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Choosing the best air source heat pump in 2026 can be challenging. This comprehensive guide assesses a range of models and brands, comparing output, features, warranties and prices to help you make a decision.
Depending on the model you opt for, the best air source heat pumps can help you lower your heating costs in winter, cool your house down in summer, and warm your domestic hot water (DHW), saving you hundreds of pounds on your energy bills.
Interested in investing in a heat pump for your home? Our team has conducted thorough research to highlight the best air source heat pumps on the market right now.
How do they work? In simple terms, a heat pump is a device that transfers heat from a source to another location. An air-to-air heat pump extracts energy from the air outside your home and brings it inside, and can extract heat from your home to send it outdoors in summer. An air-to-water heat pump also extracts heat from the air outside your home but uses it to heat water, which can then be used for heating or linked up to kitchen and bathroom taps. This guide focuses on air-to-water heat pumps as they are the most common in the UK.
Samsung is a world-leading home technology and appliances manufacturer, and while it’s best-known for phones and TVs, it also produces high quality heat pumps.
In recent years, Samsung has heavily invested in the development of renewable technology for the home, which has allowed it to start manufacturing energy-efficient and powerful air source heat pumps such as the EHS Mono Outdoor.
With a maximum power output of 16kW and top energy ratings ranging between A++ and A+++, we think it’s the best air source heat pump you can buy right now. It uses a refrigerant called R32, which is more sustainable than the traditional R22 used in many other heat pumps as it has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP).
In addition, the EHS Mono Outdoor is one of the smallest units we’ve reviewed, up to 40 per cent lighter than some of its competitors. Its very low minimum operating temperature means it can be installed anywhere in the UK, even in areas with frequent adverse weather.
This particular air source heat pump is more affordable than most of its competitors. Prices range between £3,000 and £5,000 excluding labour and installation costs, depending on the supplier and the output size you choose.
For more information, read our full Samsung EHS Mono Outdoor review.
Hitachi is one of the most popular heat pump manufacturers in the world. All of its heat pumps have an excellent energy rating, up to A+++ for the Yutaki Combi S. It comes in a variety of power outputs ranging from 4.3 to 16kW, so it has models suitable for most homes.
We love that both the indoor and outdoor units are really quiet, clocking in at around 45dBA for the outdoor unit and a very low 39dBA for the indoor unit. The Yutaki Combi S’s minimum operating temperature is -20°C, but that should be more than enough for most areas of the UK.
Though Hitachi does not quite beat Samsung when it comes to the price, the price range on the Yutaki Combi S is still fairly low, starting at about £4,000 and extending to around £7,000 without installation.
For more information, read our full Hitachi Yutaki S Combi review.
The Vaillant aroCOLLECT is an air source brine collector, which works almost like a ground loop in a ground source heat pump, using the ambient air to warm the brine fluid inside it. Combined with a 400V flexoTHERM heat pump, which is available in 15kW and 19kW models, it is one of the most efficient heating systems on the market.
Both flexoTHERM and aroCOLLECT products are MCS accredited, so they may qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and other home energy grants.
Vaillant has also won awards for the sleek design of its units, which we particularly appreciate in a field where aesthetics are usually an afterthought.
Vaillant flexoTHERM 400V + aroCOLLECT is not the choice for those shopping with a tight budget, as the starting price is about £7,000. With the highest specs, you could end up paying up to £10,000.
For more information, see the full Vaillant flexoTHERM 400V + aroCOLLECT review.
Daikin has over 90 years of experience in the home heating market. One of the best features of the Altherma 3 air source heat pump is that it can operate in temperatures as low as –25°C, so wherever you live in the UK, you won’t have to worry about being able to use it in the depths of winter.
We also love its sleek design, which has won the Reddot Product Design Award and the IF Design Award in 2018. This heat pump comes with a number of smart features including the option to set zones inside your home to specify which need to be heated and up to what temperature.
The Daikin Altherma is on the more expensive end of the spectrum; it has a starting cost of around £6,000 and can go up to £10,000.
For more information, read the full Daikin Altherma review.
Nibe is a Swedish company that has been providing high-quality heating and cooling appliances for over 60 years.
The NIBE F2050 air-to-water heat pump comes in several models with different power output options, ranging from 6kW to 16kW. All of them are Quiet Mark certified, so their noise levels won’t be disruptive inside your home, and their efficiency rating is up to A+++ for heating to 35°C.
Where NIBE really stands out is through its smart features. The F2050 uses AI technology to adapt to your home’s heating requirements throughout the year, enabling you to save more money on your bills and reduce your environmental impact.
