Air-source heat pumps are energy-efficient heating sources, especially when compared to their alternatives. However, the higher upfront costs are a major barrier to their wider adoption by low-income households. To cope with this challenge, the government of the UK and corporate organisations have introduced air source heat pump grants under various energy efficiency schemes.
These schemes help UK households make a transition towards renewable energy sources and avoid the risk of fuel poverty and higher energy costs. This article explores grants for air source heat pumps, their eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Stick to this guide as we explain how vulnerable households can improve their energy efficiency ratings through these government schemes.
What Are Air Source Heat Pump Grants?
Air source heat pump grants refer to the incentives and financial support offered by the UK government to encourage homeowners to adopt renewable energy sources to warm their homes. These grants set off or reduce the upfront cost of installing air source heat pumps for vulnerable households.
By offering grant air source heat pumps, the UK government promotes sustainable energy sources rather than relying on fossil fuels. As heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another rather than generating it, it’s considered the most eco-friendly alternative to furnaces and older boilers.
Available Grants for Air Source Heat Pumps in 2024-25
As 2025 is just around the corner, the UK government continues its efforts to support the adoption of renewable energy sources. The government offers grants for air source heat pumps for low-income and vulnerable homeowners to help them keep their homes warm and lower energy costs.
Air source heat pump grants also contribute to the ultimate goal of the UK government to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate towards net zero emissions. The below-discussed grants provide entire and partial funding for the installation of air source heat pumps.
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Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4)
ECO4 is one of the government initiatives to improve the energy efficiency of UK households. It helps lower their energy costs and alleviate fuel poetry. This scheme specifically targets low-income and vulnerable households who are struggling to keep their homes warm and pay their energy bills.
ECO4 is also part of the UK’s crackdown to reduce heating systems using fossil fuels to keep homes warm. As this scheme has a whole-house approach, it contributes significantly to making the UK a green energy superpower by 2030 and accelerating towards net zero.
Eligibility Criteria
The ECO4 only entertain vulnerable households. That’s why authorities have set eligibility criteria to recognise those in most need of energy efficiency measures. Here are the requirements to qualify to access air source heat pump grants:
- You should receive a qualifying government benefit to qualify for a grant air source heat pump under the ECO4 scheme.
- If you are a tenant applying for the grants, you need to have permission from your landlord. (homeowners and landlords can also apply)
- Your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or Lower
If you meet the above criteria, you can apply for air-source heat pumps which include both air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps for your eligible property.
Application Process
To apply for air source heat pump grants under ECO4, you can visit the ECO Energy Website and check your eligibility through an eligibility calculator available there. Once eligible, you can fill out the contact form. A grants expert will contact you to schedule a site visit for energy efficiency assessment.
After the assessment, if qualified, you will get your air source heat pump installed at your property.
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Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The boiler upgrade scheme is another government initiative to make UK households more energy efficient and reduce fuel poverty. The major focus of BUS is to reduce carbon emissions by promoting renewable energy sources. BUS upgrades your non-condensing older boilers to renewable energy heating systems such biomass boilers and heat pumps (air source and ground source).
Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides partial funding to reduce up-front costs which may include funding up to £7500 for heat pumps and £5000 for biomass boiler upgrades.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You need to be the owner of the property residing in England and Wales.
- You need to provide a valid Energy Performance Certificate for your property.
- You want to replace your fossil fuel heating system with a renewable energy heating system
If this feels like you, you can apply through a valid installer and go through the assessment process.
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Home Upgrade Scheme 2 (HUG2)
Home Upgrade Scheme is available for England residents only and provides various energy efficiency measures including heat pumps. This scheme has a special focus on households which are off the gas grid. They use alternative methods for heating such as LPG or electricity.
Eligibility Criteria HUG2
To be eligible for the HUG2 scheme, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You meet the low-income criteria or living in vulnerable conditions
- Your property has an EPc rating or D, E, F, or G
- You live in rural areas or your property is off the gas grid.
If you qualify for the air source heat pump grants under the HUG2 scheme, you can apply for the assessment through official government websites.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up the discussion, air source heat pumps can be installed under various government schemes that are available to low-income homeowners. These schemes like ECO4, BUS, and HUG2 provide entire installation and partial funding to install renewable energy heating systems including air source heat pumps such as air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps.
Since these systems operate at lower temperatures than traditional boilers, many homeowners also choose to upgrade to high-efficiency Heat Pump Radiators to ensure their home stays perfectly warm. This article explores all the schemes available in 2024-25 for grant air source heat pumps. We have explained the purpose, eligibility criteria, and application process for the top three available schemes. If you are interested in getting an air source heat pump at your property, it’s worth exploring them further.
Oscar James S