Heat pump grant support
Boiler upgrade scheme grant
If you're thinking of installing an air source heat pump (air to water) then firstly check to see whether you're eligible for the government's boiler upgrade scheme grant which provides £7500 towards the total cost.
To qualify for the grant you must:
- have a valid energy performance certificate (EPC) (take a look at the government's EPC directory and enter your postcode)
- own the property
- have either gas or oil fired central heating
This grant isn't linked to household income and is accessed via the installer, meaning no extra paperwork for you. All you need to do is find a trusted installer via the microgeneration certification scheme's directory of installers and they'll apply for the grant on your behalf when you accept their quote. Our advice is to gather at least three estimates and if you're in any way confused by the terminology or the findings, ask your installer to talk in language that you understand.
If you're keen to know more (and if you're not able to attend one of our heat pump demos), you could also do a homeowner course through organisations like Heat Geek, a sustainable energy start-up who provide heating engineers with training and innovative technology and are on a mission to decarbonise homes nationally through heat pumps. You could also take a look at Nesta's 'Visit a heat pump' website and see whether any local homeowners are running open home events.
Biomass boilers
You can get a grant for a biomass boiler if all the following are true:
- Your property is off the gas grid
- Your property is in a rural location (check the Ofgem guidance for property owners if you’re not sure)
- Your boiler has an emissions certificate showing that polluting emissions are kept to a minimum
- Note: you cannot get a grant to install a biomass boiler in a self-build property
Properties you cannot get a grant for
You cannot get a grant for:
- Most new build properties
- Social housing
- A property that's already been given government funding or support for a heat pump or biomass boiler
If you own a new build property
New build properties which the developer is still building are not eligible. However, if you move into a finished new build with a fossil fuel boiler, you may be able to get a grant for a heat pump under the scheme.
If you own a self build property
Your self build property is eligible if:
- You or the original owner built it yourself or you paid a builder to build it
- It's never been owned by a business or organisation
You’ll need to show your installer proof that your property is a self build, for example, a copy of the title deeds.
The future
June 2025: As part of the warm homes plan, the government is currently considering proposals to expand the boiler upgrade scheme. This will be to include air-to-air heat pumps and electric heating technologies such as heat batteries. The government is also looking at ways you can spread the cost of a heat pump over several years, or lease one for a monthly fee instead.
Read more about government plans on GOV.UK: Families to get more choice over home upgrades