UK Government Funding for Heat Pumps
– What You Need to Know
If you’re based in Kent (or anywhere in England or Wales), the BUS grant can significantly reduce the cost of upgrading to a heat pump. Combined with rising energy costs and a push toward greener heating, the current funding scheme could make a heat pump one of the most cost-effective and future-proof heating solutions available.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- The BUS gives a grant of up to £7,500 toward installing a heat pump.
- The grant applies to air-source, ground-source (and water-source) heat pumps under certain conditions.
- Installers accredited under Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) must be used.
- The BUS scheme has been extended to run until 2028, so eligible homeowners still have time to benefit.
As the BUS grant is “front-loaded,” your installer deducts the £7,500 from the cost — meaning less upfront cost for you.
Other Funding & Support Options
While BUS is the main national scheme, there are additional routes for financial support depending on where you live and your circumstances:
- The now-wider funding cluster under the government’s wider energy-efficiency push (for example under the Warm Homes Plan) aims to support low-income household upgrades — including heat pumps, insulation and general home energy improvements.
- In some cases (particularly for households on low incomes or in need of wider energy efficiency works), funding can cover a larger portion or even the majority of costs.
Why the Government Funding Matters Now
- Since the BUS grant uplift, applications have surged significantly — showing growing public uptake.
- The Government aims to make low-carbon heating accessible and affordable, helping the UK move toward net-zero emissions by encouraging widespread heat pump adoption.
- Installers accredited under Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) must be used.
- For many households, after the grant, a heat pump installation can cost roughly the same as a new gas boiler — making the switch a financially viable option, not just an environmental one.
What You Should Do to Access Grants
- Get in touch with an MCS-certified installer — only installs carried out by accredited professionals qualify.
- Ask for a quote that incorporates the BUS grant (installer deducts the £7,500).
- Confirm your property meets eligibility criteria (in England or Wales, replacing existing fossil heating, etc.).
- Complete installation and commissioning — the installer redeems the grant voucher.
Frequently Asked Questions for Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are generally just as suitable for old buildings as they are for new buildings. By installing a heat pump, older buildings can usually be heated in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. However, when installing them, it should be taken into account that these heating systems usually require a higher output than heating systems in new buildings.
Sometimes it is also necessary to replace radiators in order to increase the heat-emitting surface area in order to heat your home sufficiently as lower flow temperatures are used with heat pumps typically 35 to 50 degrees c. In general, heat pumps are a good choice for any home as they are an efficient and environmentally friendly way of providing your heating and hot water needs. However, suitability depends on various factors, such as the type of home, insulation levels, user expectation and the desired heating output.
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The time it takes to install a heat pump depends on several factors, including the type and size of the heat pump, the complexity of the installation, and the existing heating system. A typical heat pump installation usually takes around 3 to 4 days.
It is important to note that the installation of a heat pump should be carried out by a professional and experienced installer who has the necessary skills and knowledge. Correct design and installation is critical to ensure that the heat pump works effectively and efficiently and to avoid potential problems and expensive repairs in the future. We are seasoned professionals and experts in our field, get in touch with iB Heat Pumps today.
The recommended maintenance frequency for a heat pump is usually once annually. Regular maintenance ensures the optimal functionality and efficiency of the system and extends its service life.
Regular maintenance of a heat pump offers several benefits. These include improved energy efficiency, optimal heating performance, lower operating costs, reduced repair risks and an extended service life of the system.
Yes, a heat pump can be very effectively coupled with a photovoltaic system to increase the self-consumption of the solar power generated and thus reduce external power purchases. With an additional solar power storage unit, the heat pump can be operated around the clock with inexpensive self-generated power from the PV system. We work with carefully selected solar photovoltaic installers for your peace of mind.
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A heat pump uses ambient energy from the air, water or ground to heat or cool your home. It basically works like a refrigerator in reverse.
A heat pump consists of a closed circuit filled with a coolant. In the evaporator, the coolant is heated by the ambient energy and evaporates. The resulting vapor is compressed in the compressor, which further increases the temperature. The hot gas is then passed through the condenser, where it releases heat to the heating system and condenses back into a liquid state.
The cool refrigerant is returned to the evaporator where the cycle begins again. This cycle continuously absorbs heat from the environment and releases it into your heating system to heat your home.
Another advantage of a heat pump is that it is able to use heat from the environment even at very low temperatures. Modern heat pumps can work effectively even at temperatures well below freezing, making them a very good alternative to traditional gas or oil boilers in the uk. Get in touch with iB Heat Pumps today.