Air source heat pump installation across Cumbria, Lancashire and the Lake District

DW Plumbing are MCS certified air source heat pump installers based in Carnforth, serving domestic properties across Cumbria, Lancashire and the Lake District. As a family-run team of BPEC qualified engineers, we specialise in Vaillant and Alpha heat pump installations for homes looking to reduce energy bills and move away from oil heating. No subcontractors, no sales teams, just experienced engineers who carry out every installation personally.

Renewable heating pumps

Air source heat pump technology, a smarter, more efficient alternative to oil and gas heating

An air source heat pump is a renewable heating system that extracts warmth from the outside air and converts it into heat for your home and hot water. Unlike a traditional boiler, a heat pump runs on electricity and can generate up to three units of heat for every one unit of electricity it consumes, making it one of the most energy efficient heating solutions available for domestic properties. Modern air source heat pumps work effectively even in cold temperatures, making them well suited to properties across Cumbria, Lancashire and the Lake District. As approved Vaillant and Alpha installers, we only fit systems we trust and stand behind, and every installation is backed by full MCS certification.

"Had a Vaillant air source heat pump installed earlier this year. The team carried out a proper survey beforehand, explained what system we needed and why, and the installation was completed in two days without any fuss. Heating bills are noticeably lower already."

Caroline B
Heating and plumbing specialists you can trust

Family run, fully accredited, and built on doing things the right way

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Always speak to your engineer directly

When you call us you are speaking with the engineer doing the job, not a receptionist, not a sales team, not a call centre.

Every job carried out by our own engineers

Every job is planned, quoted and carried out by our own qualified engineers from start to finish, nobody else touches your home

Fully accredited, insured and qualified

We hold BPEC, OFTEC and MCS accreditations and carry full public liability insurance, giving you complete confidence on every job.

A small team you can hold accountable

We are small, local and built on reputation. Every job matters to us because in a small community, every job defines us

Family run with genuine family values

We treat every home we work in with the same care and respect we would give our own, because that is how a family business should operate

Honest advice and straightforward pricing

No jargon, no inflated quotes, no pressure. Just straightforward advice from experienced engineers who put your home first

Installation inclusions

Everything included in your air source heat pump installation

Every air source heat pump installation we carry out is a complete, end-to-end service. We handle the system design, supply all equipment, carry out the full installation, and provide MCS certification on completion. Here is what is included as standard.

System design and heat loss calculations

Before we recommend or install anything, we carry out a full property assessment including heat loss calculations. This ensures your air source heat pump is correctly sized for your home and will perform efficiently from day one, whether you are in a modern property or an old stone house.

Supply and installation of heat pump unit

We supply and install your chosen Vaillant or Alpha heat pump unit, positioning it correctly for maximum efficiency and minimal visual impact. All work is carried out by our own BPEC qualified engineers, never passed on to a subcontractor.

Hot water cylinder supply and installation

Every installation includes a correctly sized hot water cylinder, supplied and fitted by our team to work in tandem with your new heat pump and provide reliable hot water throughout your home.

MCS certification and Boiler Upgrade Scheme support

Every air source heat pump we install is fully MCS certified, which is a requirement for accessing the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. We will point you in the right direction to apply for the scheme and help you understand what you are entitled to.

Property suitability

Rural homes, old houses and off-grid properties are ideal for air source heat pump installation

Air source heat pumps work well in a wide range of domestic properties, including older homes and rural properties currently on oil heating. They perform best in well insulated homes with space for a hot water cylinder, but even properties that need some insulation upgrades can benefit significantly from a heat pump installation. If you are unsure whether your home is suitable, we will assess it honestly and tell you exactly what we think before you commit to anything.

Currently on oil heating and looking to switch

Old house or rural property off the gas grid

Interested in reducing long-term heating bills

How we keep things simple

Our straightforward, hassle-free process from start to finish

Every job we take on follows the same straightforward process, designed to keep you informed, comfortable, and in control from the first conversation through to completion. No hidden surprises, no unnecessary disruption, just honest trade work done properly.

Get in touch

Call, WhatsApp or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you the same day to discuss your project and next steps.

Site survey

One of our engineers visits your property to assess the job and provide honest, straightforward advice with no pressure to commit.

Quotation

We provide a clear, itemised quote with no hidden costs, no jargon, and no obligation to proceed until you are completely ready.

Installation

Our qualified engineers carry out all work to the highest standard and walk you through everything on completion before we leave.

Air source heat pump FAQs

Questions about air source heat pump installation answered

Everything you need to know about air source heat pump installation, costs, and suitability for your property, answered honestly by our own engineers.

How much is an air source heat pump?

An air source heat pump installation with DW Plumbing typically costs between £10,000 and £15,000, depending on the size of your property and the system required. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant can reduce this significantly, covering £7,500 of the installation cost, or £9,000 if you are currently on oil heating. This makes switching to a Vaillant or Alpha heat pump a far more accessible investment for homeowners across Cumbria and Lancashire.

Is an air source heat pump worth it?

For most domestic properties in Cumbria and Lancashire, particularly those currently on oil heating, an air source heat pump is absolutely worth the investment. Running costs are typically lower than oil or electric heating, and with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant reducing the upfront cost by up to £9,000, the long-term financial case is strong. Add in a lifespan of 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and it is one of the most cost-effective renewable heating decisions a homeowner can make.

