Heat Pump Grants UK
Find out what grants are available for air source heat pumps in the UK, how the Boiler Upgrade Scheme works, and what it could mean for your total installation cost.
What Grant Is Available for Heat Pumps?
The main grant for many homeowners in England and Wales is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). It provides an upfront discount through your installer, reducing the cost of installing a low-carbon heating system.
How Much Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant?
Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, current grants are available for:
- £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
- £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump
- £5,000 towards a biomass boiler in limited circumstances
You can only get one grant per property.
Who Can Get the Grant?
The scheme is open to eligible domestic and non-domestic properties in England and Wales. For retrofit properties, the system being replaced normally needs to be a fossil fuel or electric heating system.
To qualify, the property usually needs a valid EPC issued within the last 10 years, unless it qualifies as an eligible self-build.
Which Properties Are Not Usually Eligible?
Most new build properties are not eligible, although some self-builds can qualify. Social housing properties are not eligible, and you cannot get a BUS grant for a property that has already received certain government support for the same type of installation.
Hybrid systems, such as a combination of a gas boiler and air source heat pump, are not eligible under the scheme.
How Does the Application Work?
You do not usually apply directly yourself. In most cases, your installer applies on your behalf, and the grant is applied as an upfront discount on the quote.
This means the grant normally reduces the price you pay rather than being paid to you afterwards.
Why the Grant Matters
Heat pumps are usually more expensive to install than gas boilers, so the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can make a major difference to affordability. It is one of the biggest reasons many homeowners now look seriously at switching.
Once installed, using the right controls can make a big difference to efficiency. See our best smart thermostats for heat pumps.
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 source heat pump.
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.
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 open until 31 December 2027.
A grant can reduce the upfront price significantly, but installation quality, radiator suitability, controls, and running costs still matter just as much when judging overall value.
Related Guides
Next Step
Once you understand the grant available, the next step is comparing full installation costs and long-term running costs.