Can Air Source Heat Pumps Cool Your Home?

Last Updated on June 20, 2025

Air source heat pumps are often seen as a low-carbon heating solution—but can air source heat pumps cool your home too? This is a common question among UK homeowners and landlords looking for energy-efficient alternatives to gas boilers. 

With summers becoming increasingly warmer across the UK, cooling is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.

In this guide, we’ll explore whether an air source heat pump can provide effective cooling, how it works, and whether it’s a practical solution for your property. 

If you’re considering making the switch, this guide will also help you decide if a heat pump system is the right fit for your home and how to get started with a free quote from Eco Happy.

Can Air Source Heat Pumps Provide Cooling as Well as Heating?

Yes, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) can cool your home, but only if you opt for a reversible or air-to-air model. These systems work similarly to air conditioning units.

During the summer, they reverse the refrigerant cycle, pulling warm air from your home and expelling it outside, leaving your indoor space cooler and more comfortable.

This dual functionality makes air source heat pumps particularly appealing for UK households looking to both heat and cool their properties with a single system.

If you’re exploring this as part of a broader switch from gas, you’ll also want to weigh up the full air source heat pump pros and cons to see how cooling fits into the overall package.

How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Cool Your Home?

In cooling mode, air source heat pumps use the reverse refrigeration cycle. Instead of absorbing heat from the outside air and bringing it into your home, the system extracts heat from inside your house and releases it outdoors.

Key cooling components include:

• Reversible heat pumps: Specifically designed to switch between heating and cooling modes.
  
• Fan coil units or air handlers: Used to distribute cool air indoors.
  
• Thermostatic control: Ensures the indoor temperature remains consistent and comfortable.

This makes them an energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning units, especially when paired with insulation upgrades or efficient building fabric improvements. 

If you’re wondering whether your existing system setup is compatible, it’s worth reading our guide on if heat pumps can work with your existing radiators as well.

Are All Air Source Heat Pumps Capable of Cooling?

No, not all models offer a cooling function. There are two main types:

1. Air-to-water heat pumps – Common in the UK for central heating and hot water. These usually don’t offer active cooling, although some high-end models may provide passive cooling through underfloor systems.
   
2. Air-to-air heat pumps – These are similar to air conditioning units and are best suited for properties primarily needing both cooling and heating.

If you’re in the market for a new system, check out our breakdown of the best heat pump brands to ensure you invest in one that supports cooling. 

And remember, choosing the right size is crucial. Our guide on what size air source heat pump you would need can help ensure peak efficiency and comfort.

Is Cooling with a Heat Pump Effective in the UK Climate?

Despite what some may think, heat pumps work well in UK summers. While UK summers may not reach tropical levels, heat pumps are still highly effective at regulating indoor temperatures, particularly during heatwaves or in south-facing homes that trap more sunlight.

If you’re still concerned about how they perform in extreme weather, it’s worth reading our article on how heat pumps work in cold weather, because if they can handle UK winters, summers are a breeze.

Can Air Source Heat Pumps Replace Traditional Air Conditioning?

Absolutely, air-to-air heat pumps provide a viable and often more energy-efficient alternative to standalone air conditioning systems. They are:

• Quieter than traditional AC units
  
• More energy-efficient (especially with modern inverter technology)
  
• Eligible for grants and funding support

If you’re planning to move away from a gas system, you’ll want to understand the full cost to replace a gas boiler with a heat pump to assess the investment.

Is Your Property Suitable for a Heat Pump with Cooling?

Before investing in a reversible system, it’s critical to assess if your property can accommodate the requirements for both heating and cooling. Factors to consider:

• Insulation levels
  
• Space for external units
  
• Pipework and ducting (for air-to-air systems)

Understanding if your house is suitable for a heat pump is crucial before making the investment.  And if you’re managing an older building, our guide on do air source heat pumps work in old houses can help clarify if cooling via heat pump is still viable.

Will Using a Heat Pump for Cooling Increase Electricity Usage?

Using your heat pump for cooling will add to your electricity consumption, but it’s still significantly more efficient than most portable AC units. The actual consumption depends on:

• System efficiency (measured in SEER and SCOP)
  
• Indoor temperature settings
  
• Property insulation

To get a better sense of cost, you can refer to our detailed guide on how much electricity an air source heat pump uses. If you’re budget-conscious, it also helps to get a better understanding of heat pump running costs and how cooling factors into your monthly energy bills.

Is a Cooling-Enabled Heat Pump Worth It?

For many homeowners, a dual-function heat pump is well worth the investment. Not only do you benefit from year-round climate control, but it can also:

• Improve comfort levels
  
• Reduce the need for separate systems
  
• Add value to your home
  
• Improve EPC ratings and eligibility for funding schemes

To understand the broader benefits, check out our article on whether heat pumps are worth it.

And if you’re ready to take action, check your eligibility for the heat pump grants available under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and other government-backed initiatives.

Ready to Enjoy Year-Round Comfort? Request Your Free Heat Pump Quote Today

Whether you’re sweltering through summer or bracing for winter, an air source heat pump can deliver cooling and heating in one ultra-efficient system, perfect for UK homes. 

At Eco Happy, we specialise in affordable, grant-backed installations that offer the comfort and savings you deserve.

We’ll help you:

• Choose the right size system
  
• Determine if your home is suitable
  
• Navigate available grants
  
• Get fast, reliable installation

Don’t wait for another heatwave, request your free quote and future-proof your home with an air source heat pump that keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter.