Heat Pump Grants UK
Last updated: June 2026
Find out what heat pump grants are available in the UK, how the Boiler Upgrade Scheme works, who can qualify, and how much support is available for homes replacing gas, oil, LPG or electric heating.
• Independent UK heat pump researcher
• Reviewed for accuracy
Quick Answer: What Heat Pump Grant Is Available?
The main heat pump grant for many homeowners in England and Wales is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, often shortened to BUS.
For most eligible homes, the standard grant is currently £7,500 towards an air-to-water air source heat pump or £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump. There is also support for air-to-air heat pumps and biomass boilers in certain situations.
From 21 July 2026, eligible off-gas-grid properties replacing heating oil or LPG with an air-to-water heat pump or ground source heat pump can qualify for a higher £9,000 grant.
The grant is normally handled by the installer and shown as an upfront discount on the quote, rather than being paid to you afterwards.
The key point
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme can reduce the upfront cost significantly, especially for eligible oil and LPG-heated homes. But a grant does not automatically mean every heat pump quote is good value. Installation design, radiator suitability, controls and running costs still matter.
New £9,000 Heat Pump Grant for Oil and LPG Homes
A major Boiler Upgrade Scheme change is being introduced for eligible homes and small businesses that currently rely on heating oil or LPG.
From 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, eligible off-gas-grid properties in England and Wales can get a £9,000 grant towards an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump if they are replacing an oil or LPG heating system.
This is higher than the standard £7,500 grant and is designed to give extra support to homes that are not connected to the gas grid.
Oil-heated homes
If your home currently runs on heating oil, this uplift could reduce the cost of switching to a heat pump by an extra £1,500 compared with the standard grant.
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LPG-heated homes
If you currently use LPG heating, you may also qualify for the higher £9,000 support if your property and installation meet the scheme rules.
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Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant Amounts
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme supports several low-carbon heating technologies. The amount depends on what type of system is being installed and, from July 2026, what type of heating system is being replaced.
| Technology / Situation | Grant Amount | Typical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-water air source heat pump | £7,500 | Main standard grant for many eligible homes |
| Air-to-water heat pump replacing oil or LPG in an off-gas-grid property | £9,000 | Temporary uplift from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027 |
| Ground source heat pump | £7,500 | Includes water source and shared ground loop systems |
| Ground source heat pump replacing oil or LPG in an off-gas-grid property | £9,000 | Temporary uplift for eligible oil and LPG replacements |
| Air-to-air heat pump | £2,500 | Different from air-to-water systems and usually used for space heating only |
| Biomass boiler | £5,000 | Only in limited circumstances, usually rural off-gas-grid properties |
You can only get one grant per property, and hybrid heat pump systems are not eligible under the scheme.
Who Can Get the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is open to eligible properties in England and Wales. It can apply to homes and some small non-domestic buildings replacing fossil fuel or direct electric heating with a supported low-carbon heating system.
In simple terms, the scheme is most relevant if:
- You own the property.
- The property is in England or Wales.
- You are replacing an eligible existing heating system.
- The installation is carried out by an MCS-certified installer.
- The installer is part of an approved consumer code.
- The system meets the Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules.
- You have not already received certain government support for the same type of installation.
If you are still deciding whether a heat pump makes sense for your home, read Are Heat Pumps Worth It?.
Who Can Get the £9,000 Oil and LPG Grant?
The higher £9,000 grant is more specific than the standard Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
It is aimed at eligible properties that:
- Are in England or Wales.
- Are off the gas grid.
- Currently rely on heating oil or LPG.
- Are replacing that system with an eligible air-to-water air source heat pump or ground source heat pump.
- Meet the normal Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility rules.
The uplift is especially relevant for rural and off-grid homes where oil or LPG heating can be expensive and where switching to a heat pump may be more attractive with extra grant support.
Who Usually Cannot Get the Grant?
The grant is not available in every situation. Some homes and systems are excluded, which is why you should check eligibility before assuming the grant applies.
- Most new build homes are not eligible, although some self-builds can qualify.
- Social housing is generally not eligible under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- Hybrid heat pump systems, such as a gas boiler combined with an air source heat pump, are not eligible.
- Properties that already received certain government support for the same technology may not qualify.
- Scotland and Northern Ireland are not covered by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- Homes replacing an existing low-carbon heating system usually cannot use the grant to replace it with another low-carbon system.
How Does the Application Work?
In most cases, you do not apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme yourself. The process is installer-led.
The usual route looks like this:
- You contact an eligible installer.
- The installer assesses your home and recommends a suitable system.
- The quote should show the full cost and the grant discount.
- The installer applies for the BUS voucher on your behalf.
- You confirm consent as part of the process.
- The grant value is deducted upfront from the price you pay.
This matters because you should not usually be paying the grant amount and then waiting to claim it back. The installer should pass on the grant value as an upfront discount.
How Much Could the Grant Reduce Your Heat Pump Cost?
