How long does an air source heat pump installation take?

How long the work actually takes

Most air source heat pump installations take two to four days on site. Smaller homes are often done in two days. Larger homes, or those needing new radiators, can take four or five.

From first enquiry to a warm home, expect around four to eight weeks. That covers the survey, design, grant approval and booking.

What is the full heat pump installation timeline?

The work on site is quick. Most of the time goes on planning and paperwork. Here is how a typical project runs, with times confirmed at your own survey.

• Home survey — engineer visits and checks your home: 1-2 hours
• Heat-loss design — room-by-room sizing and quote: 3-7 days
• Grant application — we apply for the £7,500 voucher: 1-3 weeks
• Network notification — we inform UK Power Networks, alongside the grant
• Installation — heat pump, cylinder and pipework fitted: 2-4 days
• Commissioning — testing, set-up and handover: half a day

Why does the grant stage affect timing?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is paid as a voucher. Your MCS-certified installer applies for it on your behalf.

Once issued, the clock starts ticking. Vouchers for air source heat pumps are valid for three months, so your install must be finished within that window. That is why we book your install date as soon as the voucher lands.

What happens on each day of installation?

Every job is different, but a typical three-day install looks like this. A fourth day is usually for extra radiators or tricky pipe runs.

• Day one — we drain the old system, remove your boiler and set the outdoor unit on its base or wall brackets
• Day two — we fit the hot water cylinder, run new pipework and install any upsized radiators
• Day three — electrics are connected, the system is filled, then we test, commission and show you the controls

What makes an installation take longer?

Some homes need more work than others. These are the most common reasons.

Many Bexleyheath homes are 1930s semis. They usually have space for a cylinder in the airing cupboard, which keeps installs nice and quick.

• Radiator swaps — each upsized radiator adds time
• Old microbore pipes — narrow pipes may need replacing
• No space for a cylinder — combi homes need room found for one
• Electrical upgrades — an older consumer unit may need replacing
• Access — long pipe runs or tight gardens slow things down

Will I have heating and hot water during the install?

Your heating will be off for part of the job, usually one to three days. Hot water may also be off while the cylinder goes in. We will always tell you exactly which days you will be without heat.

• Book your install for spring or early autumn if you can
• Ask us about temporary electric heaters
• Plan quick showers at the gym or a neighbour's

Real example: a Welling terrace

A two-bed terrace in Welling had an old combi boiler. Our survey found only one radiator needed upsizing. The grant voucher came through in under two weeks.

We fitted a 5kW unit and cylinder in two days. The family had hot water back by the second evening.

How to prepare for installation day

A little preparation keeps the job moving and shortens your time without heating.

• Clear space around the boiler and airing cupboard
• Move garden items from where the outdoor unit will sit
• Make sure engineers can reach your consumer unit
• Keep pets and children away from work areas
• Plan to be home for the handover on the final day