Air Source Heat Pump Installation in Edinburgh

ReliaHeat designs and installs air-source heating systems for suitable homes across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Before recommending an installation, we assess the property’s heat loss, insulation, existing heating system and hot-water requirements. This allows the system, heat emitters and controls to be specified around the needs of the building.

You will then receive a clear quotation explaining the recommended system and installation work included.

Request a Heat Pump Quote

Air source heat pump installed outside a home

What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and raises its temperature using a refrigerant circuit and compressor.

In a typical air-to-water system, this heat is transferred to radiators or underfloor heating and can also be used to heat water stored in a cylinder.

Heat pumps transfer existing heat rather than producing it through combustion. This allows a properly designed system to provide more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes.

How Does the System Work?

The outdoor unit absorbs heat from the air into a refrigerant. A compressor raises the refrigerant’s pressure and temperature before the heat is transferred into the property’s heating system.

The cooled refrigerant then passes through the cycle again. The system continues operating automatically according to the heating controls and required water temperature.

Understanding Efficiency

Heat-pump performance is often expressed as a coefficient of performance. For example, a value of three means approximately three units of heat are delivered for each unit of electricity consumed under the measured conditions.

Actual seasonal performance depends on the property, outdoor temperatures, water-flow temperature, radiator sizing, controls and installation quality.

Potential Benefits

A correctly designed air source heat-pump system can provide:

Low-carbon home heating
Heating and hot water from one system
Compatibility with suitable radiators and underfloor heating
Efficient operation at lower flow temperatures
An alternative to gas, oil or direct electric heating
Individual heating controls and scheduling

Actual running costs will depend on the property, insulation, radiator sizing, electricity tariff, controls and the heating system being replaced.

Is Your Property Suitable?

Air source heat pumps can work in many different types of property, but careful assessment and system design are essential.

Before recommending a system, we will consider:

the property’s insulation and overall heat demand;
whether the existing radiators or underfloor heating are suitable;
space for the outdoor unit and hot-water cylinder;
any improvements needed before installation.

Some properties may need larger radiators, insulation improvements or other heating-system alterations before installation.

Where a heat pump is not the right option for a property, you can also read about our boiler installation service.

Heat pumps are suitable for many UK homes, but the complete system must be designed around the property and its heat emitters.

What We Check Before Installation

A detailed assessment helps determine whether the proposed system can heat the property efficiently and operate reliably.

calculated room-by-room heat loss;
required flow temperature;
radiator or underfloor-heating output;
hot-water storage requirements;
outdoor-unit position, airflow and noise;
pipework and electrical requirements;
control strategy;
access for servicing.

Where improvements are needed, these will be explained before a quotation is approved.

Our Heat Pump Installation Process

1. Home Assessment

We assess the property, existing heating system and hot-water requirements.

2. System Design

We calculate the heating requirements and recommend a suitable heat pump, emitters and controls.

3. Detailed Quotation

You receive a quotation explaining the proposed equipment and installation work.

4. Installation and Setup

The system is installed, tested and configured for the property.

5. Handover

We explain the controls, recommended settings and ongoing maintenance requirements.

Why Choose ReliaHeat for Heat-Pump Installation

Property-Specific Assessment

We assess the property and existing heating system before recommending an installation.

Heat-Loss-Led Design

The proposed system is based on calculated heating demand rather than selecting equipment solely from the property size.

Emitter and Control Assessment

Radiators, underfloor heating, flow temperatures and controls are considered as part of the complete design.

Clear Quotation and Handover

Your quotation explains the proposed equipment and work included. After installation, we explain the controls, recommended settings and maintenance requirements.

Areas We Cover

Based in Bonnyrigg, ReliaHeat serves customers across Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian. Contact us with your postcode to arrange an initial suitability discussion.

Air Source Heat Pump FAQs

Is an air source heat pump suitable for every home?

Heat pumps can work in many properties, but the system must be designed around the building’s heat loss, insulation and heating requirements. An assessment is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Will an air source heat pump reduce my bills?

Running costs depend on the heating system being replaced, the property, electricity tariff, controls and system efficiency. Savings should not be assumed without assessing these factors.

Does a heat pump work with underfloor heating?

Yes. Wet underfloor heating can work effectively with heat pumps because it can distribute warmth using relatively low water temperatures.

Is Heat-Pump Funding Available in Scotland?

Eligible homeowners may be able to access support through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan. Funding levels, property requirements, approved products and installer conditions apply and may change.

Check the current scheme and obtain a written funding offer before installation work begins.

Can a heat pump work with existing radiators?

Sometimes. Existing radiators must be checked to ensure they can provide enough heat at the proposed water temperature. Larger or additional radiators may be required.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Many domestic installations in Scotland may fall within permitted development rights, subject to limitations on the number of units, positioning, size, protected locations and compliance with applicable planning standards.

Additional restrictions apply to listed buildings, World Heritage Sites and some properties in conservation areas. Requirements should be checked with the relevant planning authority before installation.

Arrange a Heat-Pump Assessment

Tell us about your property, existing heating system and planned improvements. We can discuss the initial suitability of your home and arrange an appropriate assessment.

Request a Heat-Pump Assessment