The grant can make the headline cost look much more realistic, especially for standard air source heat pump installations and eligible oil or LPG replacements.
| Example Installed Cost | Standard £7,500 Grant | Oil/LPG £9,000 Grant |
|---|---|---|
| £9,000 | £1,500 left | £0 left before any non-eligible extras |
| £11,000 | £3,500 left | £2,000 left |
| £13,500 | £6,000 left | £4,500 left |
| £15,000 | £7,500 left | £6,000 left |
These are simple examples. Your real quote may also include radiator upgrades, hot water cylinder changes, electrical work, controls, pipework or insulation improvements. For a full breakdown, see Air Source Heat Pump Cost UK.
What Costs Might Still Be Left After the Grant?
The grant reduces the cost of the eligible installation, but it does not mean every related home upgrade is automatically free.
You may still need to budget for:
- Radiator upgrades
- Hot water cylinder changes
- Electrical work
- System controls
- Smart thermostats or zoning
- Pipework changes
- Insulation or draught-proofing improvements
Radiator suitability can be one of the biggest extra considerations. Read Do You Need New Radiators for a Heat Pump?.
Controls can also affect day-to-day comfort and efficiency. If you are comparing quotes, check what controls are included and whether you may need to compare the best smart thermostats for heat pumps.
Does the Grant Make Heat Pumps Worth It?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme can make heat pumps much more financially attractive, but it should not be the only reason you choose one.
A heat pump is more likely to be worth it if:
- Your home is reasonably well insulated.
- The system is properly designed and sized.
- Your radiators or underfloor heating suit lower flow temperatures.
- You use suitable controls and settings.
- You understand the likely running costs before installation.
- You plan to stay in the property long enough to benefit.
The grant helps with upfront cost. The long-term value depends on comfort, running costs, system design and installation quality.
Why Installer Choice Matters
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is installer-led, so choosing the right installer matters. You want someone who can do more than simply quote a heat pump and apply for a voucher.
A good installer should explain:
- Whether your home is suitable
- What size heat pump is required
- Whether radiators need upgrading
- What flow temperatures the system is designed around
- How hot water will be handled
- Which controls are included
- Whether your current oil or LPG heating qualifies for the £9,000 uplift
- How the grant appears on the quote
Choosing the cheapest quote without checking design quality can lead to higher running costs later.
England and Wales vs Scotland and Northern Ireland
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme applies to eligible properties in England and Wales. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you need to check separate local support schemes.
England and Wales
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the main grant route for eligible heat pump installations, including the temporary £9,000 uplift for eligible off-gas-grid oil and LPG properties.
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Scotland
Support is separate from BUS and may be available through Scottish grant or loan schemes.
Northern Ireland
Support differs from England and Wales, so check local energy advice and grant routes.
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Common Boiler Upgrade Scheme Mistakes
- Assuming everyone qualifies: Eligibility rules still apply, even with the higher oil and LPG grant.
- Ignoring the date: The £9,000 uplift applies from 21 July 2026 and is expected to run until 31 March 2027.
- Confusing standard and uplifted grants: Many eligible heat pump installations still receive £7,500 rather than £9,000.
- Ignoring extras: Radiators, cylinders, electrical work and controls can still affect final cost.
- Choosing purely on net price: A low quote after grant may still be poor value if the system is badly designed.
- Not checking installer credentials: BUS installations need eligible, certified installers.
- Forgetting running costs: A grant helps upfront cost, not poor efficiency.
A grant can reduce the upfront price significantly, especially for eligible oil and LPG homes, but installation quality, radiator suitability, controls and running costs still matter just as much when judging overall value.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme FAQ
Can I get the grant for an air source heat pump?
Yes, if your property and installation meet the scheme rules, you can currently get £7,500 towards an air-to-water air source heat pump. From 21 July 2026, eligible off-gas-grid oil and LPG properties can qualify for £9,000 towards an air-to-water heat pump.
What is the new £9,000 heat pump grant?
The £9,000 grant is a temporary Boiler Upgrade Scheme uplift for eligible off-gas-grid properties in England and Wales that currently use heating oil or LPG and are switching to an eligible air source or ground source heat pump.
When does the £9,000 oil and LPG grant start?
The new grant values apply from 21 July 2026. Energy Saving Trust states that the extra funding for eligible off-gas-grid oil and LPG properties runs from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Do I apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme myself?
Usually no. In most cases, your installer applies and includes the grant as an upfront discount on your quote.
Can I get the grant in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme applies to eligible properties in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate support routes.
Can I get a grant for a new build?
Most new builds are not eligible, but some self-build properties can qualify if they meet the scheme conditions.
Can I use the grant for a hybrid heat pump system?
No. Hybrid systems are not eligible under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
How long is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme open?
The government grant listing currently shows the Boiler Upgrade Scheme closing on 31 December 2027, although specific grant values and temporary uplifts can have their own dates.
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Sources & Further Reading
This guide uses official UK government, Ofgem and independent energy advice sources for Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules, grant amounts and eligibility.
- GOV.UK – Boiler Upgrade Scheme overview
- GOV.UK – What you can get
- GOV.UK – Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant values from 21 July 2026
- GOV.UK Find a Grant – Boiler Upgrade Scheme
- Ofgem – Boiler Upgrade Scheme guidance for property owners
- Ofgem – Boiler Upgrade Scheme installer guidance
- Energy Saving Trust – Boiler Upgrade Scheme explained
Related Guides
Next Step
Once you understand the grant available, the next step is comparing full installation costs and long-term running costs for your current heating system.