Good news! The UK government is giving away up to £7,500 to help you get an air source heat pump for your home. Think of it like getting a huge discount voucher for making your home warmer and greener!
But how does this air source heat pump grant work? Who can get it? And how do you apply? Don't worry – we'll explain everything in simple words, just like we're chatting over a cup of tea.
What is an Air Source Heat Pump? (And Why Should You Care?)
Imagine your fridge, but working backwards. Instead of keeping things cold, an air source heat pump takes warmth from outside (even when it's freezing!) and brings it into your home. Pretty clever, right?
Heat pumps are amazing because they use much less energy than old-fashioned boilers. This means lower bills for you and less pollution for our planet. It's like swapping a thirsty car for an electric one!
A modern air source heat pump installed outside a UK home
What is the Government Air Source Heat Pump Grant?
The government air source heat pump grant is officially called the "Boiler Upgrade Scheme" (or BUS for short). It's a program where the government chips in £7,500 towards your air source heat pump installation.
💡 Quick Fact
Heat pumps usually cost between £8,000 and £14,000. With the £7,500 grant, you might only pay £500 to £6,500! That's a massive saving.
Types of Air Source Heat Pumps Covered
The grant covers two main types:
🌬️ Air Source Heat Pumps
These grab heat from the air outside. They're the most common type and easier to install.
🌍 Ground Source Heat Pumps
These take heat from the ground using pipes buried in your garden. More expensive but super efficient.
The air source heat pump grant is particularly popular because these systems work well for most homes and cost less to install than ground source systems.
Who Can Get the Air Source Heat Pump Grant?
Wondering about air source heat pump grant eligibility? Here's the simple checklist:
You Own Your Home
The property needs to be yours. If you're renting, ask your landlord to apply instead.
You Live in England, Scotland, or Wales
The air source heat pump grant in England, Wales and Scotland all use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. All three parts of the UK follow the same eligibility rules. Northern Ireland has different programs.
Your Home Has Good Insulation
Your home needs to keep heat in well. Most homes with an EPC rating of C or above qualify.
You're Replacing an Old Heating System
You need to be getting rid of an old gas boiler, oil boiler, or electric heating system.
You Use an MCS-Certified Installer
The installer must be certified by MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme). Don't worry – we only work with certified installers!
⚠️ Important Note
If you've already had other government grants for insulation or heating in the past, you can still get this one. But you can't get the grant twice for the same property!
How Much Does an Air Source Heat Pump Cost?
Let's talk numbers. Understanding air source heat pump costs helps you plan your budget:
Air Source Heat Pump Costs
Ground Source Heat Pump Costs
Remember, these are typical costs. Your actual price depends on your home's size, how well it's insulated, and which installer you choose. That's why it's smart to get quotes from multiple installers!
For a full breakdown of prices, you can also read our air source heat pump cost guide.
How to Apply for the Air Source Heat Pump Grant
Here's the good news: you don't actually apply yourself! Your MCS-certified installer does all the paperwork for you. Here's how it works:
Get Your Quotes
Contact 2-3 MCS-certified installers and ask for quotes. They'll visit your home for a free survey to check if an air source heat pump is right for you.
Choose Your Installer
Compare the quotes and pick the installer you like best. Make sure they mention the £7,500 grant in their quote!
Installer Applies for Grant
Your chosen installer applies for the grant through the official gov uk air source heat pump grant system. They do all the boring paperwork!
Installation Day
Once approved, your installer will arrange a date to fit your new air source heat pump. Most installations take 1-2 days.
Pay Discounted Price
You only pay the final cost with the grant already taken off. So if the total was £10,000, you'd pay £2,500 (£10,000 minus £7,500).
✅ Pro Tip
Never pay the full price upfront and expect to get the grant back later. The grant should ALWAYS be taken off your final bill. If an installer asks you to pay full price first, that's a red flag!
Air Source Heat Pump Grants by Region
🏴 England
Available to all homeowners in England through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
🏴 Wales
Welsh homeowners can claim the grant using the same BUS scheme.
🏴 Scotland
Scottish homeowners get the same £7,500 through BUS across each part of the UK.
What about Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has its own schemes. Check with local authorities for grant options and eligibility.
When Does the Air Source Heat Pump Grant End?
People often ask about the air source heat pump grant end date. Here's what you need to know:
The grant runs until 2028
BUT (and this is important), the money is given out on a first-come, first-served basis. When the pot runs out each year, you'll have to wait for the next allocation.
Bottom line: Don't wait! The sooner you apply, the better your chances of getting the full £7,500 air source heat pump grant.
Common Questions About Air Source Heat Pump Grants
Can I get an air source heat pump grant if I live in a flat?
It's tricky. Most flats don't have space for the outdoor unit. But if you own a flat with a garden or outdoor space, you might be able to get an air source heat pump. Ground floor flats and maisonettes have better chances.
Do I need better insulation before getting an air source heat pump?
Your home needs decent insulation for an air source heat pump to work well. If your EPC rating is below C, you might need to upgrade your insulation first. The good news? Your installer will tell you exactly what (if anything) you need to do during the survey.
Will an air source heat pump work with my existing radiators?
Usually, yes! Modern air source heat pumps work fine with most radiators. You might need to upgrade to slightly larger radiators in some rooms, but your installer will check this during the survey.
How long does installation take?
An air source heat pump typically takes 1-2 days to install. Ground source systems take longer (3-5 days) because they need to dig trenches or bore holes in your garden.
Are air source heat pumps noisy?
Modern air source heat pumps are pretty quiet – about as loud as a fridge humming. Your installer will position the outdoor unit away from bedrooms and boundaries to keep everyone happy.
Will I save money on my bills?
If you're replacing an old gas or oil boiler, you should see savings on your energy bills. Heat pumps are 300-400% efficient, meaning they produce 3-4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity they use. That's way better than boilers!
Ready to Get Your £7,500 Grant?
Here's what to do next:
Answer 10 quick questions about your home (takes 2 minutes)
Get matched with up to 3 vetted, MCS-certified installers
Compare quotes and choose the best deal
Your installer applies for the grant and fits your air source heat pump
Compare free quotes from vetted MCS-certified installers • 100% free • No obligation
Final Thoughts
The air source heat pump grant scheme is one of the best deals the government has offered for home improvements. Getting £7,500 towards an air source heat pump means you can make your home more comfortable, slash your energy bills, and help the environment – all at the same time.
Don't overthink it! Take our quick 2-minute quiz to see if you qualify. You've got nothing to lose and potentially thousands of pounds to save. If you're still unsure, you can also read our guide on whether air source heat pumps are worth it. Why not find out today?
