Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant expansion make heat pumps accessible to more households
Air-to-air heat pumps are now included in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Read this article to find out more about the funding available, as well as if your property could benefit.
An expansion to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) has been announced, and the update could make heat pumps a realistic option for many more households. The key change is that air to air heat pumps are now eligible for a £2,500 grant, which opens the door for people who previously couldn’t get support for the type of system that best suited their home.
If you liked the idea of a heat pump but were told the setup you needed wasn’t covered by government grants, it’s worth taking another look.
What’s changed in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme expansion
The scheme still offers up to £7,500 for air source and ground source heat pumps, which remain the main option for whole-home heating and hot water.
The significant update is that the scheme now also offers a £2,500 grant for air to air heat pumps. These systems heat rooms using indoor units, and they can also cool your home in the summer. By funding air to air systems, the boiler upgrade scheme expansion now supports a wider mix of homes, layouts and heating needs.
This is the first time the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has funded a system that provides cooling, and it opens up options for households dealing with overheating.
How do air to air heat pumps work?
Air to air heat pumps pull heat energy from the outside air and use a compressor to boost it, then circulate that warmth indoors through wall-mounted units that blow warm air into the room. In summer, the same system can run in reverse to move heat out of the home, giving a cooling effect.
Installation is usually more straightforward than other heat pump types, as it typically involves an outdoor unit and one or more indoor blowers, with less disruption to the home. This can make them appealing for flats, hard-to-heat rooms, or spaces where changing pipework isn’t practical.
You might benefit if any of this sounds familiar
Air to air heat pumps work well in homes where a traditional heat pump system isn’t the easiest fit. You may find an air to air heat pump helpful if any of the following are true about your home:
- You live in a flat or a property where replacing radiators or pipework is not realistic
- You have an open plan living space where warm air can move around easily
- You have rooms that never feel comfortable, such as an extension or loft conversion.
- Your home gets too hot in summer and you would benefit from cooling as well as heating
- You want a quicker, less disruptive installation than a full air to water system
- You currently heat with electric heaters and your energy bills feel high
More scheme improvements on the way
The government has signalled plans to simplify EPC requirements and make grants appear more clearly on installer quotes so homeowners can see the discounted cost upfront. Further detail is still to come.
Heat batteries are expected to receive a £2,500 grant once final rules are confirmed. They store heat for later use and take up less space than a traditional hot water cylinder, offering another helpful option for some homes.
Find out what could work in your home
Every home starts from a different point. If you’re unsure whether a traditional heat pump, an air to air system or another upgrade might suit your property, our independent advisors can help you explore your options.
You can use a Retrofit West voucher to book a Heat Geek heat pump design consultation for just £75, saving you 70%.