How much electricity does an air source heat pump use?

An air source heat pump uses significantly less electricity than it produces in heat, which is what makes it so efficient. For every unit of electricity consumed, a modern Vaillant or Alpha heat pump can produce up to three units of heat. The exact electricity usage depends on your property size, insulation levels, and how the system is set up, but most homeowners see a notable reduction in overall energy costs compared to oil or electric heating once the system is correctly installed and running.

What size air source heat pump do I need?

The size of air source heat pump required for your property depends on a number of factors including the size of your home, its insulation levels, and your hot water demands. Rather than guessing, we carry out a full heat loss calculation for every property before recommending a system. This ensures your Vaillant or Alpha heat pump is correctly sized and will run at peak efficiency, rather than being oversized or undersized for your home.

How long does an air source heat pump last?

A well-installed Vaillant or Alpha air source heat pump will typically last between 15 and 20 years, and often longer with regular professional servicing. Like any heating system, annual maintenance plays a significant role in extending the lifespan of your heat pump and keeping it running at peak efficiency. We offer a dedicated heat pump servicing package to keep your system in the best possible condition throughout its life.

How does an air source heat pump work in winter?

Modern air source heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently even in cold weather, extracting heat from outside air at temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees. Vaillant and Alpha systems are engineered for the UK climate and will continue to heat your home reliably throughout the winter months across Cumbria and Lancashire. The key to winter performance is correct system sizing and installation, which is why we always carry out a full property assessment before recommending a system.

What is an air source heat pump?

An air source heat pump is a renewable heating system that extracts heat from the outside air and uses it to heat your home and hot water. It works in a similar way to a refrigerator in reverse, using a refrigerant to absorb heat from the air and transferring it into your heating system. Powered by electricity rather than gas or oil, an air source heat pump produces significantly more energy than it consumes, making it one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly heating solutions available for domestic properties.

Should I get an air source heat pump?

If you are currently on oil heating, living in a rural or off-grid property, or simply looking to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint, an air source heat pump is worth serious consideration. With the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offering up to £9,000 towards the cost of installation, the financial barrier has never been lower. We always recommend having a proper property assessment before making a decision, and we are happy to provide honest advice on whether a heat pump is the right choice for your home.

What is the best air source heat pump?

Both Vaillant and Alpha produce high-quality, reliable air source heat pumps that are well suited to domestic properties across the UK. Vaillant's Arotherm range is widely regarded as one of the best performing systems on the market, while Alpha offers excellent value and strong performance for a range of property types. As approved installers for both brands, we will recommend the right system for your specific property rather than simply fitting whatever is most convenient for us.

How do I finance an air source heat pump?

The most significant form of financial support available is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a government grant worth £7,500 towards the cost of an air source heat pump installation, or £9,000 if you are replacing an oil boiler. Beyond the grant, some homeowners explore financing options through their energy provider or specialist green finance lenders. We can point you in the right direction when it comes to applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and help you understand what support is available before you commit.

Plumbers you can trust

Accredited, insured and only using the best brands

Every installation we carry out uses the best brands and is backed by industry-leading accreditations and full public liability insurance.

MCS certified installers

MCS certified air source heat pump installers covering Cumbria, Lancashire and the Lake District

We are a BPEC qualified, MCS certified team of air source heat pump specialists based in Carnforth, covering domestic properties across Cumbria, Lancashire and the Lake District. As approved Vaillant and Alpha installers with over 17 years of combined experience, we design and install every system personally from the initial heat loss calculation through to MCS certification and handover. You will always deal directly with the engineers doing the work, and we will always give you honest advice about whether a heat pump is the right choice for your property.

"Josh handled our air source installation from start to finish. He was punctual, tidy, and took the time to walk us through the controls before he left. He also helped us understand the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application. Excellent from start to finish."

Phil D
Related services

Explore our other renewable heating and plumbing services

Air source heat pumps work best as part of a well-designed heating system. Whether you are pairing your new heat pump with underfloor heating for maximum efficiency, looking at ground source as an alternative for your rural property, or wanting to keep your system running at its best with annual servicing, we offer the specialist services to complement every air source heat pump installation.

Ground source heat pumps

For rural properties with sufficient outdoor land, a ground source heat pump can offer even greater efficiency than an air source system. We install complete ground source heating solutions for domestic properties across Cumbria and Lancashire as an alternative to air source installation.

Heat pump servicing

To protect your investment and maintain peak efficiency, annual heat pump servicing is essential. Our dedicated servicing package keeps your Vaillant or Alpha system running at its best and helps extend its lifespan well beyond the standard 15 to 20 years.

Underfloor heating

Underfloor heating is the ideal partner for an air source heat pump, operating at the lower flow temperatures that heat pumps produce most efficiently. We design and install underfloor heating systems for renovations, extensions and new builds across Cumbria and Lancashire.

Get a quotation from our friendly plumbers today

Whether you have a question, need honest advice, or are ready to get a project underway, just give us a call or drop us a message. You will speak directly with the people doing the work, any day of the week.