Compared to gas boilers, which have served us well for decades, the next generation of home heating is already here. Air source heat pumps are one of the most efficient and future ready ways to heat your home. They can deliver up to four times more efficiency than traditional systems and reduce carbon emissions by around 73 percent when compared to gas or oil heating.
At Green Energy Homes, we speak to homeowners every day who are interested in heat pumps but unsure whether they qualify for a government grant. The good news is that many households across the UK are eligible. This guide breaks down who qualifies, what the requirements are, and how we can help you every step of the way.
What is the air source heat pump grant?
In England and Wales, the main support scheme is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. It offers a grant of up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own schemes, but the eligibility rules are broadly similar.
The grant is designed to make low carbon heating more accessible by reducing upfront costs. While heat pumps cost more to install than boilers, they use four to five times less energy than even the most efficient gas boilers. Over time, this can mean lower running costs, especially when paired with solar PV.
Do homeowners qualify?
Most owner occupiers are eligible, as long as their property meets a few key criteria.
You must own the property and it needs to be located in England or Wales. The home must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate, and in most cases, it should have a reasonable level of insulation. This does not mean your home has to be perfect, but loft and cavity wall insulation are usually expected where possible.
Your existing heating system must be replaced. The grant does not cover heat pumps in addition to a working gas boiler. It is designed to support full system upgrades.
If you live in a detached, semi detached, terraced house or bungalow, you can usually qualify. Flats can also be eligible, depending on layout and outdoor space.
What about landlords?
Landlords can also qualify for the grant, which is welcome news for those upgrading rental properties.
The property must be rented out privately and have an EPC rating of at least E. As with owner occupied homes, the grant applies when replacing fossil fuel heating systems like gas, oil or LPG.
Upgrading to a heat pump can help landlords improve EPC ratings, reduce long term maintenance, and future proof properties against tightening energy efficiency rules.
At Green Energy Homes, we regularly help landlords navigate both the grant process and the technical requirements of installing heat pumps in rental homes.
Are low income households eligible?
There is no strict income cap for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which means you do not have to be on benefits or below a certain income to qualify.
However, low income households may also be eligible for additional support through other schemes, such as local authority funding or energy company obligation grants. These can sometimes be combined with heat pump installations, depending on circumstances.
If affordability is a concern, we can check what support options are available in your area and explain the most cost effective route.
Do new builds qualify?
In most cases, new build properties do not qualify for the grant. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is aimed at improving existing housing stock. If your property has never had a heating system installed before, it is usually excluded.
That said, many developers are choosing heat pumps for new builds anyway because they meet modern building regulations, lower carbon emissions, and offer long term savings. While the grant may not apply, we can still design and install systems tailored to new homes.
Other key eligibility points
Your home must have enough outdoor space for the heat pump unit, usually similar in size to a small wheelie bin. Planning permission is rarely needed, but there are some exceptions.
The system must be installed by an MCS certified installer. This is essential, as the grant is paid to the installer, not directly to the homeowner.
This is where working with an experienced company matters. We handle the application on your behalf and ensure everything meets the scheme rules.
Why switch to a heat pump?
Beyond the grant, heat pumps offer long term benefits that make them a smart investment.
They use significantly less energy than gas or oil boilers, typically four to five times less. They run on electricity, which is becoming greener each year as renewable generation increases.
When combined with solar PV, many homeowners see substantial reductions in their energy bills. Heat pumps are also built to last, with lifespans of up to 25 years, more than double that of a typical boiler.
Maintenance is minimal, and there is no combustion, no flue, and no risk of carbon monoxide.
How Green Energy Homes can help
At Green Energy Homes, we make the process simple. We assess your eligibility, check your property, design the right system, and manage the grant application from start to finish.
We take the time to explain how heat pumps work, what changes may be needed in your home, and what savings you can realistically expect. Our goal is to help you move to a cleaner, more efficient heating system with confidence.
If you are wondering whether you qualify for an air source heat pump grant, the easiest next step is to talk to us.
Fill out our convenient form, and we will be in touch to assist you. We are here to help you make your home more comfortable, efficient, and future ready. Contact us now and take the first step towards cleaner heating.
