size guide.
Personal preference, or even health matters, will dictate the room temperature you require in your home and therefore from your heat pump. Around 20°C – 22°C is usually the desired temperature, but if you require your home to be warmer, a larger air source heat pump will be required, while a cooler required room temperature means you could get away with a small sized heat pump.
The initial cost can sometimes put people off having a heat pump installed. Prices for the most basic domestic air source heat pumps start from around £5,000, including the installation, but the larger the output required and the more complex the installation, the greater the costs. If you are unable to hook up your existing heating system (whether using the radiators or underfloor heating elements), this will add to your costs. Find out more about air source heat pumps costs.
A good air source heat pump will have an efficiency level of around 300% – meaning for every 1kW of electricity used, around 3kWh of usable heat energy will be produced. Some of the better brands and models can produce efficiencies far in excess of this, sometimes as much as 600%.
Aside from system efficiency, the cost of running your heat pump will depend on many other factors including the outside temperature, energy expenditure, and how well your home is insulated. Discover more about heat pump running costs.
With efficiency levels far in excess of standard home boilers, an air source heat pump is going to save you money, effectively meaning that the costs of your heat pump will be covered in the long-term by the savings. You will need to weigh up cost versus savings to see which air source heat pump will prove the most cost effective.
Some households may be able to benefit from free grants for heat pumps to reduce the upfront cost of their installation. A household also operating its own solar panels will generate savings that will cover any outlay in a much quicker timescale.
Having high efficiency means this type of heating system will reduce your carbon footprint. However, there are other environmental considerations to take into account when it comes to heat pumps.
Much like a home refrigerator, an air source heat pump relies on refrigerant gases to work, but these gases can have a negative impact on the environment if there is a leak. Refrigerants have their potential environmental impact as a greenhouse gas measured in terms of their global warming potential (GWP), so this may be a consideration when choosing a heat pump.
Air source heat pumps are not noise-free so you may need to consider the noise levels depending on the type of system you choose and the proximity of the unit to your home. Split system models are usually quieter in operation so may be a better option if noise is a major concern.
Some heat pumps can produce noise levels which might be considered louder than some air conditioning units, so you need to weigh up which air source heat pump unit is going to operate with a noise level that you (and potentially your neighbours) are able to tolerate. Discover more about how noisy heat pumps are.
Brand names do make a difference. While you may be more familiar with names like Hitachi or Samsung rather than Vaillant or Daikin, this does not mean that these other lesser well known (to you at least) brands are any less well established.
When choosing by brand, you may want to pay attention to their numbers of years in the heat pump market. The longer a company has been operating in this area, the more time they have had to improve their product offering. Most heat pumps come with warranties from the manufacturers of at least 5 years, with extended warranties often also available.