Nibe is one of the more premium brand on the market, but we think it’s reasonably priced considering its high efficiency and smart features.
For more information, see the full Nibe F2040 review.
Finding the best heat pumps can be challenging, which is why we’ve relied on a few different factors when reviewing and comparing different models.
Power output is one of the most important things you can consider when it comes to choosing the right air source heat pump, as it is the measurement (expressed in kiloWatts or kW) that tells you how powerful it is. Most heat pumps have an output between 4 and 16 kW; the bigger the home or space you want to be heated, the higher the output you should look for.
The efficiency of an air source heat pump is an essential criterion. It is measured by the heating seasonal performance factor; in other words, the total heating output during the season divided by the electricity the heating unit consumes.
Typically, the best air source heat pumps have an efficiency rate around 300 per cent, but this can vary based on the company and the model. Some air source heat pumps can even be up to 600 per cent efficient.
Air source heat pumps can be louder than some air conditioning units, which is why comparing the noise levels is also essential. After all, you want to ensure that you are comfortable with the sound levels that your new air source heat pump produces.
Most heat pumps have a noise level of about 40-60 decibels when measured from a distance of one metre; any more, and it might be disruptive, especially if it is placed near a bedroom.
The weight and size of air source heat pumps vary significantly between models and brands. Depending on the size of your property and where you’re intending on placing the heat pump, this could be a contributing factor in your decision making.
The prices of heat pumps vary. Even the most affordable ones start from about £3,000, and the price can rise upwards of £10,000. Usually, the most powerful units cost the most, but other features affect the price, too.
While it’s important to take the cost into account, we’d also advise keeping in mind the potential long-term savings to be made on energy bills from installing an air source heat pump.
Most air source heat pumps come with a limited warranty, typically about 5-7 years, but this can vary significantly from one provider to the next. Always check the guarantee terms before purchasing a heat pump.
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Installing an air source heat pump can have many benefits compared to regular heaters. For instance, it can help you to reduce your electric bill and promote an environmentally friendly approach.
Air source heat pumps can be an excellent way to improve energy efficiency at home. However, it may not be the best solution for everyone, so it is recommended to speak with a professional to explore your options before deciding on an air source heat pump.
Most air source heat pumps can be used for cooling and heating depending on the brand and model. This makes them versatile and useful throughout the seasons. You simply need to check the features in advance to ensure that both of these options are available. Additionally, air-to-water air source heat pumps also generate hot water for domestic use, replacing boilers entirely.
As air source heat pumps use the outside air for heating and cooling, it can help you to reduce your energy bills. Especially when switching to an air source heat pump from an electric or coal-based system, the savings can be significant. However, it is important to note that air source heat pumps are not the silver bullet for reducing costs, and this can vary on a case by case basis.
The running costs of air source heat pumps depend on a few things, for instance, the efficiency and the temperature of the source. This means that converting freezing outside air into heat will be more expensive than converting a nice 10 degrees outside air into heat.
Also, air source heat pumps are a low-carbon heating option that can be very environmentally friendly because they use outside air for heating and cooling your home. So, you can easily reduce your carbon emissions and carbon footprint if you are switching from an electricity or coal-based system to an air source pump.
Air source heat pumps can be an excellent source of renewable energy and a low-carbon choice, but they are not right for everybody. However, if fossil fuels and sustainability are your concern, an air source pump can be worth considering.
One of the biggest problems in air source heat pumps is converting very cold air to heat, as it is not very cost-effective. So, when temperatures drop below zero, they have to work harder to produce heat. However, converting higher temperatures into heat is, of course, much easier.
Also, another con of an air source heat pump is that turning off your gas boilers and connection can be expensive.
An air source heat pump (or ASHP for short) is a heat pump that uses a compression process to convert outside air into heat. The vapour compression system is the same that refrigeration systems use. They work with the same idea as air conditioners but in the other direction.
Most air source heat pumps can be used for both heating and cooling.
The main difference between the air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps is where they get heat from. Air source heat pumps get the source for heat from the air. Ground source heat pumps, on the other hand, get the heat from the ground.
Most air source heat pumps work well in lower temperatures. However, each model has a different limit for the lowest operating outside temperature, so this should be checked before buying a heat pump, particularly if you live in a very cold area.
The prices of air source heat pumps vary depending on the brand, model, and features. However, even the most affordable ones typically start from about £3,000.
We used an effective and comprehensive scoring list when we compared and reviewed the best air source heat pumps in the UK. Each point is essential in order to complete reviews that are in unison throughout the line.
We have considered each of these factors carefully to ensure that the reviews are detailed and thorough.
