Heat pump installation in Portsmouth
An honest verdict first, then a fixed price from an MCS certified Portsmouth installer, with the grant deducted.
Heat pumps in Portsmouth: space comes first
The biggest question in Portsmouth is often where the outdoor unit goes. Mainland semis with gardens tend to be easy. Terraces with small yards can work if there is a clear, level spot and the radiators are sized for lower temperatures. Flats are rarely suitable. Close to the sea, unit choice and position matter more. We give you a clear yes, no or maybe first.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 off an air source heat pump. Your MCS-certified installer claims it and takes it off your bill.
Victorian and Edwardian terraces: Small rear yards limit where the outdoor unit can go, and solid walls usually mean upsizing radiators. Some houses are a good fit, many need careful planning.
Converted houses and purpose-built flats: Hard to arrange without outdoor space and the freeholder's consent. Ground-floor flats with a garden have the best chance.
1930s semis on the mainland side: Usually the best fit in the area, with cavity walls and gardens. Near the seafront, ask about units with a coating made for salty air.
Heat pump installation prices in Portsmouth
| Job | Typical price | Fitting time |
|---|---|---|
| Air source heat pump, before any grant | £11,000 to £14,500 | 2 to 5 days |
| After the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant | £3,500 to £7,000 | grant applied by installer |
| Radiator upgrades, if needed | £300 to £600 each | same visit |
| Hot water cylinder | usually included | same visit |
Typical prices including VAT, checked October 2026. Your installer gives you a fixed price in writing before any work starts. More detail in our heat pump installation cost guide.
Is a new boiler the better call?
In a draughty or hard-to-insulate Portsmouth home, a modern combi can still be the smarter buy. We will tell you straight.
See boiler replacement optionsAreas we cover around Portsmouth
- Southsea
- Fratton
- North End
- Copnor
- Milton
- Eastney
- Hilsea
- Cosham
- Drayton
- Farlington
Also nearby: Heat pump installation in Southampton, Heat pump installation in Brighton, Heat pump installation in Bournemouth
Heat pump installation in Portsmouth: questions
How much does a heat pump cost in Portsmouth?
Expect roughly £11,000 to £14,500 for an air source heat pump before any grant. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant usually takes that down to about £3,500 to £7,000. Any radiator upgrades appear as separate lines in your fixed quote.
Is the sea air a problem for heat pumps?
Salt in the air can corrode outdoor units faster near the coast. Many manufacturers offer models or coatings designed for coastal sites, and placing the unit away from direct sea spray helps. Your installer should cover this if you live near the seafront.
Can I get the £7,500 grant in Portsmouth?
Most homeowners can, if you are replacing a fossil-fuel system such as a gas boiler, the home has a valid EPC and the installer is MCS certified. The installer applies and the grant comes off your bill.
Will a heat pump fit in my terraced back yard?
Often it will, as long as there is a level spot with space around it for air to flow and it meets the noise limits for neighbours. Your installer checks the measurements on the survey. If it will not fit, we will say so plainly.