Heat Pump Grants and Financial Support
Installing a heat pump is a significant investment, but grants and financial incentives can reduce the upfront cost for many homeowners. Depending on where you live and your circumstances, you may be eligible for government support or local funding schemes.
This page provides an overview of the grants currently available and the factors that may affect your eligibility. As government schemes change over time, always check the latest official guidance before making a decision.
Why Are Grants Available?
Governments encourage the installation of low-carbon heating systems to help reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Heat pumps are one of the technologies being promoted because they can provide efficient heating while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (England and Wales)
The main government grant currently available is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
The scheme helps homeowners replace fossil fuel heating systems with eligible low-carbon heating technologies.
The grant is usually applied directly by your installer, reducing the amount you pay rather than requiring you to claim the money yourself.
Eligible Technologies
The scheme currently supports:
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- Water source heat pumps (where eligible)
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility requirements can change, but generally the property must:
- Be located in England or Wales.
- Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), unless exempt.
- Replace an existing fossil fuel heating system in most cases.
Your installer will normally confirm whether your property meets the current requirements.
Scotland
Homeowners in Scotland may be able to access different grants or interest-free loan schemes through national programmes.
The support available may differ from England and Wales, so Scottish homeowners should check the latest government guidance.
Northern Ireland
Support schemes in Northern Ireland may differ from the rest of the UK.
Availability and funding can change, so always check the latest official information before planning an installation.
Can I Combine Grants?
In some situations, you may be able to combine heat pump grants with other energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation upgrades.
However, eligibility rules vary between schemes, so professional advice is recommended before committing to any work.
Improving Your Chances of Saving Money
A grant reduces the installation cost, but long-term savings also depend on:
- Good insulation.
- Correct heat pump sizing.
- Efficient radiator or underfloor heating design.
- Appropriate controls and thermostat settings.
A well-designed system will usually provide better value over its lifetime than simply choosing the cheapest installation.
How Much Could You Save?
The total financial benefit depends on several factors:
- The grant available.
- Installation costs.
- Your current heating system.
- Future energy prices.
- The efficiency of your heat pump.
Our Heat Pump Cost Calculator estimates both installation costs and potential savings based on your property.
Common Questions
Can landlords apply?
Some grants are available for landlords, although eligibility requirements may differ from owner-occupied homes.
Can I apply if I already have a heat pump?
Most grant schemes are intended for new installations replacing older heating systems.
Do I need planning permission?
Many domestic heat pump installations do not require planning permission, but some properties may have additional restrictions, particularly listed buildings or homes in conservation areas.
Can I install the heat pump myself?
Government grants generally require installation by an appropriately certified installer.
Things to Consider Before Applying
Before requesting quotes:
- Improve insulation where possible.
- Obtain a current EPC if required.
- Compare several installers.
- Ask for a detailed heat loss calculation.
- Ensure the proposed heat pump is correctly sized for your home.
Choosing the right system is often more important than choosing the most powerful one.
Our Recommendation
Grants can make heat pumps much more affordable, but they should be considered as one part of the overall decision. Installation quality, running costs and long-term performance are equally important.
Before committing to an installation, use our calculators to estimate your heating requirements, compare different heat pump types and understand the likely running costs for your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heat pump grants guaranteed?
No. Government funding programmes can change or close, and eligibility rules may be updated. Always check the latest official information before making financial decisions.
Will a grant cover the entire installation?
Usually not. Grants generally reduce the upfront cost, but homeowners are normally responsible for paying any remaining balance.
Is a heat pump worth installing without a grant?
That depends on your home, your current heating system and your long-term plans. In some cases, the energy savings and environmental benefits may still make a heat pump worthwhile even without financial support.