Cheapest Heat Pumps UK: Budget Options That Actually Work
The cheapest heat pump installations start from £6,000-£8,000 before the grant. After the £7,500 BUS grant, a small number of very simple installations could cost little or nothing, although most homes pay more (the national median is £12,908 before the grant, DESNZ 2026 Q2). A cheap heat pump does not have to mean a bad heat pump -- with the right approach, it is entirely possible to install an efficient system for significantly less than the average price.
For full pricing across all property types, see our heat pump cost guide.
See if your installation could be covered entirely by the grant
Check your estimated costSee your estimated cost after the £7,500 BUS grant.
What Does the Cheapest Installation Cost?
After the £7,500 BUS grant, budget installations could cost £500 to £2,500 out of pocket. If your home has no mains gas and you are replacing oil or LPG heating, the grant is £9,000 until 31 March 2027. For comparison, the middle half of air source installations cost £11,128-£15,627 before the grant (DESNZ, 2026 Q2).
Budget Heat Pump Brands Available in the UK
| Brand | Unit Cost (from) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung EHS | ~£2,500 | Major manufacturer, competitive pricing |
| Grant Aerona3 | ~£2,800 | UK-manufactured, solid reputation |
| LG Therma V | ~£3,000 | R290 monobloc range |
| Midea M-Thermal | ~£2,500 | World's largest HVAC manufacturer |
Where the Real Savings Are (Beyond the Unit Price)
- Avoid unnecessary radiator upgrades -- a good installer calculates whether existing radiators are sufficient. See our radiator guide
- Choose a monobloc system -- simpler and cheaper to install (saves £500-£1,500)
- Keep pipework runs short -- position the outdoor unit near the existing boiler location
- Reuse the existing hot water cylinder if suitable (saves £500-£1,200)
- Get multiple quotes -- variation can be 30-50%. You can request a heat pump quote through this site as one of them
What Do You Sacrifice with a Budget Installation?
Potentially lower COP (2.8 vs 3.2 could cost ~£3,000-£5,000 extra over 20 years), slightly higher noise levels, smaller installer networks, shorter warranties (5 vs 7-10 years), and fewer smart features.
The Grant Makes Budget Installations Remarkably Affordable
Get competitive quotes from MCS-certified installers
Request a heat pump quoteCheck if a heat pump suits your home and request a quote. No obligation.
Budget Strategies That Work
Install the smallest suitable system (a 5kW unit costs far less than 12kW). Insulate first (£500-£1,500 on insulation can reduce the HP size needed). Phase upgrades (install with existing radiators, upgrade only those that do not cope). Book off-season (spring/summer may be cheaper). Use our calculator for an initial sizing estimate.
What to Avoid When Buying on a Budget
Unbranded imports with no UK support, non-MCS installers (you lose £7,500 in grant funding), skipping the heat loss survey, and DIY installation. For installation quality guidance, see our installation guide.
For properties with roof space, pairing a budget heat pump with affordable solar panels creates a combined renewable energy system at attractive overall cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest heat pump I can buy in the UK?
Units start from ~£2,500. Total minimum installed cost is £6,000-£8,000 before the BUS grant.
Can I get a heat pump installed for free with the grant?
Occasionally, if the total cost is £7,500 or less. That is rare (the national median is £12,908) and most achievable in small, well-insulated properties.
Are cheap heat pumps less reliable?
Not from reputable manufacturers. Stick to established brands with UK support.
Is it worth paying more for a premium brand?
Sometimes. The efficiency difference over 20 years can offset the higher purchase price. See our worth it analysis.
Can I install a heat pump myself to save money?
Not recommended. You lose the £7,500 grant and risk poor performance.
Find the cheapest heat pump option for your property
Request a heat pump quoteCheck if a heat pump suits your home and request a quote. No obligation.
About this guide: This article covers the most affordable routes to heat pump installation in the UK. The BUS grant makes budget installations remarkably affordable -- sometimes free. For maximum value, consider combining with solar panels to further reduce running costs.