MCS Certified · UK Wide

Heat Your Home for Less, For Good

Replace your gas boiler with an MCS-certified air source heat pump and cut your heating costs by up to 50%. The government's £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is available now, and we handle the application for you.

MCS Certified
£7,500 BUS Grant
Finance Available
UK Wide
0808 502 2308

No-obligation survey. Response within one working day.

Air source heat pump installed on a South Wales property
£7,500
BUS Grant Available
Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme
MCS Certified
British Assessment Bureau
4.4
Google Rating
Verified reviews
500+
Installations Completed
Across South Wales and beyond
10
Industry Accreditations
More than any local competitor
£7,500
BUS Grant Available
Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme
01
The Problem

Your Boiler Is Costing You More Every Year

Gas prices have more than doubled since 2021. The average household now spends over £1,600 a year on heating and hot water, and there is no reliable sign that gas prices will come back down. Every time your boiler fires, more of your money disappears into a fuel you do not control.

Gas boilers are at most 90% efficient, they convert 90p of every pound of gas into heat, and waste the rest. An air source heat pump produces 300 to 400% efficiency, generating three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses.
The average gas boiler lasts 10 to 15 years. A boiler replacement costs £2,500 to £4,500 and solves nothing, you are still dependent on gas at whatever price the market dictates next winter.
The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 makes right now the best time to switch. Grant funding is finite and the scheme has an end date. Properties that make the switch now lock in the saving.
Average UK Gas Heating Spend
Annual cost, typical 3-bedroom home
2021
£740
2022
£1,150
2023
£1,480
2024
£1,640
ASHP customers typically reduce their heating and hot water spend by 30 to 50 percent. Pair with solar panels and much of the electricity your heat pump uses costs you nothing.
ASHP unit installed on the exterior of a South Wales property with neat copper pipework
02
The Solution

What an Air Source Heat Pump Actually Does

An air source heat pump extracts warmth from outdoor air and upgrades it to a higher temperature using a refrigerant cycle, the same principle your fridge uses in reverse. It works down to around minus 15 degrees Celsius, which means it runs effectively throughout a South Wales winter.

The heat pump connects to your existing radiator circuit or underfloor heating, replacing the gas boiler entirely. It also heats your hot water cylinder. One system. No gas. No standing charge on the gas meter.

300%
Typical efficiency (COP of 3.0+)
For every 1 unit of electricity used, 3 units of heat are produced. Gas boilers deliver at most 0.9 units per unit of fuel.
1
External unit draws in outdoor air
The fan unit sits outside your property, drawing in ambient air even in cold weather.
2
Refrigerant cycle upgrades the temperature
Low-temperature heat is absorbed and compressed to produce water at 35 to 55 degrees, suitable for heating and hot water.
3
Heat distributed through your home
Warm water circulates through your radiators or underfloor heating, with surplus stored in the hot water cylinder.
03
The Benefits

What Changes When You Switch to a Heat Pump

Lower Heating Bills
A correctly sized heat pump running on today's electricity tariffs typically costs 30 to 50% less to run than a gas boiler. As the electricity grid decarbonises, the gap widens further. Your energy is working harder.
£7,500 Government Grant
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 towards your installation. We apply on your behalf, no forms for you to fill in. The grant is deducted from your invoice directly, reducing your upfront cost significantly.
No More Gas Standing Charge
Remove your gas connection entirely and you stop paying the daily standing charge, currently around 31p per day, adding up to over £110 a year for a supply you may no longer need.
25-Year System Lifespan
A well-installed heat pump typically lasts 20 to 25 years with minimal maintenance, significantly longer than a gas boiler. Fewer breakdowns, no annual service requirements tied to gas regulations, and a longer period over which your investment pays back.
Works With Solar Panels
If you have or plan to install solar PV, your heat pump can run largely on free electricity during daylight hours. This combination is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy costs to near zero over a full year.
Zero Direct Emissions
No combustion means no CO2, no CO risk, and no need for flue or gas pipework. As the electricity grid becomes cleaner, the carbon footprint of your heating falls automatically. Good for your home and for South Wales communities.
04
Is It Right For You

We Would Rather You Knew Before You Enquired

Heat pumps are excellent, but not for every property in every situation. Here is an honest picture. We would rather tell you now than after a survey.

