Air Source Heat Pump Grant 2026: How To Claim Your Grant and Save Energy
Home energy bills remain a top concern for UK households. Heat pumps offer long-term running cost savings, and several air source heat pump grants are available to UK residents in 2026. This article covers the latest confirmed information on eligibility, grant amounts, and how to apply.
What Is an Air Source Heat Pump Grant and Why 2026 Is the Time to Switch
How Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) Work
Before reviewing the available grants, it helps to understand how ASHPs work. One example is EcoFlow PowerHeat, an air-to-water heat pump that uses a "reverse fridge" concept to draw heat from outdoor air and transfer it to your radiators or hot water system. ASHPs run at roughly three times the efficiency of gas boilers, which makes them a strong candidate for households looking to cut long-term energy costs.
Key Benefits for Homeowners
ASHPs offer lower running costs, with potential savings of £200 to £500 per year. They can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 75% and add 2 to 5% to your property value. They also future-proof your home against the ongoing gas boiler phase-out. Typical installation costs range from £8,000 to £15,000 before air source heat pump grants are applied.
Air Source Heat Pump Grants Available in 2026
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers a flat £7,500 upfront grant for UK residents and covers ASHP installation for units up to 45kWth. Installations benefit from 0% VAT until March 2027, and the scheme runs until March 2028. Note that BUS cannot be used for hybrid systems.
Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4)
Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) offered funding for up to the full installation cost of ASHPs, potentially £10,000 or more including insulation upgrades, for fuel-poor and benefit-eligible households. The scheme ran until March 2026. UK households who qualified under ECO4 criteria may now be eligible under the Warm Homes Plan, which continues to support low-income homes with energy efficiency upgrades.
Home Energy Scotland Grants and Loans
The Home Energy Scotland Grants and Loans is a regional scheme for Scottish homeowners that includes a £7,500 standard rate and a £9,000 rural uplift. This is a combination of a loan and cashback that the Energy Saving Trust administers.
Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP)
Lastly, we have a grant for Northern Irish homeowners. The Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) is a program that provides an air source heat pump grant to the nation’s residents. The grant can provide a range of £5,000 to £7,500 depending on a household’s qualification. This grant is focused on helping off-gas homes in the country and is conducted via annual funding cycles.
Air Source Heat Pump Grant Comparison: Which Scheme Is Right for You?
The table below compares the main air source heat pump grant schemes available in 2026 by location and eligibility.
| Scheme | Max Grant | Eligible Regions | Duration | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUS | £7,500 | England and Wales | To 2028 | Replacing fossil fuel systems |
| ECO4 | Full cost (up to £10k+) | England, Wales, Scotland | To Mar 2026 | Low-income/fuel poor |
| HES (Scotland) | £7,500–£9,000 | Scotland | Ongoing | Renewables cashback |
| NISEP (NI) | £5,000–£7,500 | Northern Ireland | Apr 2025–Mar 2026 | Off-grid homes |
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Your Air Source Heat Pump Grant
1. Confirm Your Home Is Suitable for Air Heat Pump Grants
Start by checking whether your home qualifies for an air source heat pump grant. Evaluate your insulation levels, loft, cavity walls, and windows, as these affect both efficiency and grant approval. Check that you have adequate space for an outdoor unit and suitable pipe runs. Review your current heating system type and use an online home energy check tool. An EPC review is also worth arranging, as some schemes require a valid EPC and may recommend insulation upgrades before approval.
2. Research Installers and Request Quotes
Research installers and request quotes if possible. Remember, only choose MCS-certified installers (required for the grant) and compare at least 2 to 3 quotes for transparency. Then, confirm if the installer participates in the BUS/ECO4 application process.
3. Installer Conducts Home Survey
Next, have the installer conduct a home survey. This review will include heat loss assessment, radiator and pipework review, electrical connection check, confirm your EPC validity (must be within ten years, and identify any required insulation improvements.
4. Installer Applies for the Grant on Your Behalf
The installer will then apply for the grant on your behalf. For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), the installer submits the voucher request to Ofgem. For ECO4, the installer or energy supplier initiates the application. You only need to give your consent and documentation if asked. There is no DIY application since the installer-led process prevents errors.
5. Receive Grant Approval Voucher
Then you’ll receive your grant approval voucher. As an example, the BUS voucher for ASHPs is conventionally valid for 3 months. The approval confirms the grant amount before the installation. It is better to verify terms, as you cannot mix BUS with other renewable grants except insulation schemes.
6. Installation and System Commissioning
The next step in the process is installation and system commissioning. During this process, the outdoor unit, indoor components, and controls are installed. Then you have to upgrade the radiators or pipework, if required. Next, the commissioning certificate is issued, and the installer registers the system with MCS.
7. Redeem Grant via Installer
Up next is redeeming the grant via the installer. The installer submits proof of installation to Ofgem or the scheme’s governing body. The grant is paid directly to the installer, and you, as the homeowner, will only have to pay the remaining cost portion.
8. Update EPC and Optimize System Settings
Once installation is complete, request an updated EPC if any insulation or efficiency upgrades were carried out. Set up smart controls and tariffs where applicable. Schedule annual heat pump maintenance checks to keep the system running at peak efficiency.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
What kind of product or solution are you interested in?
Maximize your ASHPs with Grants
There is a strong case to act in 2026, with several schemes running on fixed timelines. Start with an early eligibility check, compare at least two MCS-certified installer quotes, and confirm the latest scheme terms before committing. The grant landscape can shift, so it pays to verify before you proceed.
Request a consultation with EcoFlow to get expert guidance on ASHP installation and which grant suits your home.
FAQ
How much money can I get from a heat pump grant?
The amount varies by scheme. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a flat £7,500. ECO4 could cover the full cost for eligible low-income households. Scotland's Home Energy Scotland scheme offers £7,500 to £9,000, while Northern Ireland's NISEP ranges from £5,000 to £7,500. Check each scheme's eligibility criteria to see which applies to your situation.
Can I get funding for a heat pump?
Yes. UK homeowners can access funding through schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the Warm Homes Plan, and regional programmes in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Funding can cover unit costs, installation, and in some cases insulation upgrades. Eligibility varies by scheme, so review the criteria for each before applying.
Who qualifies for the heat pump grant?
Eligibility varies by scheme. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is open to most UK homeowners replacing a fossil fuel system, provided they use an MCS-certified installer. ECO4 and its successors focus on low-income and fuel-poor households. Regional schemes such as Home Energy Scotland and NISEP have their own criteria, including location-based requirements. Checking your EPC rating and current heating system type is a good starting point.
Can I combine an air source heat pump grant with other schemes?
In most cases, you cannot stack two government grants for the same installation. For example, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme cannot be combined with other renewable energy grants for the same system. However, it can be used alongside insulation schemes, which may improve your EPC rating and grant approval chances. Some households may also qualify for complementary support through the Warm Homes Plan, depending on their income and property type. Always confirm with your installer before applying to multiple schemes.
Is an air source heat pump worth it even without a grant?
Yes, for many households. ASHPs typically operate at three times the efficiency of a gas boiler, which reduces running costs over time. Upfront costs range from £8,000 to £15,000, but air source heat pump grants can significantly reduce this. Even without a grant, the long-term savings on energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and the gas boiler phase-out timeline make switching a practical choice for well-insulated homes. You can explore whether a heat pump suits your property with a free consultation with EcoFlow.
