Air Source Heat Pumps Chorley, Preston & Lancashire
Upgrade your home to a lower-carbon heating system with a professionally designed air source heat pump from Croston Plumbing & Heating.
- Expert Advice
- Whole System Design
- Locoal & Reliable
We install air-to-water heat pump systems across Chorley, Preston, Leyland and surrounding areas, with every property assessed for heat loss, radiator requirements, pipework, hot-water demand and suitable heat pump positioning before installation.
Eligible homeowners can currently receive £7,500 towards an air source heat pump through the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Qualifying off-gas-grid homes replacing oil or LPG heating may currently be eligible for an increased £9,000 grant.
As an Alto Assured Heat Pump Installer, our installations are supported through Alto Energy’s MCS Umbrella Scheme, helping eligible customers access government funding while ensuring the appropriate technical design, compliance and certification requirements are followed.
How Much Does An Air Source Heat Pump Cost?
A complete air source heat pump installation with Croston Plumbing & Heating will typically cost approximately:
Typical Installation Cost Before Grant
£12,000-£17,000
With the £7,500 BUS Grant
£4,500-£9,500
With the £9,000 Grant
£3,000-£8,000
These are indicative figures rather than fixed prices.
The final cost depends on your property, its heat-loss requirements and how much work is required to make the existing heating system suitable for a heat pump.
Some properties already have appropriately sized heating pipework and radiators. Others may require radiator upgrades, a new hot-water cylinder or substantial alterations to existing heating pipework.
This is why we assess the complete heating system, rather than simply quoting for an outdoor heat pump unit.
Grant eligibility, availability and final installation costs are subject to the applicable Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules and individual property requirements.
£7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant, And Up to £9,000 for Some Homes
The government-backed Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is designed to reduce the upfront cost of replacing eligible heating systems with low-carbon alternatives such as air source heat pumps.
For eligible air-to-water heat pump installations, the standard grant is currently:
£7,500 Towards an Air Source Heat Pump
Qualifying off-gas-grid properties replacing oil or LPG heating may currently be eligible for an increased:
£9,000 Heat Pump Grant
The increased £9,000 grant is currently scheduled to apply to qualifying installations until 31 March 2027, subject to government scheme rules.
How Does the Heat Pump Grant Work?
You don’t normally receive the grant as cash into your bank account.
Instead, the applicable BUS grant contributes towards the installation cost and is managed through the appropriate MCS-certified process.
Through our Alto Assured partnership, eligible Croston Plumbing projects can be supported through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application and certification process.
0% VAT on Qualifying Heat Pump Installations
Qualifying residential air source heat pump installations currently benefit from 0% VAT under the government’s VAT relief for eligible energy-saving materials.
The current relief is scheduled to run until 31 March 2027.
This can further reduce the upfront cost of moving from a traditional fossil-fuel heating system to a lower-carbon heating solution.
The applicable VAT treatment will be confirmed as part of your quotation.
We're an Alto Assured Heat Pump Installer
Croston Plumbing & Heating is proud to be an Alto Assured Heat Pump Installer.
As part of the Alto Assured network, our heat pump installations are supported by Alto Energy, an MCS Umbrella Scheme provider.
This gives customers the reassurance that the appropriate technical design, MCS standards, compliance requirements and Boiler Upgrade Scheme processes can be handled as part of their installation.
“Quality installations, expert design and complete peace of mind”
A Complete Heating System, Designed Around Your Home
An air source heat pump is only as good as the heating system behind it.
Heat pumps generally operate at lower heating-water temperatures than traditional boilers. That means the radiators, heating pipework, heat loss and water flow throughout the property all need to work together correctly.
Simply connecting a heat pump to an unsuitable existing heating system can result in poor performance, rooms struggling to reach temperature and unnecessarily high running costs.
At Croston Plumbing & Heating, we assess the whole heating system before recommending an installation.
Is Your Existing Pipework Suitable for a Heat Pump?
One of the most important considerations when converting a property to a heat pump is the existing heating pipework.
Many properties have sections of small-bore pipework, including 10mm pipes feeding radiators.
While this may work with a conventional boiler operating at higher temperatures, small-bore pipework can restrict the water flow required by a correctly designed low-temperature heating system.
Where existing pipework cannot provide the required flow, sections of the system may need to be upgraded or re-piped.
In some properties this is relatively straightforward. In others, a more extensive re-pipe may be necessary and can increase both the cost and disruption involved.
