Front view of an Aira 8kW air source heat pump placed on some cobbled paving with trees in the background

Air to Water Heat Pumps

By using the free fresh air and a little bit of electricity to heat your home and water, air to water heat pumps, like Aira Heat Pumps, reduce energy bills and household carbon emissions.

But how do they work? How much do they cost? And how are they installed?


Reduce your energy-related costs by up to 26% with an air to water heat pump

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Reduce your home heating CO₂ emissions by 100% when using green electricity

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Save £7,500 when you switch to a heat pump with the government grant

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Picture of an Aira Heat Pump outside someone's home

What is an air to water heat pump?

The most common type of air source heat pump, an air to water heat pump is a central heating system that uses heat energy from the outside air and a little bit of electricity to heat your home's water.

This hot water is then distributed across your existing network of radiators and/or underfloor heating to keep your home warm while also providing the hot water you need for your taps and showers.

Air to water heat pumps are 4X more energy efficient than traditional gas or oil boilers, which means they not only slash your home's carbon footprint but cut your energy-related costs by 26%, too.

Aira technician installing the Aira all-in-one heat pump indoor unit in a customer's garage

How does an air to water heat pump work?

The outdoor unit of your air to water heat pump system draws in the surrounding air using a fan and extracts heat from it. This heat is absorbed by the heat pump's refrigerant, which turns from liquid to gas. The heat pump then compresses the vapourised refrigerant, causing its temperature to rise, transforming it into a hot liquid.

This hot liquid then passes across a heat exchanger where it releases heat to the water in your home. This hot water is stored in your system's indoor unit and buffer tank (or hot water cylinder) before being distributed across your household.

See how an air to water heat pump works

Video thumbnail - Aira Explains: How Does a Heat Pump Work?
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Aira technician and customer chatting next to an Aira air source heat pump

How efficient is an air to water heat pump?

Air to water heat pumps are highly efficient heating systems that significantly reduce home energy bills and CO₂ emissions compared to a gas boiler – even in cold weather. Is there a way to measure this energy efficiency? Yes, it's called Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP).

A rating over 3.5 is good. And the Aira Heat Pump? An impressive 4.7. This high efficiency translates to a 26% reduction in energy-related costs and a 100% reduction in home CO₂ emissions when using green electricity or other renewable sources.

Are air to water heat pumps noisy?

Are air to water heat pumps noisy? Just like all the other types of heat pump, hardly. The outdoor unit of your air to water heat pump makes a gentle hum that blends seamlessly into the background. So, you'll barely notice it. Neither will your neighbours, even when they're outdoors.

An Aira van parked on a gravel driveway in front of a customer's house

How much does an air to water heat pump cost?

Air to water heat pump costs can range from £5,490 to £8,500 (including a £7,500 government grant). 

However, the cost of an air to water heat pump depends on a variety of factors like the size of your home, heating system upgrades like larger radiators and your household heating needs.

We assess all of these during a free, no-obligation, clean energy assessment before providing you with a fixed quote.

How much is a heat pump?
An Aira technician installing an Aira all-in-one heat pump indoor unit with the copper pipework running along the wall
The faces of two smiling Aira technicians as the greet a customer at the customer's front door. There are other houses and a yellow van in the background.

Save £7,500 when you switch

As part of the UK government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme, eligible households in England and Wales can get £7,500 off the initial cost of their air to water heat pump when they switch from a gas or oil boiler. We'll apply for the grant on your behalf and deduct £7,500 from your quote.

If you live in Scotland, you could be eligible for up to £15,000 in funding via the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan. We'll guide you through the entire process and even help with planning permission if required.

See what you can save with an air to water heat pump

Electricity bills

£16,011

Aira Heat Pump

Aira package

£11,735

Oil bills

£1,619

Oil Boiler

Boiler package

£13,360

Based on 20 years of ownership with standard installation and no radiator upgrades. Includes a £7,500 government grant. Package covers the heating system and maintenance.

Get your estimate
A yellow Aira branded van in front of an A-frame house surrounded by foliage
Three Aira technicians unloading an Aira air source heat pump off a van

How to install an air to water heat pump

An installation must be carried out by a trained air source heat pump installer. Our Aira Technicians are MCS-certified and will ensure all safety regulations are met.

To ensure maximum heat pump efficiency and protect against heat loss, your home may require additional upgrades like insulation or larger radiators. Our experienced Aira Technicians will install everything for you, ensuring your heat pump running costs are as low as possible.

As part of our hassle-free switch, your seamless installation is included in the cost. Once you've accepted your quote and any potential planning permission is approved, we'll aim to install your system within 30 days. So you don't have to wait long to enjoy your cost savings.

Man standing next to his Aira Heat Pump at his home

What does an air to water heat pump install look like?

Gareth knew his boiler was coming to the end of its life and began looking into some alternative energy sources for his home. Initially, he didn’t think a heat pump would be a viable option. That all changed when he called Aira.

What type of house do you live in?
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Aira heat pump outdoor unit face on against a wall with some potted plants either side

The Aira Heat Pump

The beautiful Aira Heat Pump is designed to be timeless. Outdated features like displays are replaced by a seamless app experience, a stylish thermostat and Intuitive Light Cues.

Impressively efficient and equally quiet, these future-proof and resilient air to water heat pumps come in three sizes (6, 8 and 12kW) and are approved for new builds and renovations, as well as any home wanting to get off gas for good.

Your Aira Heat Pump system is made up of an outdoor unit and indoor unit system

The Aira air source heat pump outdoor unit at a slight angle

Outdoor unit

The outdoor unit draws in and extracts heat from the fresh air outside to heat your home and hot water.

A picture of the Aira Indoor Units including the Indoor Unit and the Indoor Unit Compact

Indoor units

Your outdoor unit works alongside an indoor unit to efficiently heat your home and water. We provide two indoor solutions: the Aira Indoor Unit and the Aira Indoor Unit Compact.

Learn more about heat pumps

Aira heat pump outdoor unit face on against a wall with some potted plants either side

How much is a heat pump?

Air source heat pumps have the power to slash your heating bills by 25%. And they cost less than you think.

A rendering of the Aira air source heat pump outdoor unit at a slight angle

How do heat pumps work?

Heat pumps are a clean alternative to traditional heating systems. Learn more about the different types and how they all work.

Air to water heat pump FAQs