Heating your home can cost a lot during winter. The UK government wants to help with this. That’s why they offer a grant for heat pumps. Heat pumps use less energy and help lower your bills. They are better for the environment than gas boilers.

The Air Source Heat Pump Grant UK makes getting a heat pump absolutely free for homeowners and private tenants. If you want to save money and energy, this blog is for you. We will show you how to claim the grant step by step.

What Is the Government Heat Pump Grant?

The heat pump grant is part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The scheme started in 2022 across England and Wales. It gives money to help cover the cost of heat pump installation. You can get £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump.

The money is paid straight to your installer. You do not get the money in your own bank account. It is a one-time grant for each property, not every year.

Who Can Apply for the Grant?

Homeowners and small landlords can apply for the grant. Your property must be in England or Wales. You must own the home or be a landlord for it. New homes do not qualify unless built by yourself. You must also have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Your EPC must not recommend loft or wall insulation. If it does, you must install that first. You cannot get the grant for a rented property without landlord approval.

What Type of Heat Pump Is Covered?

There are two different types of heat pumps eligible under the grant. These are ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps. An air source heat pump captures heat from outdoor air. A ground source heat pump extracts heat from the earth.

Both work even when it’s cold outside. Both can heat your water and radiators. Hybrid heat pumps and water source heat pumps are not covered. The installer must tell you which one suits your home.

What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Claim the Grant?

The first step is to find a government-approved installer. Only approved installers can apply for the grant. The installer checks if your home is suitable for a heat pump. If it is, they apply for the grant on your behalf.

You do not need to fill out any forms yourself. The installer will get the grant money straight from the government. You only pay the rest of the cost. The installer handles most of the paperwork.

How to Find an Approved Installer?

The UK government keeps a list of approved installers. These installers are registered under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Go to the MCS website to find one near you. You can also ask friends or family for suggestions.

Make sure the installer has good reviews and is trusted. An installer must visit your home before installing the heat pump. They will inspect your home to check if you are eligible for the grant. This is very important.

How Much Will You Still Need to Pay?

The government grant gives you £7,500, but heat pumps can cost more. The final cost depends on your home. Ground source heat pumps usually cost more than air source types. You may still need to pay between £2,000 and £5,000.

The installer will give you a quote after checking your home. The quote shows what is covered by the grant and what is not. Always ask for this in writing. Never pay without understanding the costs.

What Happens After You Apply?

After your installer applies, you will get a confirmation. The government then checks the application details. If everything is correct, the installer receives the grant money. The heat pump is then installed in your home.

You should not delay the process. The grant has limited funding each year. The grant is first come, first served. So apply as early as possible. Your installer will also explain how to use the heat pump once it’s installed.

Can You Get Other Help with the Cost?

Some people may also qualify for other energy-saving grants. These include ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme. But you can’t use these with the heat pump grant at the same time.

Still, it’s good to check what help you can get. If your home needs insulation first, these other grants may help. Ask your installer or your local council for advice. They can tell you if you qualify for more support.

What If You Are Rejected for the Grant?

Sometimes an application is not approved. This could happen for different reasons. Maybe your EPC recommends insulation first. Or your installer is not approved. Make sure all your paperwork is in order before applying.

If you are rejected, ask why. Fix the problem and apply again if possible. Always use a trusted installer who knows the rules. This helps avoid problems and delays. It also keeps your application on the right track.

Why Should You Switch to a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are better for the planet than gas boilers. They use less energy to heat your home. They can lower your heating bills in the long run. Heat pumps work well with good insulation. They last a long time and need little upkeep.

The government gives this grant to help more people switch. You get comfort, lower bills, and help the planet. That is why many people are now choosing heat pumps for their homes.

Conclusion

The heat pump grant is a great chance to save money and energy. It makes switching to clean heating easier. The process is simple if you use a trusted installer. You need to meet the rules and have a valid EPC rating.
The installer will apply for the grant for you. You will then pay less for your new heat pump. This helps both your pocket and the planet. To keep your system running efficiently, using the best central heating inhibitor is also a smart move. Don’t wait too long to claim the grant — funding is limited.