A good fit if...
Your property has or can have adequate insulation, cavity walls filled, loft insulated to 270mm+. We assess this as part of the survey.
You have outdoor space for the external unit, typically 1m x 0.5m footprint, with clearance around it for airflow. Most gardens are suitable.
Your home has or can have a hot water cylinder, typically installed in an airing cupboard. We design and fit this as part of the installation.
Your heating system uses radiators or underfloor heating. Radiators may need to be upsized for optimal efficiency, we assess this on every survey.
You are replacing a gas, oil, or LPG boiler. All three are eligible for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
You are in South Wales, South West England, or elsewhere in the UK. We install heat pumps nationwide.
May not be suitable if...
Your property is solid-walled and uninsulated with no plans to insulate. We will tell you honestly if insulation needs addressing first, and we can insulate too.
You rent privately and cannot make structural changes. Heat pump installations require landlord consent and planning for the outdoor unit.
Your property is a listed building or in a conservation area where outdoor unit installation may require planning permission.
You need heating urgently due to a boiler breakdown, heat pump projects involve a survey, design and lead time. In that case we can also supply and fit a gas boiler while you plan ahead.

Not sure which category you fall into? Book a free survey. We will tell you clearly, and we will not recommend a system that is wrong for your home.

4.4
Google Reviews
View All Google Reviews
"Absolutely first class from start to finish"
The survey was thorough, the quote was detailed and honest, and the installation team were professional throughout. The system has been running perfectly and the bills are noticeably lower. Could not recommend First Choice Energy highly enough.
Luke Jenkins
Swansea, South Wales
Google Review
"Professional, knowledgeable and honest"
I appreciated that they were upfront about what the work involved and what it would cost. No hidden extras on the invoice, the job was done on time, and they explained everything clearly afterwards. A company that actually does what it says it will.
Dan Evz
Cardiff
Google Review
"From the initial survey to completion, excellent"
The whole process was straightforward. The survey was free and no-pressure. The quote was fair and clear. The installation was completed in two days with minimal disruption. Heating is running beautifully. I feel confident I made the right decision.
Sarah B.
Bristol
Google Review
05
The Process

What Happens After You Get in Touch

Heat pump projects involve more planning than a boiler swap. Here is exactly what to expect, no surprises.

01
Free Home Survey
We visit your property and conduct a full heat loss assessment. We measure every room, check your insulation, assess your current radiators, and confirm outdoor unit positioning. No cost, no obligation, no pressure.
Within 5 working days
02
System Design and Proposal
We size the heat pump correctly for your home's heat loss, specify any radiator or cylinder work needed, and produce a full written proposal. This includes the exact system specification, projected running costs, estimated savings and finance options.
Within 48 hours of survey
03
Grant Application
We apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant on your behalf. The £7,500 is deducted directly from your invoice, you never handle the grant money. We confirm eligibility before you commit to anything.
We handle everything
04
Installation, Day 1
Our team positions and mounts the external unit, installs the hot water cylinder if needed, runs refrigerant pipework and electrical connections. Your home is protected throughout. Site left clean at the end of each day.
2-3 days typically
05
Radiator and System Commissioning
Any radiator upgrades are completed, the system is pressure-tested, charged with refrigerant and commissioned. We balance the heating circuit, set the controls for your property and run the system through a full heating cycle.
Final day of installation
06
Handover and MCS Certificate
We walk you through the controls, show you how to get the best from the system and set the hot water schedule. Your MCS Microgeneration Installation Certificate is issued. You are ready to start saving.
Same day as completion
06
Why Us

Why Homeowners Choose First Choice Energy

Heat pump installation quality varies enormously. Here is what sets FCE apart in a way that actually matters for your home.

