Heat Pump Grants UK
Last updated: April 2026
Find out what heat pump grants are available in the UK, how the Boiler Upgrade Scheme works, who can qualify, and how much it could reduce your installation cost.
• Independent UK heat pump researcher
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 people looking at an air source heat pump, the key figure is currently £7,500 towards an air-to-water air source heat pump. The grant is normally handled by the installer and shown as an upfront discount on the quote, rather than being paid to you afterwards.
This can make a major difference to the upfront cost. For example, a heat pump installation quoted at £11,000 could effectively become £3,500 after a £7,500 grant, before any extra work outside the eligible quote.
The key point
The grant can reduce the upfront cost significantly, but it does not automatically mean every home is suitable or every quote is good value. Installation design, radiator suitability, controls and running costs still matter.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant Amounts
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme currently supports several low-carbon heating technologies. The amount depends on the type of system being installed.
| Technology | Current Grant Amount | Typical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air source heat pump | £7,500 | Main grant most UK homeowners look at |
| Ground source heat pump | £7,500 | Also includes water source and shared ground loop systems |
| Air-to-air heat pump | £2,500 | Newer support category, different from air-to-water systems |
| Biomass boiler | £5,000 | Only in limited circumstances |
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 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 system meets the 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 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.
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 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 be paying the grant amount and then waiting to claim it back. The installer should pass on the full 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.
| Example Installed Cost | BUS Grant | Estimated Amount Left |
|---|---|---|
| £9,000 | £7,500 | £1,500 |
| £11,000 | £7,500 | £3,500 |
| £13,500 | £7,500 | £6,000 |
| £15,000 | £7,500 | £7,500 |
These are simple examples. Your real quote may also include radiator upgrades, hot water cylinder changes, electrical work, controls 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?.
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 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
- 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.
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.
Common Boiler Upgrade Scheme Mistakes
- Assuming everyone qualifies: Eligibility rules still apply.
- Ignoring extras: Radiators, cylinders and electrical work 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, 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.
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.
Sources & Further Reading
This guide uses official UK government, Ofgem and independent energy advice sources for Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules and eligibility.
Related Guides
Next Step
Once you understand the grant available, the next step is comparing full installation costs and long-term running costs.