If you’ve been looking into greener heating options and spoken to a heat pump installer that Frome residents trust, you’ve probably heard there’s government funding available. The question most homeowners ask us is simple enough: can I actually get a grant, and how much hassle is it?
The good news is yes, there is help out there. Through the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme and other forms of heat pump funding, many households can receive a significant contribution towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump. The trick is understanding how it works and making sure everything is done properly from the start.
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government-backed scheme designed to help homeowners move away from fossil fuel heating. Instead of relying on oil or gas boilers, it supports the switch to low-carbon systems like air source and ground source heat pumps.
Under the current Boiler Upgrade Scheme, eligible homeowners can receive a fixed grant towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump. The funding is paid directly to the installer and taken off the overall cost, so you don’t have to wait around for reimbursement.
In simple terms, it’s an air source heat pump grant that reduces what you pay upfront. For many households in Frome, that makes the difference between considering a heat pump and actually going ahead with one.
Do You Qualify for a Heat Pump Grant in Frome?
This is usually the first thing people want to know. The scheme is open to most homeowners and private landlords, but there are a few boxes to tick.
Basic eligibility requirements
To qualify for the heat pump grant Frome homeowners need to:
- Own the property, whether it’s your home or a rental
- Be replacing an existing fossil fuel system such as gas, oil or LPG
- Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation, where relevant
- Use an MCS-certified installer
That last point is important. The application must be made by an installer who is registered under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. Homeowners cannot apply directly themselves.
If your home is a typical 1930s semi in Frome or a stone cottage just outside town, don’t assume you won’t qualify. We regularly assess properties people thought were unsuitable and find a practical way forward.
How Much Funding Can You Receive?
Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, eligible properties can receive a government grant towards the installation of an air source heat pump. This amount is set by the scheme and is the same across England and Wales.
The grant is deducted directly from your installation cost. For example, if your full installation cost is quoted and you’re awarded the grant, the funding is applied as a discount. You simply pay the remaining balance.
It’s worth knowing that the grant covers the heating system installation itself. It does not usually cover unrelated upgrades or decorative work. However, any necessary changes directly linked to fitting the heat pump, such as upgrading certain radiators or pipework, can be accounted for within the overall project cost.
When we carry out surveys in and around Frome, we assess the whole system. There’s no point fitting a heat pump if the radiators are too small or insulation is lacking. Getting it right from day one ensures the grant leads to a heating system that actually keeps your home warm and comfortable.
How Does the Application Process Work?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that applying for Frome heat pump funding is complicated. In reality, most of the paperwork is handled by your installer.
Step 1: Home survey and quotation
The process begins with a proper survey of your property. We measure rooms, check insulation levels, look at your existing boiler setup and carry out a heat loss calculation. This isn’t guesswork. It’s detailed and tailored to your property.
Step 2: Confirming eligibility
We confirm you meet the criteria for the air source heat pump grant. That includes checking your EPC and ensuring the proposed system complies with scheme rules.
Step 3: Installer applies on your behalf
Once you’re happy to go ahead, the installer submits the application through the official scheme portal. You’ll receive confirmation and will need to give consent, but you are not left dealing with forms on your own.
Step 4: Installation and grant payment
After approval, the installation goes ahead. Once completed and signed off, the grant funding is paid to the installer and deducted from your invoice.
From a homeowner’s point of view, it’s far more straightforward than many expect. Most of our customers are surprised by how little admin they actually have to deal with.
Why Choosing a Local Installer Matters
When it comes to something as significant as replacing your heating system, local knowledge counts for a lot.
Frome has a real mix of properties. We work in modern estates near the edge of town, Victorian terraces closer to the centre and older rural homes in surrounding villages. Each type of property behaves differently when it comes to heat demand and insulation.
A local heat pump installer Frome homeowners can rely on understands common issues like solid stone walls, limited utility space or older microbore pipework. That practical experience feeds directly into the design of your system, which ultimately affects how well it performs and how efficiently it runs.
There’s also the aftercare to think about. Heat pumps are reliable, but like any heating system they need annual servicing. Having a team nearby means ongoing support is straightforward and personal, not call-centre based.
Why Homeowners Choose A N Heating Ltd
We’re often asked why people should use a local company rather than a national brand offering similar funding. The simple answer is accountability and experience.
We carry out detailed surveys, explain the system clearly and help you understand how it will feel day to day. Heat pumps run differently from traditional boilers. They provide steady, consistent warmth rather than short bursts of high heat. Setting expectations properly makes all the difference.
We also handle the grant process from start to finish, ensuring your application complies fully with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules. That reduces the risk of delays or rejected applications.
If you’re in Chippenham, Trowbridge, Melksham, Westbury, Frome or Warminster and wondering whether you qualify for a heat pump grant that homeowners can access, we’re happy to talk it through. At A N Heating Ltd, we focus on straightforward advice, careful installation and long-term support that suits local homes and landlords alike.
Contact A N Heating Ltd to check your eligibility and get a free heat pump quote.