Heat Pump Grants UK 2026

Check what heat pump funding may be available and see if you could qualify in under 60 seconds.

What heat pump grants are available in the UK?

The UK government and energy companies fund several schemes that can help households replace ageing boilers and electric heating with modern heat pumps. The main routes currently include:

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) — capital grants for air source and ground source heat pumps in England and Wales.
ECO4 — energy company funded upgrades for low-income and vulnerable households, which can include heat pump installation.
Warm Homes: Local Grant — council-led funding that may cover heat pump or heating system upgrades in eligible homes.
Local authority schemes — some councils run their own programmes for low-carbon heating.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides upfront vouchers towards the cost of installing a heat pump, reducing the amount homeowners pay. The scheme is open to owner-occupiers and small landlords in England and Wales whose property has a valid EPC and is replacing a fossil fuel heating system.

Grant amounts are set by government and may change. At time of writing, air source heat pumps attract one level of funding and ground source heat pumps attract a higher level. The installer applies for the voucher on your behalf.

ECO4 heat pump funding

ECO4 is the Energy Company Obligation scheme that funds energy efficiency upgrades for lower-income and vulnerable households. While commonly associated with insulation, ECO4 can also fund heat pump installation where it forms part of a whole-house improvement plan.

Eligibility usually requires receiving qualifying benefits or meeting local authority flex criteria (low household income confirmed by your council). Properties typically need an EPC of D, E, F or G to qualify.

Air source heat pump grants

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are the most common type installed under UK grant schemes. They extract heat from outside air and are suitable for most UK homes with adequate space for an outdoor unit. Both the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4 may cover ASHP installation depending on eligibility.

Ground source heat pump grants

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are more efficient than air source but require ground loops or boreholes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a higher grant amount for GSHPs to reflect the increased installation cost. ECO4 and local schemes may also fund GSHPs where appropriate.

Who may qualify?

Eligibility varies by scheme. In general, you may qualify if:

You own your home (or are a small landlord) and have a valid EPC
Your property currently uses a fossil fuel heating system (gas, oil, LPG, electric)
You receive qualifying benefits (ECO4) or meet council flex eligibility
Your home has a low EPC rating (D, E, F, or G) for ECO4 and Warm Homes routes
Your property is in England, Wales or Scotland (depending on the scheme)

Eligibility is always subject to scheme rules, available funding, and assessment by an MCS-certified installer or your local authority. Results from our checker are for guidance only.

How much funding could you get?

The amount depends on the scheme and type of heat pump. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a set voucher amount per system type. ECO4 may fund the full cost of a heat pump installation for qualifying households as part of a wider upgrade package.

Actual costs vary by property size, complexity, and installer. A professional survey is usually required before work begins and final costs are confirmed.

How to check eligibility

Use our free 60-second eligibility checker below.
Answer questions about your home, EPC, heating and household.
See which schemes may be worth exploring based on your answers.
Confirm with an approved installer or your local authority.

Start Free Eligibility Check

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Energy Checker is an independent guidance website. We are not a government body and do not approve grant applications. Information is for guidance only and does not constitute a guarantee of eligibility or funding. Final eligibility is determined by the scheme provider, your local authority, and a certified installer assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a grant for a heat pump in the UK?

Yes. Several UK schemes offer funding towards heat pump installation, including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and ECO4. Eligibility depends on your property, heating system, tenure, location and household circumstances.

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides upfront capital grants towards air source and ground source heat pumps for homeowners and small landlords in England and Wales. Funding levels and eligibility rules are set by government and may change.

Are ground source heat pumps covered by grants?

Yes. Ground source heat pumps are eligible under BUS with a higher grant amount than air source systems. ECO4 and local authority schemes may also fund ground source installations in some cases.

Can pensioners get heat pump grants?

Pensioners may qualify through several routes. Those receiving Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits can access ECO4 funding, while the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is open to all eligible homeowners regardless of age.

Do I need to be on benefits to qualify?

Not necessarily. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not require benefit receipt. ECO4 typically requires qualifying benefits or local authority flex eligibility, which can include low-income households that are not on benefits.

How do I check if I qualify?

Use the free eligibility checker above. Answer a few questions about your home, heating and circumstances and the checker will show which schemes may be worth exploring further.

Ready to check your eligibility?

Answer a few quick questions about your home and see which heat pump grants may be worth exploring.

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