Air Source Heat Pump Grant 2026: Your Complete Funding Guide
In 2026, homeowners in England and Wales can access the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provides a £7,500 grant for air source heat pumps. For properties currently using oil or LPG, this grant may be increased to £9,000. Additionally, the ECO4 scheme may cover costs for eligible low-income households, and 0% VAT applies to energy-saving installations.
What heat pump grants can I get in 2026? In 2026, the primary government support for homeowners in England and Wales is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). This provides a £7,500 grant for air source heat pumps. If your home is currently off-gas grid and uses oil or LPG, you may be eligible for an increased grant of £9,000. Other support includes 0% VAT on installations and potential full funding via the ECO4 scheme for qualifying households. ## How does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme work for London and Kent homeowners? The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is an installer-led initiative designed to make the transition to low-carbon heating more affordable. As an MCS-certified installer serving London and Kent, Renewables For Us manages the application process on your behalf. You do not need to apply for the voucher yourself; we handle the paperwork, and the grant value is deducted directly from your final installation invoice. This removes the administrative burden from the homeowner while ensuring the discount is applied immediately. ## Are there specific grants for off-gas grid properties? Yes. As of July 2026, the government introduced an uplifted grant value for properties that are not connected to the mains gas network. If your home in rural Kent or a non-gas area of London relies on oil or LPG for heating, you could be eligible for a £9,000 grant toward your air source heat pump installation. This targeted support aims to help those in harder-to-heat properties transition away from high-carbon fossil fuels more effectively. ## What other financial support is available in 2026? Beyond the BUS, there are two other significant ways to reduce your costs: 1. 0% VAT: The UK government currently applies a 0% VAT rate on the installation of energy-saving materials, including air source heat pumps. This provides a substantial saving on the total project cost compared to standard rates. 2. ECO4 Scheme: For households on specific benefits or those living in fuel poverty, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme may provide comprehensive funding. In some cases, this can cover up to 100% of the installation costs, though eligibility is strictly based on income, benefits, and the energy efficiency rating of your property. ## What are the eligibility requirements for a heat pump grant? To qualify for the BUS grant, your property must meet specific criteria: - You must be a homeowner in England or Wales. - Your property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation (unless you have an exemption). - The system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer. - The heat pump must be replacing a fossil fuel system (such as gas, oil, or LPG). ## Why choose an MCS-certified installer? Working with an MCS-certified installer is a mandatory requirement for accessing the BUS grant. At Renewables For Us, our certification ensures that your installation meets rigorous industry standards for quality, safety, and efficiency. This not only guarantees your eligibility for government funding but also ensures your system is designed to perform optimally for your specific home in London or Kent. ### Key Takeaways - The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers £7,500 for standard air source heat pump installations. - Off-gas grid homes using oil or LPG may qualify for an increased £9,000 grant. - The grant is applied as a discount on your invoice by your MCS-certified installer. - 0% VAT applies to heat pump installations, further reducing upfront costs. - Always check your property's EPC status before requesting a quote to ensure you meet insulation requirements.