Heat pump vs air conditioning
Both are heat pumps. An air-to-water heat pump heats your radiators or underfloor heating and your hot water. Air conditioning (air-to-air) heats or cools the air in a room, and doesn't make hot water.
Free, no obligation. One local company prices it, not five.
- €8,000 to €19,000air-to-water, fitted, before the grant
- €1,500 to €3,500air con, one room
- €12,500top grant, air-to-water, house
- €7,500top grant, air-to-air
How they compare
| Air-to-water heat pump | Air con (air-to-air) | |
|---|---|---|
| Heats | Radiators or underfloor heating | The air in the rooms it's in |
| Hot water | Yes, with a cylinder | No |
| Cools | Not usually | Yes |
| Fitted price | €8,000 to €19,000 before the grant | €1,500 to €3,500 one room; €6,500 to €18,000 whole house |
| SEAI grant | Up to €12,500 | Up to €7,500 |
| Service | €120 to €290 a year | €80 to €210 a unit |
| Refrigerant work | F-gas certified engineer | F-gas certified engineer |
Which suits you
- Replacing an oil or gas boiler in a house with radiators: an air-to-water heat pump, with a cylinder for hot water.
- A cold extension, a garden room or an office: a split air-to-air unit heats and cools it without touching the central heating.
- An apartment with electric heating: air-to-air is often the simpler fit, with the hot water kept separate.
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Tap what you need and leave your number. It goes to one heat pump and air conditioning company that covers your county. They ring you back to arrange a visit and a written price.
Related guides
- Air conditioning installationSplit, multi-split and ducted: prices and planning.
- SEAI heat pump grantUp to €12,500 for a house, and €6,500 for a replacement unit.
- Heat pump servicingWhat a service covers, how often, and the warranty.
- Air conditioning repairNot cooling, leaking water, losing gas, error lights.
Heat pump and air con repair guides & price breakdowns
Straight answers to what people ask most: itemised costs, specifications, planning or grants, and what to check before you book.
More guides & resources: The SEAI heat pump grant · Heat pump vs air conditioning · F-gas engineers · All guides & calculator hub · Technical & trade glossary · Frequently asked questions · All areas covered · About this site
Questions we get asked
Is air conditioning a heat pump?
A reversible air conditioner is an air-to-air heat pump. Used for heating, it qualifies for the SEAI air-to-air grant.
Can a heat pump cool my house?
Most air-to-water heat pumps in Irish homes are set up for heating and hot water only.
Which costs less to run?
Both are efficient heat pumps. What you pay depends on your tariff, the house and how it's set up.
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