We would rather identify these requirements before installation than install a heat pump onto a heating system that cannot distribute enough heat around your home.
Will I Need Bigger Radiators?
Not necessarily. Some existing radiators may already provide sufficient heat output, while others may need upgrading.
Because heat pumps typically operate at lower heating-water temperatures than traditional boilers, a larger radiator surface area can sometimes be required to deliver the necessary heat into a room.
During your assessment we consider:
- Individual room heat loss
- Existing radiator sizes
- Required heating output
- Heating flow temperatures
- Pipe sizes and routes
- Water flow requirements
- Property insulation
- How individual rooms are used
If your existing radiators are suitable, they can remain.
Where upgrades are necessary, we’ll explain which radiators need changing and why.
What Happens During an Air Source Heat Pump Survey?
Every home is different, so we start by understanding your property and existing heating system rather than simply selecting a heat pump from a brochure.
Our assessment considers:
Property Heat Loss
We assess how much heat the property and individual rooms require so that the heating system can be sized correctly.
Existing Heating Pipework
We assess pipe sizes, routes and the existing heating distribution system to identify anything that may restrict heat pump performance.
Radiator Requirements
Existing radiators are assessed to determine whether they can provide sufficient heat output at the proposed heating temperatures.
Outdoor Heat Pump Location
We look for an appropriate location for the outdoor unit, taking into account airflow, accessibility, appearance and noise.
Hot-Water Cylinder Location
Most air-to-water heat pump systems require a suitable hot-water cylinder, so we’ll assess potential locations and the space available.
Noise Considerations
The position of the outdoor unit is assessed to minimise disturbance and meet applicable installation requirements.
Installation Disruption
If pipework or radiator upgrades are required, we’ll explain what work is likely to be involved and any potential disruption to your property.
Hot-Water Requirements
Household size, number of bathrooms and typical hot-water demand are considered when designing the system.
How Long Does an Air Source Heat Pump Installation Take?
A typical Croston Plumbing air source heat pump and unvented hot-water cylinder installation takes approximately:
Around 4 Working Days
Where the property requires extensive heating pipework or radiator upgrades, the work may require:
Up to a Further 4 Working Days
Every property is different.
Your expected installation timescale and will be discussed before the work begins.
Our Air Source Heat Pump Installation Process
1. Free Initial Assessment
We start with a free initial assessment of your property and existing heating system.
We’ll discuss your requirements, inspect the main elements of the heating system and determine whether an air source heat pump appears suitable.
We’ll then provide an initial quotation based on our findings.
2. Detailed Pre-Installation Survey
If you’re happy with the initial proposal and would like to proceed, we arrange the detailed technical assessment required for the installation.
This allows the system requirements, design and relevant scheme requirements to be checked in greater detail.
3. Final System Design
The heat pump, hot-water cylinder, radiators and any necessary pipework upgrades are specified around the calculated heating requirements of your property.
4. Installation
Our engineers complete the agreed heating-system upgrades and install the new air source heat pump and associated equipment.
5. Commissioning & Certification
The completed heating system is tested and commissioned, with the applicable certification and compliance process completed through our Alto Assured arrangement.
6. Handover
Once everything is complete, we’ll explain how to use the system and heating controls so you understand how to operate your new heat pump effectively.
Which Air Source Heat Pumps Do We Install?
Mitsubishi Ecodan Air Source Heat Pumps
Ecodan air-to-water heat pumps are designed to provide residential space heating and domestic hot water as part of a properly designed heating system.
The exact model and output required will be determined by your property’s calculated heating requirements.
Worcester Bosch Air Source Heat Pumps
We also supply and install Worcester Bosch air source heat pump systems where appropriate.
As an established Worcester Bosch heating installer, we can assess whether a Worcester Bosch heat pump is suitable for your property.
Is an Air Source Heat Pump Right for My Home?
Air source heat pumps can work effectively in many different types of property, but they aren’t simply a like-for-like replacement for a gas, oil or LPG boiler.
A heat pump generally operates at lower heating-water temperatures than a traditional boiler. This means the whole heating system needs to be considered, not just the heat pump itself.
When we assess a property, Croston Plumbing & Heating considers:
Property heat loss
We look at how much heat each room needs to maintain a comfortable temperature. This helps determine the required heat-pump output and heating-emitter sizes.
