Why Air Source Heat Pumps Are Taking the Lead in 2025
More affordable, faster to install and nearly as efficient it’s easy to see why ASHPs are now the UK's top renewable heating choice.
At Central Plumbing & Heating, we’ve seen first-hand how air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are changing the game in home and commercial heating. While ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) were once seen as the gold standard for renewable efficiency, 2025 has firmly positioned ASHPs as the most popular and practical choice for most properties in the UK.
Here’s why that shift has happened and why it matters.
1. Air Source Heat Pumps Are Now Cheaper, Faster & Easier to Install
Let’s start with the basics: air source heat pumps are significantly cheaper to buy and much quicker to install than ground source systems. There’s no need for disruptive boreholes or ground loops, which means less hassle and cost from the start, especially if your property doesn’t have the space or access for major groundworks.
In most cases, our team can install a high-performance ASHP system in a fraction of the time it would take for a GSHP, with less disruption and a smoother customer experience.
2. Efficiency Gaps Have Shrunk. Dramatically!
Historically, ground source heat pumps were seen as far more efficient than air source models. That was true, once. But today’s air source technology has closed the gap significantly.
At Central, we regularly see modern ASHP systems achieving seasonal efficiencies (SCOPs) of over 400%, even in colder weather. Thanks to huge investment and rapid innovation, air source models are now more than capable of delivering excellent results, especially when installed and designed properly (more on that below).
3. Government Grants Now Favour Air Source Systems
This is a big one and Liam, our resident expert, explains it well:
“Under the old RHI scheme, GSHPs used to get much bigger payouts because they were more efficient and homeowners could get up to £25,000 over time. Now, with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, both GSHPs and ASHPs get a flat £7,500 grant.”
That’s a massive shift. You no longer get a bigger reward for choosing a more expensive and complex GSHP, which has levelled the playing field for air source. The financial incentive now points clearly towards ASHPs as the best-value renewable heating option.
4. The Only Catch? Poor Installations Are Letting the Side Down
While ASHPs are a brilliant solution, their recent surge in popularity has created one clear challenge: too many poorly trained installers jumping on the bandwagon. This has led to underperforming systems, bad press, and confused homeowners.
At Central Plumbing & Heating, we’ve taken the opposite route. We’re Heat Geek Verified, MCS Certified, and deeply committed to doing things right. Every system we design is bespoke, calculated properly, and tailored to your home and how you live in it.
We’re not here to jump on trends, we’re here to lead the way with proper expertise, honest advice, and rock-solid results.
5. Is Air Source Right for You?
In most cases - yes. Whether you’re replacing an old oil or LPG boiler, upgrading your heating to future-proof your home, or improving your business’s sustainability credentials, air source is now the smart choice. And if we ever think a GSHP or alternative solution is better for you, we’ll tell you - no sales pitch, just straight answers.
Work With Certified Experts Who Keep Things Simple
At Central, we believe great systems start with great planning. Our team will guide you through everything from initial quote to grant application. Yes, we handle the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme paperwork too and ensure your heat pump system delivers on performance, comfort, and cost savings.
If a heat pump system turns out not to be the right solution for your property, we will be honest with you and recommend a system that is.
Ready to find out if an air source heat pump is right for your home or business?
Contact us today or give us a call on 01522 535335 and we’ll walk you through the options and tailor the best solution for your space.
