Air Source Heat Pump Grant 2026: How To Claim Your Grant and Save Energy
Home energy bills are still a top concern for UK households. Heat pumps offer long-term running cost savings for you and other homeowners. In fact, air source heat pump grant programs are available for UK residents, and this article aims to provide the latest confirmed information about them and what to watch.
What Is an Air Source Heat Pump Grant and Why 2026 Is the Time to Switch
How Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) Work
Before taking a look at various air source heat pump grants, we have to know how ASHPs work. One example of an ASHP is EcoFlow PowerHeat, which is an air-to-water heat pump that works by using a “reverse fridge” concept. It uses the air from an external source to heat the refrigerant or liquid for radiators. What’s great about ASHPs is that their efficiency is three times better than that of gas boilers.
Key Benefits for Homeowners
Key benefits for homeowners include lower running costs, potentially £200 to £500 per year in savings, lower emissions of up to 75% CO₂ reduction, and a property value boost of 2 to 5%. Using an ASHP also future-proofs your home for different incentives and the ongoing gas boiler phase-out. The typical cost ranges from £8k to £15k before grants.
Air Source Heat Pump Grants Available in 2026
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The first of many air source heat pump grants in 2026 we’ll discuss is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). BUS allows a £7,500 upfront grant (flat) to UK residents and covers ASHP installation costs for units up to 45kWth. You will be charged 0% VAT until March 2027, and the scheme will run until March 2028. However, take note that this cannot be used for hybrid systems.
Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4)
Up next is the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4). ECO4 could finance up to the full installation cost of ASHPs (potentially £10,000+ including insulation upgrades) for qualified low-income homes. ECO4 focuses on fuel-poor and benefit-eligible households and will run until March 2026.
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.
Government Grant Air Source Heat Pump Comparison Summary
Here is a summary of all grant air source heat pump schemes you can receive based on your 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 Government Grant Air Source Heat Pumps
1. Confirm Your Home Is Suitable for Air Heat Pump Grants
The first step to getting a grant air source heat pumps is to find out if you’re suitable. To confirm your home is suitable for air heat pump grants, you should evaluate the insulation level (loft, cavity walls, windows), which improves efficiency and grant approval likelihood.
Check the space for the outdoor unit and suitable pipe runs. Then, consider your heating system type and use online home energy check tools. Lastly, you can opt for an EPC review and plan upgrades if recommended.
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 (BOS), 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
The final step is to request an EPC update if insulation or efficiency upgrades are completed. Then set up smart controls and tariffs, where applicable, and schedule maintenance checks.
What kind of product or solution are you interested in?
Maximize your ASHPs with Grants
There is a strong case to switch in 2026 ahead of grant deadlines. Before doing so, make sure to encourage conducting early eligibility checks and installer consultation. Lastly, verify the latest scheme changes before moving forward.
Request a consultation with EcoFlow today to get expert opinion on ASHP installation.
FAQ
How much money can I get from a heat pump grant?
The amount of money you can get from an air source heat pump grant depends on the scheme or program you are applying to. These schemes vary per country or local government, and it is better to perform research before applying.
Can I get funding for a heat pump?
Yes, you can get funding for heat pump units, installation, and labor by applying to different schemes available in the UK or your local government. It is wise to research eligibility requirements before proceeding with your application.
Who qualifies for the heat pump grant?
Grants have their own requirements for eligibility. Other grants can only be accessed by low-income households, and others are exclusive to a specific country or regional area. It is better to research your eligibility for various grants.