Insulation and heat retention
Loft, wall, floor and glazing performance can affect how much heat the property requires. Improving heat retention can help reduce heating demand.
Existing radiators
You don’t automatically need to replace every radiator. However, some existing radiators may not provide sufficient output at the lower flow temperatures typically used by a heat pump and may need upgrading.
Existing heating pipework
Pipe diameter, layout and flow rates matter. Some properties, particularly those with small-bore pipework, may require alterations or a more extensive re-pipe to allow the system to operate correctly.
Underfloor heating
Underfloor heating can be particularly well suited to air source heat pumps because it uses a large surface area to heat rooms effectively at lower water temperatures. Where practical, it is something we recommend considering, particularly during renovations, extensions and new floor installations.
Space for a hot-water cylinder
Most air-to-water heat-pump systems providing domestic hot water require a suitable cylinder, so we assess where this could be installed and the household’s hot-water demand.
Outdoor-unit location
The heat pump needs a suitable external location with adequate airflow and consideration given to access, noise and surrounding properties.
Electrical supply
The property’s electrical installation needs to be suitable for the proposed system and any associated equipment.
How you use your heating
Number of occupants, bathrooms, desired room temperatures and hot-water usage all influence system design.
That’s why we start with an assessment
Rather than simply recommending a heat pump because a property has an existing boiler to replace, we assess whether the property and heating system can work effectively with one.
Where upgrades are required, we’ll explain what we recommend and why before you commit to the installation.
Underfloor Heating & Air Source Heat Pumps
Why Underfloor Heating Works So Well with a Heat Pump
Underfloor heating and air source heat pumps can be an excellent combination.
Traditional boilers commonly supply radiators with relatively high-temperature water. Heat pumps are generally most efficient when they can heat a property using lower flow temperatures.
Underfloor heating helps achieve this because the floor itself becomes a large heat-emitting surface. Instead of relying on a relatively small radiator to deliver the room’s heat, warmth is distributed across a much larger area.
This can allow a correctly designed underfloor heating system to keep rooms comfortable while operating at temperatures well suited to a heat pump.
Do I Need Underfloor Heating to Have an Air Source Heat Pump?
No. You do not need underfloor heating to install an air source heat pump.
Many homes can use a heat pump successfully with appropriately sized radiators. The important factor is whether the radiators can provide enough heat to each room at the system’s designed flow temperature.
However, if you’re already:
- Renovating your home
- Building an extension
- Replacing floors
- Carrying out a major heating upgrade
- Building a new property
…then we would strongly recommend considering underfloor heating as part of the heat-pump design.
Can I Have Underfloor Heating Downstairs and Radiators Upstairs?
Yes. A heat-pump system can be designed with underfloor heating in some areas of the property and radiators in others.
For example, a homeowner may choose underfloor heating throughout an open-plan ground floor while retaining or upgrading radiators in upstairs bedrooms.
The important part is designing the different heating zones, emitters, controls and required water temperatures to work together correctly.
What About Existing Homes?
Underfloor heating isn’t only for new builds, but installing it retrospectively can involve considerably more work depending on the property’s floors and construction.
That’s why we wouldn’t recommend ripping up a perfectly good home simply because you’re considering a heat pump.
During your CPH assessment, we can look at whether existing radiators, upgraded radiators, underfloor heating or a combination of the two is the most practical solution for your property.
Planning a Renovation? Consider the Heating System Early
If you’re considering an air source heat pump alongside an extension, new kitchen, major renovation or new flooring, speak to us before the heating and flooring work is finalised.
Planning the heat pump, pipework, underfloor heating, radiators and heat-loss requirements together can avoid having to alter newly completed work later.
Air Source Heat Pump Installers Across Lancashire
Croston Plumbing & Heating provides air source heat pump installation across Chorley, Preston, Leyland and surrounding areas of Lancashire and the North West.
Areas we cover include:
Chorley, Preston, Leyland, Bamber Bridge, Eccleston, Croston, Coppull, Fulwood, Longridge, Penwortham, Lostock Hall, Buckshaw Village, Wigan, Ormskirk, Southport and surrounding areas.
If your location isn’t listed, please contact our team. We cover a wide area and will be happy to confirm whether we can help.
Why Choose Croston Plumbing & Heating?
Choosing a heat pump installer isn’t simply about choosing the outdoor unit. You need a team that understands how the complete heating system works together.
Local Heating Specialists
An established local plumbing and heating company serving homes throughout Chorley, Preston, Leyland and Lancashire.
