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 grants of £7,500 for air-to-water heat pumps and £2,500 for air-to-air systems. Eligible off-gas grid households replacing fossil fuel systems can receive an increased grant of £9,000. These grants are installer-led and available until March 2027.
What heat pump grants can I get in 2026? In 2026, the primary funding available is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). You can receive £7,500 towards an air-to-water heat pump or £2,500 for an air-to-air system. For specific off-gas grid properties replacing fossil fuel heating, the grant is increased to £9,000. These grants are managed by your MCS-certified installer. ## How does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme work for London and Kent homeowners? The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government-backed initiative designed to make low-carbon heating more accessible. For residents across London and Kent, the process is streamlined because it is 'installer-led'. This means you do not need to navigate complex government portals yourself. Instead, you choose an MCS-certified installer—like the team here at Renewables For Us—who will apply for the voucher and redeem the grant on your behalf. The grant amount is then deducted from the total cost of your installation, providing you with an immediate upfront discount. ## What are the specific grant values in 2026? As of July 2026, the government has introduced tiered support to better assist those moving away from high-carbon heating. The standard grant for an air-to-water heat pump is £7,500. However, if your property is off the mains gas grid and you are replacing a coal, oil, or electric heating system, you may be eligible for the enhanced £9,000 grant. Air-to-air heat pumps are also supported with a £2,500 grant. It is important to note that you can only receive one grant per property, and hybrid systems (combining a heat pump with a gas boiler) are not currently eligible. ## Can I combine heat pump grants with other funding? Yes, in many cases, you can stack financial support. While you cannot claim two separate grants for the same heat pump, you can often combine the BUS grant with other energy efficiency schemes, such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4). ECO4 focuses on improving the thermal efficiency of your home through insulation, which is a critical step before installing a heat pump. By improving your home's insulation first, you ensure your heat pump operates at maximum efficiency, potentially lowering your long-term running costs. ## Why is now the right time to switch in London and Kent? With energy prices remaining volatile, many homeowners in the South East are looking for ways to decouple their heating from fossil fuel markets. Whether you are in a Victorian terrace in London or a detached property in rural Kent, heat pumps offer a reliable, low-carbon alternative. Because the BUS is currently scheduled to run until March 2027, there is a clear window of opportunity to secure funding. We recommend starting with a professional heat loss survey to determine if your property is ready for a heat pump, as this will also help you understand the potential efficiency gains for your specific building type. ## Key Takeaways - The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides £7,500 for air-to-water heat pumps and £2,500 for air-to-air systems. - An enhanced £9,000 grant is available for eligible off-gas grid properties replacing fossil fuel heating. - The scheme is installer-led; your MCS-certified installer handles the application and redemption process. - Grants can often be combined with energy efficiency improvements like insulation under the ECO4 scheme. - The current BUS funding is available until 31 March 2027, making 2026 an ideal time to plan your transition.