Heat Pump Guides UK 2026
Everything you need to know about heat pumps and the £7,500 grant
Heat pumps are the future of home heating in the UK. With the government's £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant and 0% VAT until March 2027, there's never been a better time to make the switch. Heat pumps deliver 3-4 units of heat for every unit of electricity used, making them far more efficient than gas boilers.
Heat Pump Guides
Heat Pump Quick Facts
Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for replacing fossil fuel heating — £9,000 for oil/LPG off-gas-grid homes from 21 July 2026
Heat pumps deliver 3-4 units of heat per unit of electricity
With proper maintenance, heat pumps last longer than boilers
Air Source vs Ground Source
Air Source Heat Pumps
- ✓Cost: £8,000-£14,000 (before grant)
- ✓Installation: 1-2 days, minimal disruption
- ✓Space: Outdoor unit similar to AC
- ✓Best for: Most UK homes
Ground Source Heat Pumps
- ✓Cost: £15,000-£35,000 (before grant)
- ✓Installation: Requires garden excavation
- ✓Space: Needs significant garden area
- ✓Best for: Larger properties, rural locations
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) Grant
Up to £7,500 off your heat pump installation — rising to £9,000 for oil or LPG heated off-gas-grid homes from 21 July 2026
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants for homeowners in England and Wales replacing fossil fuel heating with heat pumps. Your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf.
Eligibility Requirements:
- ✓Property in England or Wales
- ✓No EPC requirement — removed from the scheme in April 2026
- ✓Replacing fossil fuel heating (gas, oil, LPG, coal)
- ✓Installation by MCS-certified installer
Scheme runs until at least March 2028
Find Heat Pump Installers Near You
Compare MCS-certified heat pump installers in your area. All can apply for the BUS grant on your behalf.