AOS Blog
Do I Need an Asbestos Test for an Air Source Heat Pump?
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are a fantastic way to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, but before installing one, it’s important to consider whether an asbestos test is required. Asbestos was widely used in UK homes and buildings until it was banned in 1999. If your property was built before this time, there is a chance that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be present in areas where your new heat pump system will be installed.
In this guide, we’ll explain why an asbestos test may be necessary, where asbestos is commonly found, and what to do if it’s present in your home.
Why Might an Asbestos Test Be Needed?
An asbestos test is not always legally required for an air source heat pump installation, but it may be recommended in certain cases. Here’s why:
1. Protecting Health and Safety
Asbestos fibres, when disturbed, can become airborne and pose a serious health risk. Inhalation of these fibres has been linked to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. If the installation process involves drilling into walls, removing old pipework, or working near known asbestos materials, an asbestos test ensures that proper precautions are taken.
2. Identifying Potential Risks Before Installation
A professional asbestos survey can confirm whether any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present in the areas where the heat pump will be installed. If asbestos is found, a specialist can safely remove or seal the material before installation begins, reducing the risk of contamination.
3. Compliance with UK Regulations
While homeowners are not legally required to test for asbestos before heat pump installation, The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require that asbestos risks be assessed before any work that could disturb asbestos-containing materials is carried out.
Where Might Asbestos Be Found in a Home?
If your property was built before 2000, asbestos could be present in several key areas, particularly those that might be disturbed during a heat pump installation. Common locations include:
✅ Ceilings and Walls – Textured coatings (e.g., Artex), cement sheets, or insulation board.
✅ Pipework and Boilers – Older pipe insulation, gaskets, and flue pipes.
✅ Flooring – Vinyl tiles and underlays.
✅ Garage and Outbuildings – Asbestos cement roofing and walls.
✅ External Walls and Cladding – Cement panels containing asbestos.
If your new heat pump system requires external pipework, wall penetration, or changes to existing heating systems, an asbestos test may be required.
Do All Homes Need an Asbestos Test for a Heat Pump?
Not necessarily. Here’s when you should and shouldn’t consider getting an asbestos survey:
You Probably Need an Asbestos Test If:
✔️ Your home was built before 2000, especially in the 1950s-1980s.
✔️ The installation involves drilling into walls, removing old pipework, or disturbing insulation.
✔️ There are visible signs of older materials that could contain asbestos.
✔️ You are a landlord or responsible for a commercial property.
You Likely Don’t Need a Test If:
❌ Your home was built after 2000, when asbestos was banned.
❌ No construction work will disturb walls, floors, or insulation.
❌ Your heat pump is being installed in an area that has already been tested for asbestos.
If you’re unsure, a professional asbestos surveyor can inspect your home and provide a risk assessment before installation.
What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?
If an asbestos test confirms the presence of asbestos, don’t panic - in many cases, asbestos is not dangerous unless disturbed. Here’s what you can do:
🔹 Encapsulation – If the asbestos is in good condition and undisturbed, it can often be sealed with a special coating to prevent fibre release.
🔹 Removal – If the asbestos must be disturbed for the heat pump installation, a licensed asbestos removal specialist will need to safely dispose of it.
🔹 Alternative Installation Methods – If possible, the heat pump installation can be adjusted to avoid disturbing asbestos materials.
It’s important to hire a qualified asbestos professional if removal is required, as DIY removal is illegal and dangerous.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get an Asbestos Test Before Installing a Heat Pump?
In summary:
✔️ If your home was built before 2000, consider an asbestos test before installation.
✔️ If the heat pump installation involves drilling or disturbing insulation, testing is a good idea.
✔️ If asbestos is found, a professional can safely encapsulate or remove it before installation.
✔️ If your home was built after 2000, an asbestos test is likely unnecessary.
At AOS Energy Efficient Heating Systems, we specialise in air pump installation in Cambridgeshire. Our expert team ensures all installations are carried out safely and efficiently, working alongside professionals when asbestos concerns arise.
Contact us today for a free consultation and expert advice on installing an energy-efficient heat pump in your home!