01
MCS Certified, Required for the BUS Grant
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 is only available through MCS-certified installers. Our MCS certification is independently verified by the British Assessment Bureau, not self-declared. Without this, you cannot access the grant, full stop.
02
Proper Heat Loss Calculations, Every Time
A heat pump sized incorrectly for your home's heat loss either runs inefficiently or fails to heat the property properly. We conduct a full room-by-room heat loss calculation before specifying any system. It takes more time, but it means the system performs as quoted.
03
NEBOSH Qualified Director
Aaron Davies holds a NEBOSH qualification in Health and Safety Management for Construction, awarded June 2025. Heat pump installation involves refrigerant handling, electrical work and lifting operations. Safety standards on every FCE job are set from the top, not delegated down.
04
Full Service, Insulation Too If You Need It
FCE installs cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, internal wall insulation and ventilation as well as heat pumps. If your survey reveals that insulation upgrades will improve heat pump performance, we can handle everything, one company, one project, one standard.
Case study installation, air source heat pump system with thermal store and cylinder
Installation Case Study

From £1,640/Year on Gas to £780/Year on Electricity, Swansea

A Swansea homeowner · 3-bed semi, Sketty, Swansea · Replaced gas combi boiler
The Problem
Ageing gas combi boiler, 12 years old and unreliable. Annual heating and hot water spend of around £1,640. Wanted to reduce costs and get off gas before an emergency replacement forced the issue.
The Survey
Full heat loss assessment completed. Cavity walls already filled, loft insulated. Radiators in most rooms adequate, two bedroom radiators upsized at the same time. Suitable for ASHP with no major groundwork.
The System
8.5kW air source heat pump. New 200-litre hot water cylinder. Two radiator upgrades, master bedroom and box room. Installation completed over two and a half days.
The Grant
£7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant applied and confirmed before installation. Deducted directly from the invoice.
The Result
First full year: heating and hot water electricity cost approximately £780, compared to £1,640 on gas. Customer also cancelled gas supply entirely, annual saving of £113 on the standing charge alone.
£973
Annual saving on heating
£3,927
Net cost after BUS grant
4.0yr
Estimated payback period
07
Certified

Certified by the Bodies That Matter for Heat Pumps

MCS certification is not optional if you want to access the BUS grant. Everything else reflects a business that takes standards seriously.

MCS Certified
Mandatory to access the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. Independently verified by the British Assessment Bureau.
TrustMark
Government-endorsed quality scheme. Consumer protection and independent redress for home improvement work.
RECC
Renewable Energy Consumer Code. Protects you when dealing with renewable energy installers.
KIWA Approved
Independent testing and certification. Additional technical verification beyond the minimum standard.
Trading Standards Approved
TSI Approved Code of Practice. Consumer protection for sales, marketing and contract conduct.
Competent Persons Scheme
Self-certification for building regulations. Electrical and refrigeration work certified without a separate building notice.
British Assessment Bureau
Independent verification of our MCS certification and quality management systems.
NEBOSH Director
Aaron Davies, NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction, June 2025. Safety standards set from the top.
08
Pricing

Honest Pricing. The Grant Makes a Real Difference.

Heat pump installations vary in cost depending on your property size, the output required, whether radiator upgrades are needed and how accessible your outdoor space is. The ranges below reflect this honestly. The £7,500 BUS grant applies to all eligible domestic installations.

Smaller Home
1-2 Bedroom
Suitable for smaller detached or semi-detached properties, well-insulated flats on gas, or smaller terraced homes with good insulation. Compact unit, standard installation.
Total before grant
£8,000, £10,500
Minus £7,500 BUS Grant
Typical net cost
£500, £3,000
Subject to grant eligibility, we confirm this on survey
Includes: survey, heat loss calculation, system design, unit supply and installation, cylinder if needed, commissioning, MCS certificate, grant application.
Most Common
Mid-Size Home
3-4 Bedroom
The most common installation type in South Wales. Typically a semi-detached or detached property, cavity walls filled, loft insulated, 3-4 radiators upgraded to larger outputs.
Total before grant
£10,500, £13,500
Minus £7,500 BUS Grant
Typical net cost
£3,000, £6,000
Subject to grant eligibility, we confirm this on survey
Includes: survey, heat loss calculation, system design, unit supply and installation, hot water cylinder, radiator upgrades where needed, commissioning, MCS certificate, grant application.
Larger Home
5+ Bedroom / Detached
Larger detached properties, extended homes, or properties with older, poorly insulated walls requiring additional preparation work. Higher output unit, more pipework.
Total before grant
£13,500, £16,000
Minus £7,500 BUS Grant
Typical net cost
£6,000, £8,500
Subject to grant eligibility, we confirm this on survey
Includes: full survey and detailed heat loss calculations, system design, high-output unit, cylinder, full radiator circuit assessment and upgrades, commissioning, MCS certificate, grant application.
Finance available, 0% APR options and no upfront cost
We offer 0% APR finance on shorter terms, repayment plans up to 120 months at 9.9% APR, and a no-upfront-cost option on qualifying installations. Finance is subject to status. All prices above are indicative ranges, your exact quote reflects your specific property, survey results and system requirements.
What Affects the Final Price
Property heat lossThe higher your property's heat loss, the larger the unit required. Better insulation directly reduces system cost. Our survey calculates this precisely.
Radiator upgradesHeat pumps run at lower flow temperatures than gas boilers. Existing radiators often need upsizing for the system to heat the home efficiently. We assess every radiator on survey.
Hot water cylinderIf your property has a combi boiler you will not have a cylinder, one is always required with an ASHP. We supply and fit as part of the installation. This is already included in the estimates above.
09
FAQ

Questions We Get Asked Every Week

Honest answers to the questions homeowners ask before going ahead. If yours is not here, call us or request a callback.

How much does an air source heat pump cost?
A domestic installation typically costs between £8,000 and £16,000 depending on property size, the output required and any additional work such as radiator upgrades or a new hot water cylinder. The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 is deducted from your invoice directly, bringing the net cost down to as little as £500 for smaller, well-insulated properties.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government grant of £7,500 available to homeowners in England and Wales replacing a gas, oil or LPG heating system with an air source heat pump. You must use an MCS-certified installer to qualify. We apply for the grant on your behalf, it is deducted directly from your invoice so you never need to handle the money.
Will a heat pump work in my home?
Most properties in South Wales are suitable. The key factors are adequate insulation, outdoor space for the external unit, and a compatible heating distribution system. We conduct a full heat loss assessment on survey and will tell you clearly if your property is suitable, and what if anything needs to change first. We would rather tell you now than after installation.
How much will I save on heating bills?
A correctly designed and installed heat pump typically reduces annual heating and hot water costs by 30 to 50 percent compared to gas. This depends on your current tariff, property insulation, system sizing and usage patterns. If you also have solar panels, your heat pump can run on free electricity for significant portions of the year, increasing the saving further.
Does a heat pump work in cold weather?
Yes. Modern heat pumps operate effectively down to around minus 15 degrees Celsius. In South Wales, average winter temperatures rarely fall below minus 5 degrees, so the system runs efficiently throughout the heating season. Efficiency does reduce slightly in very cold weather, but the system continues to heat your home effectively.
Do I need planning permission?
In most cases, no. Air source heat pumps are permitted development for domestic properties in England and Wales, subject to conditions around noise levels and positioning. Exceptions include listed buildings, some conservation areas, and installations visible from a highway. We confirm your property's permitted development status before proceeding, you do not need to research this yourself.
How long does installation take?
A standard installation takes two to three days. This includes positioning and mounting the external unit, installing or connecting the hot water cylinder, running pipework and electrical connections, commissioning the system, and handing over controls. If radiator upgrades are also required, the programme may extend slightly. We confirm the full timeline before starting.
Can I combine a heat pump with solar panels?
Yes, and this is one of the most effective combinations in home energy. Solar PV generates free electricity during the day, which your heat pump can use directly, reducing running costs to near zero for significant parts of the year. First Choice Energy installs both technologies and can advise on the right combination for your property. Ask about a combined quote on your survey.
Get Started Today

Your Heating Bills Could Be Half What They Are Now

A free, no-obligation survey is all it takes to find out exactly what an air source heat pump would do for your home. We calculate your heat loss, specify the right system, confirm grant eligibility and give you a written proposal, at no cost and with no pressure to proceed.

Free home survey and heat loss assessment
Written proposal with exact system specification
£7,500 BUS grant confirmed and applied for you
Finance options including 0% APR available
MCS certified, the only kind that accesses the grant
0808 502 2308

No obligation. Response within one working day.

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