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Heat pumps in the UK are decimating conventional heating systems on efficiency, cost, and carbon emissions, and the 2026 models are even better at this. Moreover, with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme reducing the cost of installation by £7,500, the decision on whether to switch is no longer necessary. The decision is what brand you should buy.
We have put together this guide to do just that for you, by looking at what are currently the best models of air-source heat pumps available in the UK.
How Air Source Heat Pumps Really Work
Air source heat pumps are devices that extract heat from outside air, even when it’s icy cold! And they inject the heat into the heating and hot water systems of homes. It’s just an inverted air conditioner that gives out 3 to 4 times more heat energy for the same amount of electric power consumed.
“That’s a 300-400% efficiency rating. Your gas boiler? Tops out at 95%. Not even close,” he said. Performance is measured through SCOP – Seasonal Coefficient Of Performance. An SCOP rating of 5.0 is five units of heat produced for one unit of electricity.
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Best Air Source Heat Pump Models for UK Homes
Looking for the best options? Here’s what actually matters in 2026—backed by data, not dealer hype.
Viessmann Vitocal: The Benchmark
Want the best air source heat pump available in the UK right now? Viessmann Vitocal sets the standard.
Quick Specs:
- SCOP: 5.0 (A+++ efficiency)
- Output Range: 2.1kW–14.9kW
- Cold Weather: Works to -10°C (delivers 70°C water)
- Cost: £5,620–£11,375
- Warranty: Up to 7 years
This monobloc design needs 60% less installation space than competitors. Gold-plated heat exchanger resists corrosion. Broad output range fits everything from small flats to large family homes. Viessmann’s installer base in the UK is vast, and that 7-year warranty is a comfort that you’ll have no trouble benefiting from.
Daikin Altherma 3: Designed for Cold Regions
Worried about what the winter weather might do to the performance of the unit in the UK?
Quick Specs:
- SCOP, efficiency classes and biomass conversion
- Output Range: 4-
- Cold Weather: Functions to -28°C
- Hot Water: 70°C at -15°C ambient
- In the United Kingdom
- Warranty: Up to 7 years
“Bluevolution: advances in our compressor technology to extract optimal heat even in extreme cold.” “The heat pump offers 100% heating performance at -25°C. Ideal for retrofitted installations with conventional radiators because it provides water temperatures from 65 to 70°C.”
Vaillant aroTHERM Plus: The Eco
Love the environment? aroTHERM Plus has a natural refrigerant of R290 with a mere 3-GWP. That’s much lower than 675-GWP R32.
Quick Specs:
- SCOP: 5.03 (A+++ efficiency)
- Output Range: 3.5kW–12kW
- Flow Temp: Up to 75°C
- Noise: 54dB normal / 30dB night mode
- Cost: £3,786–£6,082
- Warranty: 5-year standard, 7-year extended
It’s the quietest heat pump you’ll come across. And Night Mode goes down to 30dB – very quiet. Optimum for quietness for terrace houses where the neighbours count. And get this – R290 refrigerant is in line with everything the EU plans to phase out by 2027.
LG Therma V R32: Value for Money
Budget considerations? The LG Therm V R32 offers A++ ratings with price tags that humiliate prestige brands.
Quick Specs:
- Category of Protein:
- Output Range: 5k
- Cold Weather: Functions up to -25°C
- Max Water Temp: 80°C (High Temp Version)
- Cost in the UK
- Warranty: 3-5 years (7 years)
The price tag on its 16kW model is just over £4,000, which is about £1,500-£2,000 lower than similar products from Daikin and Viessmann. Its built-in “SmartThinQ” connectivity allows it to be controlled via a smartphone using its built-in WiFi. Performance also does
Samsung EHS Mono HT Quiet: Silence Engineered
Require whisper-quiet performance? The Samsung 4-step Quiet Mode achieves 35dB, which is equivalent to a whispering conversation.
Quick Specs:
- Output Range: 8kW–14kW
- Hot Water: 70°C at -15°C
- Noise: 35dB (Quiet Mode) / 42dB (normal)
- Operating Range: -30°C to +43°C
- Warranty: 7 years standard
The EHS Mono HT Quiet boasts Flash Injection Technology and a 11.9% larger heat transfer area compared to the previous Samsung range. Seven-year warranty outshines all others. A superb gas boiler replacement for projects requiring high water temperatures.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing an Air Source Heat Pump
To pick the most suitable heat pump for your house, you need to know what really makes a difference in terms of performance and value. Here are the things you need to know.