Alto Assured Heat Pump Installer
Our heat pump projects are supported through Alto Energy’s MCS Umbrella Scheme.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Support
Eligible customers can access applicable BUS funding through the appropriate installation and certification process.
Whole-System Assessment
We don’t simply look at the heat pump. We assess heat loss, pipework, radiators, hot-water requirements and system design.
Free Initial Assessment
Start by finding out whether a heat pump is suitable for your home without committing to an installation.
Local Aftercare
You have the reassurance of dealing with an established local heating company before, during and after your installation.
BOOK YOUR FREE HEAT PUMP ASSESSMENT
Tell us a little about your home and we’ll contact you to discuss whether an air source heat pump could be suitable, available grant support and the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Source Heat Pumps
How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Heat My Home?
An air source heat pump extracts heat energy from the outside air and transfers it into water for your home’s heating system. This heated water can circulate through appropriately sized radiators or underfloor heating and can also heat water stored in a suitable hot-water cylinder. Because heat pumps generally operate at lower flow temperatures than traditional boilers, the heating system needs to be designed around the property’s heat loss and heating requirements.
How much does an air source heat pump cost?
1. How Does an Air Source Heat Pump Heat My Home?
A typical Croston Plumbing & Heating air source heat pump installation is expected to cost approximately £12,000-£17,000 before government support. After the standard £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, an indicative customer contribution could be around £4,500-£9,500. Eligible off-gas-grid properties replacing oil or LPG heating may currently qualify for an increased £9,000 grant, potentially reducing the contribution to approximately £3,000-£8,000. Final costs depend on the property and heating-system requirements.
How much is the air source heat pump grant in 2026?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently provides £7,500 towards eligible air-to-water heat pump installations. Certain qualifying off-gas-grid properties replacing oil or LPG heating may currently receive an increased £9,000 grant, subject to the scheme’s eligibility requirements.
Can I get the £9,000 grant if I have an oil boiler?
Potentially. The increased grant applies to qualifying off-gas-grid properties replacing eligible oil or LPG heating systems. Having an oil boiler alone doesn’t automatically guarantee eligibility, as the property and proposed installation must meet the applicable Boiler Upgrade Scheme requirements.
Do Croston Plumbing & Heating installations qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Where the property and proposed installation meet the applicable scheme requirements, the project can be supported through the appropriate MCS process via our Alto Assured partnership, allowing eligible customers to access Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding.
Does my home need to be fully insulated before installing a heat pump?
Not necessarily, but reducing unnecessary heat loss can improve comfort and heating-system performance. The property’s heat-loss characteristics are considered when designing the heat pump system, and we’ll discuss any issues identified during the assessment.
Do I need planning permission for an air source heat pump?
Many domestic air source heat pump installations in England can be completed under permitted development rights when the relevant conditions are met. However, requirements can differ for certain properties, including listed buildings and some properties in protected areas. The proposed outdoor-unit location and applicable requirements should therefore be considered as part of the project.
Are air source heat pumps noisy?
Air source heat pumps produce some sound from the fan and compressor while operating. Modern residential units are designed with noise in mind, but correct positioning remains important. Outdoor-unit location and noise considerations form part of our assessment.
Can an Air Source Heat Pump Replace an Oil or LPG Boiler?
Yes, an air source heat pump can replace an oil or LPG boiler where the property and heating system are suitable. Before recommending the change, we assess heat loss, existing radiators, pipework, hot-water requirements and the proposed outdoor-unit location. Eligible off-gas-grid properties replacing qualifying oil or LPG heating may also currently qualify for enhanced Boiler Upgrade Scheme support.
Can I Have Underfloor Heating Downstairs and Radiators Upstairs With a Heat Pump?
Yes. An air source heat pump system can be designed with underfloor heating in some areas and appropriately sized radiators in others. A common arrangement is underfloor heating on the ground floor with radiators upstairs. The important part is correctly designing the heating zones, controls, flow temperatures and heat emitters so that the whole system works effectively together.
Do I Need Underfloor Heating With an Air Source Heat Pump?
No. Underfloor heating isn’t required for an air source heat pump. Many homes can use heat pumps successfully with appropriately sized radiators. However, underfloor heating can be particularly well suited to heat pumps because its large surface area can heat rooms effectively using relatively low water temperatures. We strongly recommend considering it where practical, particularly during renovations, extensions or when floors are already being replaced.
