The government has dramatically increased financial support for homeowners looking to switch to eco-friendly heating systems, with grants for heat pumps now reaching £7,500 under the revamped Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Supercharged Grants for Green Heating
Previously offering £5,000 for air source heat pumps and £6,000 for ground source models, the scheme has received a significant funding boost to encourage more households to make the switch from traditional gas boilers. The increased grants mean many homeowners could now install heat pumps for a similar cost to a new gas boiler.
How the Scheme Works
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme operates across England and Wales, providing upfront capital grants to support the installation of low-carbon heating systems in homes and small non-domestic buildings. Property owners can apply through participating installers, who handle the grant application process directly.
Why the Sudden Change?
Government analysis revealed that despite previous support levels, heat pump installation rates remained below targets. The increased grant amounts aim to bridge the cost gap between conventional boilers and renewable alternatives, making green heating more accessible to average households.
What This Means for Homeowners
- Substantially reduced installation costs for heat pump systems
- Lower running costs compared to traditional heating methods
- Reduced carbon footprint for participating households
- Increased property energy efficiency ratings
- Contribution to national net-zero targets
The Bigger Picture
This initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to phase out fossil fuel heating in UK homes. With a proposed ban on new gas boiler installations from 2035, these enhanced grants provide crucial support for homeowners preparing for the transition to renewable heating solutions.
Industry experts have welcomed the move, suggesting it could be the catalyst needed to accelerate heat pump adoption across the country and establish the UK as a leader in domestic renewable heating technology.