Energy Efficiency and Cost of Operation
The SCOP ratings show how well a heat pump really performs. The higher the rating, the lower your energy bills. A three-bedroom house with an air source heat pump has an average annual heating bill of £939—much lower than gas heating if you are on renewable electricity tariffs.
Inverter-driven compressors vary their capacity according to demand. They perform best at partial loads, which is how your house is operating most of the time.
Performance in Cold Weather
Modern heat pumps retain high energy efficiency even in UK winters. They perform well even at -20°C or -30°C without any loss of performance. Most heat pumps can provide 100% of your heating needs even at -15°C to -20°C outside temperatures.
High-temperature models (HT models) provide 70°C water even at -15°C outside temperatures. Ideal for houses with traditional radiators. Standard models are compatible with underfloor heating systems and low-temperature radiators that function at 55°C.
Warranty and Long-Term Protection
Warranty periods are all over the map. Typical warranties last 2-7 years. Extended warranties may need annual servicing by certified installers and proper system installation, including buffer tanks.
The Aira heat pump has a 15-year warranty (with subscription maintenance). Panasonic and LG heat pumps have 7-year warranties. Budget heat pumps may have only 2-3 years of warranty. Read the fine print.
Heat Pump Size for Your Home
Sizing is not an exact science. Small heat pumps do not work well in cold weather. Large heat pumps will short-cycle, decreasing efficiency and shortening life. Heat loss calculations by professionals factor in insulation, windows, usage, and climate.
Rough sizing guide:
- 2-bedroom flat: 4-5kW
- 3-bedroom house: 6-8kW
- 4-bedroom detached: 9-12kW
- Large homes: 15kW+
Viessmann Vitocal (2.1-14.9kW range) and Hitachi Yutaki (4.3-24kW) provide the greatest flexibility in terms of output to suit different UK homes.
Noise Levels
Modern heat pumps operate at 40-60dB—like a refrigerator. However, compressor noise during defrost cycles can hit 65dB occasionally.
Vaillant aroTHERM Plus and Samsung EHS Mono achieve 30-35dB in quiet modes—virtually silent. Worth the premium in densely populated areas or terraced houses.
Getting Your Air Source Heat Pump Installation
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 government grants for eligible UK homeowners. A typical 5kW system costing £8,000-£10,000 drops to £500-£2,500 after grant support.
Choose your heat pump installer carefully. Proper commissioning and correct sizing determine long-term performance. The Heat Pump Association maintains registers of certified UK installers. Request multiple quotes comparing specs, warranty terms, and aftercare support.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the selection of the most favourable air source heat pump to buy in 2026, the solution cannot be simple, as it has to address variables such as efficiency, price, and performance during cold climates. When overall value is considered, Viessmann Vitocal is the leader, and during cold climates, Daikin Altherma 3 is the undisputed champion. When it comes to budget-friendly solutions and efficiency
Specialist consultation, proper sizing, and taking advantage of government grants will ensure these transitions offer both cost savings and environmental dividends for UK home owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Efficiency is well retained at -15°C to -25°C. The low temperatures subsisting during most winters in the UK occur very intermittently. A typical defrosting cycle prevents the development of ice on the external unit.
SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) determines the real efficiency levels with varying temperatures, depending on the season. COP (Coefficient of Performance) indicates the real-time efficiency levels. SCOP has greater importance in buying because it indicates real performance.
Correct sizing is determined by professional heat loss calculations that take into account building insulation, window sizes, occupancy patterns, and climate zone. The assessment and recommendations for the required capacity are made by certified installers. In most cases, 5-8kW systems are sufficient for 2-3 bedroom homes, while 9-12kW would be more appropriate for 4-bedroom homes.
Long-term: yes. Annual running costs average £939 for a three-bedroom home using air source heating against £1,200-£1,500 for gas. While electricity is more expensive per unit, heat pumps’ 300-400% efficiency offsets this. Government grants are also very attractive (£7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme).
Buffer tanks avoid short-cycling in some installations, specifically underfloor heating. Several manufacturers make this a requirement for an extended warranty. However, it’s the certified installers’ call as to when it is really essential for your particular heating system application.
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