Logo
0800 093 3299
Logo

New UK Regulations for Air Source Heat Pump installations

air source heat pump

As the UK heads towards its net-zero goals air source heat pumps, have become the front runner for cleaner, greener home heating.
However, installing these low-carbon systems hasn’t always been a breeze, particularly due to planning restrictions that made it tricky for many homeowners.

The UK government is set to relax regulations early 2025 for heat pump installations, making these energy-efficient systems more accessible than ever. This long-anticipated move is set to reshape the way households approach heating, driving the adoption of greener technologies and helping the nation take a significant step towards its climate goals.

Why Heat Pump Installs Have Been a Challenge

Air source heat pumps are fantastic for reducing carbon emissions, saving energy, and cutting heating bills. But up until now, certain regulations have acted as a roadblock for homeowners:

  • The 1-Metre Rule: Homeowners had to install ASHPs at least one meter away from a property boundary. For homes with smaller outdoor spaces, this could curve their decision.
  • Unit Size Restrictions: The maximum unit size was capped at just 0.6 cubic meters. This limited homeowners to smaller, less powerful systems.
  • Planning Permission Hassles: Larger systems or multiple heat pumps often required planning permission, adding time, paperwork, and costs.

These barriers meant that heat pumps weren’t a feasible option for many properties, despite their energy-saving potential.

How Regulations Are Changing in 2025

Recognising the need for more flexible solutions, the UK government has decided to overhaul planning rules for air source heat pumps. Here’s what’s changing:

The End of the 1-Metre Rule: The one-metre boundary requirement will no longer restrict homeowners. This is a game-changer for anyone with smaller gardens, courtyards, or limited outdoor space. Homeowners can now position heat pumps where they fit best without worrying about boundary distances.

Larger Heat Pumps Allowed:  The new regulations will increase the maximum allowable unit size from 0.6 cubic metres to 1.5 cubic metres.This means homeowners can install larger, quieter, and more efficient heat pump models, making it easier to heat larger homes or achieve better performance in colder conditions.

More Than One Heat Pump? No Problem! Detached homes will now be allowed to install up to two air source heat pumps without requiring additional planning permission. This opens the door to cascade systems (multiple units working together) or air-to-air heat pumps for heating and cooling larger spaces.

What is the process of an air source heat pump installation?

First contact

The process of an air source heat pump installation starts right at the beginning of your renewable energy journey. Your first contact will be with our friendly team in the office, who are ready to answer any questions you might have about the system, its benefits, or how it could work for your property.

Booked survey

After this initial chat, we’ll schedule a free survey. One of our experienced surveyors will visit your property to assess its suitability and tailor the system to your needs. They will review existing floor plans or measure the space to create a new floor plan if one is not available. This survey also gives you an opportunity to ask any additional questions you may have missed during your initial inquiry.

Quote

You’ll receive a comprehensive and detailed breakdown of your heat loss calculations, which are an essential part of designing your bespoke heating system. These calculations allow us to understand exactly how much heat your property loses in different areas, ensuring the air source heat pump is sized and configured to meet your specific requirements.

Our team dedicates between 1 to 2 hours to this process, carefully analysing every detail to ensure nothing is overlooked. This includes taking into account factors such as the size and insulation of your property, the number of windows and doors, and even external environmental conditions. By investing this time and effort, we can guarantee a heating system that is both efficient and effective, tailored to your unique needs and delivering optimal comfort for your home.

You will also receive a comprehensive breakdown of your proposal, which includes several key components to ensure you have a clear understanding of the system and its benefits. This breakdown features your initial proposal, outlining the recommended setup and cost details, as well as an ASHP design summary that explains how the system is tailored to your home’s specific requirements.

Additionally, if needed, we provide a radiator upgrade proposal, detailing any enhancements required to optimise your heating system’s performance. Finally, we include information about the boiler upgrade scheme, which highlights potential funding or incentives available to help offset installation costs. This thorough proposal ensures you are fully informed and confident about every aspect of your new heating system.

Pre – Installation

If you choose to proceed with your quote, our project manager will reach out to guide you through the next steps leading up to your installation. They will provide key details, including your scheduled installation date, and arrange a pre-installation review with our plumbing manager. This ensures you’re fully informed and prepared for the process ahead.

Installation day!

The day you’ve been waiting for, on installation day our skilled team are ready to bring your new heating system to life. The process starts with positioning the outdoor heat pump unit. These units, which vary in size but can be up to 1 metre by 1.5 metres, are carefully installed in the designated location to ensure optimal performance and airflow. Inside your home, the installer will place the hot water cylinder in its designated spot, ensuring it fits comfortably. This cylinder will later be connected to your plumbing system to deliver efficient hot water.

The next step is preparing your central heating system. This involves modifying or upgrading the pipework and radiators as needed, followed by a thorough system flush to remove any debris or build-up. This ensures a clean foundation for your new heat pump to perform at its best.

Once everything is ready, the installer connects your heat pump to your central heating and plumbing system. Our certified electricians handle the connection to your electrical supply to power the unit.

When the installation is complete, we fit thermostats and advanced heating controls for full temperature control. The installer will then perform thorough checks to ensure everything runs smoothly and will give you a full run through of how to use your new system, answering any further questions you may have.

If you would like to take that first step, contact us on 0800 093 3299 or fill out our Get a Quote form.

To book your free survey or for further information call us

Call us 0800 093 3299 Email us

Get a quote

Give us a call or send us a message to arrange your survey and assess the best solutions for your property.

GET A QUOTE

News & insights

heat pump and solar
Air Source Heat Pumps

Cutting Energy Bills in Half with Smart Load-Shifting

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy bills, the solution might be to “load-shift”. One of our customers […]

READ MORE
Blog

​ Aiko vs JA Solar: Which All-Black Solar Panel is Right for You?

When investing in solar panels, two key considerations are performance and aesthetics. If you’re looking for sleek, all-black panels that […]

READ MORE