If you’re thinking about upgrading your heating, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is whether you can still get help with the cost. I get asked this most weeks when I’m out quoting as a heat pump installer. The good news is yes, grants are still available. The scheme has changed over the years, but there is solid support in place right now for UK homeowners.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what’s currently on offer, who qualifies and what the process actually looks like in real life. No jargon, just straight answers.
What grants are currently available in the UK?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme explained
The main grant available in England and Wales at the moment is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, often shortened to BUS.
This scheme is designed to help homeowners move away from gas, oil or LPG boilers and switch to low carbon heating systems such as air source and ground source heat pumps.
Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you can currently receive:
- A grant towards the cost of an air source heat pump
- A grant towards the cost of a ground source heat pump
The grant is paid directly to the installer and taken off your final bill. You do not receive the money yourself. That tends to reassure people, as it means less paperwork and no waiting around for reimbursement.
The scheme runs until 2028, although like any government funding pot it can change, so it’s always worth checking sooner rather than later.
Eligibility criteria and how to qualify
Not every property qualifies automatically, but most owner occupied homes do if they meet a few basic requirements.
Property requirements
You must:
- Own your home in England or Wales
- Be replacing a fossil fuel heating system such as gas, oil or LPG
- Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation where practical
That last point catches people out sometimes. I’ve been to homes in Trowbridge and Warminster where the EPC flagged missing loft insulation. It doesn’t mean you cannot have a heat pump, it just means those basic efficiency measures need sorting first.
What doesn’t qualify?
New build properties are generally excluded, with a few exceptions. If you’re unsure, it’s best to have someone check your details properly rather than guessing.
For homeowners in places like Melksham, Trowbridge or Warminster, most standard houses from the 1930s through to the 2000s can qualify, provided the insulation is reasonable and the system is designed correctly.
How to apply step by step and what to expect
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to apply for the grant yourself. You don’t. A registered installer does it on your behalf.
Step 1: Home survey and heat loss calculation
This is where we measure up properly, check insulation levels and work out the heat loss room by room. It’s more detailed than a boiler quote. Radiators are measured, pipework is assessed and we look at cylinder space.
Step 2: Quotation and proposal
You’ll receive a clear breakdown of the work, the system design and the grant amount being applied. At this stage, you agree to go ahead.
Step 3: Grant application
Your installer applies through Ofgem’s scheme. You’ll get an email asking you to confirm a few details. Once approved, the grant is reserved for your installation.
Step 4: Installation and commissioning
The system is installed, tested and commissioned. Once complete, the grant is redeemed and deducted from your invoice.
From survey to installation, it can take a few weeks to a couple of months depending on demand and equipment lead times.
Costs, savings and long term benefits
Even with the grant, a heat pump is a bigger upfront investment than a straightforward boiler swap. That is just the reality. You are upgrading the whole heating system, not just changing the box on the wall.
That said, there are long term benefits:
- Lower carbon emissions
- Potential savings on running costs if the system is designed well
- More stable energy pricing when paired with smart tariffs
- Future proofing your home as gas is gradually phased down
I’ve had customers in older properties worry their home will not cope. In many cases, once we improve insulation and size the radiators correctly, the house feels more evenly heated than it did before. It’s less blast and more steady warmth.
Common questions and misconceptions about heat pump grants
Is the grant going to disappear tomorrow?
There is no indication of that. Funding is allocated each year and the scheme is set to run for several more years. Still, schemes can evolve, so it is sensible not to delay endlessly.
Do I need underfloor heating?
No. Underfloor can work very well with heat pumps, but plenty of systems run perfectly with appropriately sized radiators.
Will my house be cold?
Not if the system is designed correctly. A heat pump runs differently from a gas boiler. It ticks along at lower temperatures for longer periods. When it’s set up properly, indoor temperatures stay consistent.
Is the paperwork a nightmare?
In practice, most of it sits with the installer. You’ll need to confirm details and keep records, but you are not dealing with government departments on your own.
Next steps and how to get started
If you’re considering switching, the first step is a proper assessment of your home. That will tell you whether you qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and what changes, if any, are needed beforehand.
Every property is different. A modern estate house in Melksham is very different from a stone cottage outside Warminster. The grant helps both, but the design approach will not be identical.
If you want clear, practical advice tailored to your home, speak to AN Heating Services and get the facts based on your actual property.
Making the switch is a big decision, but with the current grant in place, it’s a lot more achievable than many homeowners realise.