Choosing a Heat Pump in 2026 — comparing the top 7

Air-source heat pumps for UK homes. Eligible for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.

Compiled by Sepehr · Last reviewed May 2026

What to look for in an air-source heat pump

SCOP, not COP: The headline COP figure is measured in perfect lab conditions. The Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) reflects real-world UK performance across a heating season — this is the number that actually determines your energy bills. Anything above 3.5 SCOP is strong for UK conditions.

Flow temperature compatibility: A heat pump running at 45°C flow temperature is significantly more efficient than one running at 55°C. This matters if you have existing radiators — they may need upsizing if they were designed for a 70°C boiler flow. Underfloor heating runs at 35–45°C and is ideal.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme: The £7,500 BUS grant is available to homeowners replacing a fossil fuel heating system. All products on this page are BUS-eligible — your MCS-certified installer handles the application. Check you meet the criteria (no outstanding Green Homes Grant, EPC below E) before booking.

Noise: Heat pumps run continuously rather than in short bursts like boilers. The sound output — typically 45–52dB(A) at 1m — matters more than boiler noise because it's constant. If your unit will sit close to a neighbour's window or bedroom, prioritise the quieter models.

Common mistake: Installing a heat pump into a poorly insulated home and being surprised by high bills. A heat pump extracts ambient heat efficiently — but if your home loses heat quickly, you'll run it continuously. The MCS Domestic Heat Pump Installer standard requires a heat loss survey before installation.

Vaillant

arotherm plus 8kW

8.5

German-engineered ASHP with A+++ energy rating and among the lowest noise outputs in class at 46dB(A). Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.

~£14,500 installed (after £7,500 BUS grant: ~£7,000)

Mitsubishi Electric

Ecodan PUHZ-SW80VHA 8.5kW

8.3

The most widely installed ASHP brand in the UK. Proven reliability over 15+ years of UK installs, strong installer network, and a 7-year warranty.

~£14,000 installed (after £7,500 BUS grant: ~£6,500)

Samsung

EHS Mono HT Quiet 8kW

8.1

Outstanding low-noise output at 45dB(A) with high-temperature capability up to 65°C — ideal for retrofits into homes with existing radiator systems.

~£13,500 installed (after £7,500 BUS grant: ~£6,000)

Daikin

Altherma 3 R 8kW

7.9

Compact monobloc design with integrated controls. One of the tidier-looking units on the market, with a well-regarded app and strong SCOP.

~£14,200 installed (after £7,500 BUS grant: ~£6,700)

Bosch

Compress 7000i AW 8kW

7.6

Solid mid-market option with a familiar brand and competitive pricing. Good SCOP and a straightforward install profile.

~£13,000 installed (after £7,500 BUS grant: ~£5,500)

Worcester Bosch

Greenstore Platinum 8kW

8.1

The UK boiler brand making the heat pump transition. Familiar to homeowners, large installer network, and a competitive 7-year warranty.

~£13,800 installed (after £7,500 BUS grant: ~£6,300)

ThermaV R32 9kW

8.0

Strong value proposition — competitive SCOP with one of the more aggressive installed prices. Good smart integration via LG ThinQ.

~£12,500 installed (after £7,500 BUS grant: ~£5,000)