Increased government heat pump grants mean families can save on heating costs by choosing heat pumps over gas boilers
As part of the government’s push for net-zero emissions, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme now offers £7,500 support for heat pumps, a 50% increase.
Gas boilers typically cost between £2,500 and £3,000, meaning the heat pump grant scheme can save households significant money.
The government is making £10m available through the Heat Pump Ready programme to improve innovation in the heat pump sector.
They have also launched the ‘Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency’ campaign, designed to help people improve their homes’ energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills during the winter.
The heat pump grant scheme has been extended
The heat pump grant scheme has been extended by three years, giving people more time to take advantage of the programme.
“No one should have to choose between cutting costs and cutting emissions – our pragmatic approach means we can continue to deliver on our ambitious net zero targets without unfairly hitting the pockets of hardworking families,” said energy security Claire Coutinho.
“From today, for some households, starting prices for heat pumps could now be below the average gas boiler, as we have increased the cash grant by 50 per cent to £7,500. This will help thousands of people across the country reduce their energy use and keep their homes warm,” she continued.
The air source heat pump grant has increased from £5,000 to £7,500, ground source heat pump grants are now £7,500, and biomass boilers still qualify for £5,000 grants. Organisations can also apply for the latest Heat Pump Ready programme.
Promoting energy efficiency
The Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency campaign will promote home energy improvements through various media channels, including recommendations like checking insulation, upgrading to a heat pump with the enhanced grant, and installing solar panels for additional savings.
“Making our housing stock more energy efficient not only furthers our net zero ambitions but enables families to cut their energy use and reduce their bills,” said Lord Callanan, minister for energy efficiency and green finance.
“Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency will help people identify measures that will work for them and create street upon street of warmer homes,” he added.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant adds to the £1bn Great British Insulation Scheme, helping over 300,000 homes.
The government is also extending the ban on oil, liquefied petroleum gas boilers, and new coal heating for off-gas-grid homes to 2035 instead of 2026 to prevent sudden costs for homeowners. An exemption to the fossil fuel boiler phase-out in 2035 will allow households to retain their current heating system if heat pumps are unsuitable.
