Scotland’s Heat Pump Hotspots Revealed, Including Cheapest Areas for Installations
New research into heat pumps in Scotland has shed light on where homeowners are opting to install them and the varying costs across different regions of the country. A study conducted using official MCS data by home insurer Saga found that prices for installing eco-friendly heat pumps as an alternative to gas boilers are gradually decreasing in many areas.
Heat pumps operate by extracting heat and energy from external sources and redistributing it back into buildings to provide warmth. The average cost of fitting an air source heat pump (ASHP) in Scotland in 2024 is approximately £13,031, slightly higher than the UK average of £12,985. However, Scottish residents can benefit from financial assistance in the form of grants amounting to £7500 from a Scottish Government scheme, increasing to £9000 for households in rural locations.
This support may account for the popularity of heat pumps in rural and remote parts of Scotland. The Western Isles has seen the highest number of certified heat pump installations, with 20 per cent of households now equipped with this technology, followed by Orkney at 15 per cent and Argyll and Bute at 9 per cent. In contrast, Aberdeen has had the least heat pump installations per 10,000 households since 2019, with West Dunbartonshire and Angus following closely behind.
Glasgow emerges as the most cost-effective area for heat pump installations in Scotland, with an average cost of £10,551. This represents a reduction of one-fifth from 2021 when the average installation price was nearly £13,000. Additionally, Aberdeen, despite its lower adoption rate, offers a typical heat pump installation at £10,815, marking a 23 per cent decrease from 2021 rates. Falkirk ranks third with an average cost of £10,900, reflecting a 13 per cent decline over the past three years.
Other areas with competitive installation costs include Orkney and North Ayrshire, where typical prices are £11,013 and £11,219 respectively. On the other end of the spectrum, Clackmannanshire stands out as the most expensive council area for heat pump installations, with an average cost of £17,769, a substantial 73 per cent increase from 2021 rates.
The article highlights how installation costs have evolved in various regions, with insights into the most and least affordable areas for heat pumps in Scotland. This information can guide homeowners in making informed decisions about adopting eco-friendly heating solutions.