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Air-Source Heat Pumps

Benefits of installing an Air-Source Heat Pump

For Parish and Town Councils, village hall committees, and other community building managers, keeping costs down while improving sustainability is a constant challenge. Air-Source-Heat Pumps are an extremely cost-effective and practical method to future-proof a community building.

1. Significant carbon emission reductions and lower energy costs

ASHPs use ambient air to generate heat, via a relatively small amount of electricity to power this process. Therefore, they emit far fewer greenhouse gases than conventional fossil fuel boilers, as they are far more energy efficient – often producing 3-4kWh of heat for every 1kWh of electricity used.

2. Access to grants and incentives

There is a vast array of grant opportunities that local councils, charities and community groups can take advantage of. The UK government still offer the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers up to £7,500 for a ground or air-source heat pump. A comprehensive list of funding opportunities can be found in the grants available tab.

3. Reliable and low maintenance

ASHPs have relatively few moving parts and no combustion process, leading to lower maintenance costs and longer service life compared with fossil fuel boilers.

4. Improved air quality and comfort

ASHPs don’t produce any on-site pollutants, and provide a steady consistent heat output, helping to improve indoor conditions for activities and events.

5. Supports energy security, and gives opportunity to go off grid

By reducing reliance on imported gas or oil, electrified heat via heat pumps contributes to local and national energy resilience, which is particularly valuable during periods of volatile energy pricing. ASHPs can also pair with existing solar panels, further lowering costs and giving the potential to go entirely off grid, as, if enough energy is produced by the panels, they can provide the electricity required to power the ASHP.

4 step plan to install an Air Source Heat Pump

Step One – Consider carrying out an energy audit

Before committing to installing an ASHP unit, it’s essential to understand your building’s current energy use, running costs and identify biggest areas for improvement to determine the most effective measures to implement.

Options include:

  • Utility Aid
  • Professional Energy Audit: Act on Energy offers free Energy Bill Health Checks for non-profit organisations.
  • DIY Energy Survey: The Centre for Sustainable Energy provides a step-by-step guide to assess heating, lighting, insulation, and equipment efficiency. This checklist can form the basis of a carbon reduction plan and help prioritise actions — from no-cost behaviour changes to major investments, such as an ASHP.

Step Two – Key considerations before installation

  • Energy usage and savings: Analyse your current energy usage, estimate savings, consider ROI, payback period, and whole life cost compared to existing systems.
  • Upfront costs and financing: compare purchase, loan, or grant funding options, factoring in total system and maintenance costs.
  • Confirm best space and location to install the unit: ensure there is adequate external space for outdoor units, sufficient ground clearance for airflow, minimal visual impact on the surrounding area, and that it can be accessed for maintenance.
  • Ensure existing heating system is compatible: larger radiators or underfloor heating may be required to ensure the ASHP can optimally heat the building. Poor building insulation will reduce the efficiency of the system. Hot water systems may also be incompatible. These all need to be checked by yourselves and/or the installers before proceeding.
  • Noise considerations: Compliance with MCS 020 noise assessment standards will be required if the building is in a built-up area. The operating noise of the unit may be quite high, particularly in relative terms during the night, and the potential need for acoustic screening may need to be considered.
  • Planning requirements: Confirm whether or not planning permission is required, and ensure approval is given prior to installation. Planning permission is typically required if the building is listed, or is in a conservation area.
  • Ensure the new system is able to operate at full electrical output: older community buildings may have single-phase electrical supplies or limited amp capacity, which an ASHP may exceed. Larger systems may also require a supply upgrade from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
  • Reputation of installers: Vet experience, certifications, references and warranty terms. Also ensure to use MCS accredited installers if possible.
  • Plan for future energy improvements for the building: will further ASHPs be installed? Will the new ASHP system be integrated with existing solar panels? What complimentary work is most suitable in the near future?

Why Accreditation Matters: MCS Certification

When choosing an installer, always ensure they are MCS-certified.

What is MCS?

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a UK quality assurance scheme that certifies renewable energy products and installers, ensuring they meet high standards of performance and safety.

Why it matters:

  • Guarantees that your system is designed and installed to a high standard
  • Ensures eligibility for funding schemes, grants, and export tariffs
  • Provides consumer protection, including access to a complaints process and workmanship warranty
  • Helps maximise system efficiency and longevity by using tested equipment and best practices

To find an accredited installer, use the official MCS installer search tool to find certified installers in your area.

Step Three – Funding for project costs

Funding opportunities include, but are not limited to:

Sports clubs can apply to their NGBs (see ECB) and to Sport England for climate resilience

Village Halls may have grants available through ACRE, contact the Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRCC) for more information about the support available.

Parish and Town Councils may also be able to offer financial assistance

A more comprehensive list of funding opportunities can be found in the grants available tab. You can also keep up to date on new funding opportunities with the LCEP Newsletter, as well as the IDOX CAVA Grant Finder.

You can sign up for the LCEP newsletter here.

Step Four – Engage with the wider community

Use every opportunity to communicate the benefits of installing an Air-Source Heat Pump to reduce the emissions and running costs of the community building, and to consult with residents to determine and confirm community support for the project. As a community facility, you are a trusted messenger and spreading the word can make a massive difference in increasing awareness of its benefits. It can also give residents more clarity and information about installing ASHPs in their own homes, which could help to increase the environmental and financial sustainability of the entire local area.

Methods to increase local engagement can include the production of case studies, social media posts, leaflets, or information added to local notice boards. A small event could also be held to mark the new ASHP(s) being in operation.

Quick Checklist for Communities

  • Have we carried out an energy audit or DIY survey to identify all savings opportunities and other potential solutions (solar panels, battery storage, insulation etc.)
  • Does the installation fall under permitted development, or is planning permission required?
  • Has noise impact been assessed in line with MCS 020 standards?
  • Are our energy bills and carbon emissions high enough that an ASHP would make a substantial difference, given the cost of the investment?
  • Following on from this, have we considered ROI, payback period, whole-life cost analysis, and future energy needs?
  • Have we explored all available grants or loans (UK gov boiler upgrade scheme, IDOX CAVA and LCEP newsletters, and list of funding in grants available tab)?
  • Are the products and installers that we have identified MCS-certified?
  • Have we consulted a reputable supplier or used a trusted procurement framework?
  • Will on-site renewables (e.g. solar PV) be integrated into the system?
  • Is there a plan in place for maintenance and performance monitoring?
  • Is there community and/or local council support for the project, and have all necessary stakeholders been consulted?
  • Have we maximised all opportunities to engage users of the building to communicate the benefits of Air-Source Heat Pump installations, and how they reduce carbon emissions, increase energy efficiency, and future-proof community buildings?

By taking these steps, parish and town councils can reduce energy costs, protect themselves from price volatility, and contribute to net‑zero goals — while creating a visible legacy project for their community.

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