Looking for an air source heat pump Kent installer? We can help. GetASHP matches homes across Kent with vetted, MCS-certified installers. Tell us about your home in 60 seconds. A local installer will then survey it and design the right system. You get a fixed quote with the £7,500 government grant already taken off.
Heat pumps for Kent homes
Kent's mix of Victorian seaside terraces, oast-house conversions, new-build estates and rural farmhouses means heat pump designs vary widely. Many villages in the Weald are off-gas, and the county's mild climate helps heat pumps run efficiently.
Local tip: Coastal homes in Thanet and along the north Kent coast can benefit from units with anti-corrosion coatings.
Why choose an air source heat pump in Kent?
- Renewable heating: it takes free heat from the air. It cuts heating emissions by about 70% compared with gas.
- High-efficiency heating: modern heat pump systems give 3 to 4 units of heat for each unit of electricity. A gas boiler gives about 0.9.
- Radiators and hot water: it heats your radiators (or underfloor heating) and a hot water cylinder. It replaces your boiler completely.
- Lower bills off the gas grid: homes on oil, LPG or storage heaters save the most.
- Smaller carbon footprint and lower energy bills: renewable energy from the air replaces fossil fuel. Efficient heat means you buy less energy.
- Works with solar panels: a solar panel system can power your heat pump in the day.
- A long life: around 20 years with an annual service.
Air source is the best renewables heating choice for most Kent homes. Ground source heat pumps suit homes with lots of land. They cost far more to fit; see ground source vs air source.
The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant in Kent
Homeowners, landlords and small businesses in Kent can get a £7,500 government grant. It comes from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). It is not means-tested. Your installer applies for you and takes it off your quote. Heat pumps also have 0% VAT until 31 March 2027. You are likely to qualify if:
- you own the property in Kent (or are the landlord);
- you're replacing a gas, oil, LPG or direct electric heating system;
- the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate;
- the heat pump is installed by an MCS-certified installer.
Air source heat pump cost in Kent
Prices in Kent are close to the UK average. These are typical prices. They include the heat pump, cylinder, controls and labour:
| Kent home | Typical size | Installed cost | After £7,500 grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 bed flat or terrace | 4 to 6 kW | £8,000 to £11,000 | £500 to £3,500 |
| 3 bed semi-detached | 6 to 8 kW | £10,000 to £13,000 | £2,500 to £5,500 |
| 4 bed detached | 8 to 11 kW | £12,000 to £16,000 | £4,500 to £8,500 |
A typical three-bed home costs about £1.40 to £2.40 a day to heat. It depends on your tariff. See the full cost guide and daily running costs.
How heat pumps perform in Kent's climate
Kent's mild south-east climate means heat pumps spend most of the year in their most efficient range. Heat pumps work down to about -20°C. A Kent winter is well within that. Read more: do air source heat pumps work in winter?
Air source heat pump installation in Kent
- Check your eligibility with our 60-second form.
- Free home survey by a local MCS-certified installer. They check the heat loss of every room.
- Design and fixed quote: the heat pump is sized for your home. Any radiator changes are listed. The grant is already taken off.
- Installation in 2 to 4 days. The installer handles MCS and BUS paperwork, so design and installation are hassle-free.
- Handover: your installer shows you how to get the best from the controls.
See what to expect on installation day.
Fully qualified Kent heat pump installers
Every installer we work with in Kent is fully qualified and MCS-certified. This is often called MCS accredited. They work to MCS industry standards. They also belong to a consumer code, such as RECC or HIES, which protects your deposit. Your written quote shows the heat loss, unit size, expected efficiency (SCOP) and any radiator changes.
Heat pump servicing: keeping your system running well
A heat pump needs very little care. Book heat pump servicing once a year. The engineer checks the refrigerant, cleans the filters and coil, and checks the controls. This keeps the system running well and your warranty valid. Your installer can arrange it.
Areas we cover in and around Kent
Our installer partners cover Kent and surrounding areas, including Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Ashford, Dartford, Folkestone and Margate, and CT, ME, TN, DA and BR postcodes. Enter your postcode and we'll confirm we cover you.
Also covered: air source heat pumps in London, air source heat pumps in Birmingham, air source heat pumps in Manchester, air source heat pumps in Leeds, air source heat pumps in Bristol, air source heat pumps in Sheffield and more areas.
Sources
Grant amounts, VAT rules and eligibility are set by government and the scheme administrators. We check them against these primary sources:
- Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (GOV.UK)
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) (Ofgem)
- VAT on energy-saving materials and heating equipment (VAT Notice 708/6) (GOV.UK)
- Find an MCS certified installer (MCS)
- Heat pumps: planning permission (Planning Portal)
New to the jargon? See the heat pump glossary, or browse the heat pump FAQs.