Can I Use My Existing Underfloor Heating With an Air Source Heat Pump?
Potentially, yes. Existing wet underfloor heating can often work well with an air source heat pump because both systems can operate effectively at relatively low water temperatures. However, the existing system should be assessed for factors including pipe spacing, flow rates, controls, floor construction and required heat output before compatibility is confirmed.
Do I need new radiators for an air source heat pump?
Not always. Some existing radiators may already provide sufficient output, while others may need upgrading because heat pumps typically operate at lower heating-water temperatures than traditional boilers. We assess the heat loss and radiator requirements before recommending replacements.
Will My Radiators Feel Cooler With an Air Source Heat Pump?
Yes, radiators connected to an air source heat pump will often feel cooler to the touch than radiators heated by a traditional gas or oil boiler. This is normal. Heat pumps generally work more efficiently by circulating lower-temperature water for longer periods. The important factor is whether each radiator can provide enough heat for the room at the designed flow temperature, which is something we assess before recommending an installation.
Does an Air Source Heat Pump Need to Run All the Time?
An air source heat pump may run for longer periods than a traditional boiler, especially during colder weather. Rather than producing short bursts of very hot water, a correctly designed heat-pump system generally maintains a steadier temperature using lower-temperature water. Longer running times are therefore not necessarily a sign that the system is using excessive energy or isn’t working correctly.
Will an Air Source Heat Pump Reduce My Energy Bills?
It depends on your property, current heating fuel, electricity tariff, heat demand and the efficiency of the new system. A homeowner replacing oil, LPG or direct electric heating may have a very different outcome from someone replacing a modern mains-gas boiler. For this reason, Croston Plumbing & Heating doesn’t promise a fixed saving for every home. Correct heat-loss calculations, flow temperatures, radiators, pipework and system design all influence running costs.
Can a heat pump work with 10mm heating pipes?
Small-bore pipework can sometimes restrict the water flow required by a low-temperature heating system. Properties with 10mm heating pipework may therefore require sections of pipework to be upgraded. We assess pipe sizes and system flow requirements during the survey rather than assuming the existing system is suitable.
How long does an air source heat pump installation take?
A typical heat pump and unvented hot-water cylinder installation takes approximately four working days. Where substantial radiator or heating-pipework upgrades are required, the project may require up to approximately another four working days.
Do I need a hot-water cylinder with an air source heat pump?
Most domestic air-to-water heat pump systems require a suitable hot-water cylinder. We assess your household’s hot-water requirements and potential cylinder locations as part of the survey.
Which heat pump brands do you install?
We primarily install Mitsubishi Ecodan air source heat pumps and can also supply and install Worcester Bosch heat pump systems where appropriate.
Can an air source heat pump completely replace my boiler?
For many suitable homes, a correctly designed air-to-water heat pump can become the main source of space heating and domestic hot water. The property must first be assessed to confirm its heat loss, radiators, pipework, hot-water storage and other system requirements.
Will an Air Source Heat Pump Work When It's Freezing Outside?
Yes. Modern air source heat pumps are designed to continue operating when outside temperatures fall below freezing. Their performance changes as outdoor temperatures fall, which is why the heat pump must be correctly sized for the property’s heat loss and local design temperatures. During cold or damp weather, the outdoor unit may also periodically enter a normal defrost cycle.
What Is a Heat Pump Defrost Cycle?
A defrost cycle is a normal function of an air source heat pump during cold or damp weather. Moisture can freeze on the outdoor heat exchanger, so the heat pump periodically removes the ice to maintain airflow and performance. You may occasionally notice steam, water or a temporary change in operation around the outdoor unit while this happens; this does not automatically indicate a fault.
Does an Air Source Heat Pump Need Servicing?
Yes. Air source heat pumps should be regularly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements. Servicing helps ensure that the outdoor unit, heating circuit, controls and associated components continue to operate correctly and allows potential issues to be identified before they become more serious.
Ready to Find Out if a Heat Pump Is Right for Your Home?
The first step isn’t choosing a heat pump. It’s finding out what your home actually needs.
Book a free initial air source heat pump assessment with Croston Plumbing & Heating.
We’ll review your property and existing heating system, discuss the likely requirements and provide an initial quotation.
If you’re happy to proceed, we’ll then progress to the detailed technical assessmentp.
✓ Free initial assessment ✓ No obligation ✓ Grant support