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-to-water heat pumps. For eligible off-gas grid properties, this grant increases to £9,000 until 31 March 2027. Additionally, air-to-air heat pumps are eligible for a £2,500 grant, and 0% VAT applies to installations until March 2027.
What heat pump grants can I get in 2026? In 2026, the primary funding available for homeowners in England and Wales is the government-backed Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). This scheme provides an upfront grant of £7,500 towards the installation of an air-to-water or ground source heat pump. For specific off-gas grid properties, this grant is uplifted to £9,000 until 31 March 2027. Additionally, a £2,500 grant is available for air-to-air heat pumps in residential properties. Beyond these grants, homeowners can benefit from 0% VAT on heat pump installations until March 2027, significantly reducing the total project cost. ## How does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme work for London and Kent homeowners? The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is an installer-led initiative, meaning you do not apply for the grant yourself. Instead, you must engage an MCS-certified installer, such as Renewables For Us, who will manage the application and voucher redemption process on your behalf. This simplifies the journey for residents across London and Kent, as your chosen installer handles the technical requirements and paperwork. Since April 2026, the requirement for a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has been removed, making it easier for more households to qualify. ## Are there additional financial supports available? Alongside the BUS, the government has introduced the Warm Homes Loan Scheme, which launched in October 2026. This allows homeowners to borrow funds to cover the remaining costs of their installation, potentially making the transition to low-carbon heating more accessible. Furthermore, the 0% VAT rate on energy-saving materials remains a critical financial incentive, ensuring that the cost of labour and equipment is not subject to standard VAT rates until the scheme concludes in March 2027. ## What are the eligibility criteria for 2026? To be eligible for the £7,500 or £9,000 BUS grant, your property must be located in England or Wales. The system must be installed by an MCS-certified professional and must be sized to meet the full space heating and hot water requirements of your home. Hybrid systems, which combine a heat pump with a fossil fuel boiler, are not eligible for funding. It is important to note that the grant is intended for the replacement of existing heating systems, and the new installation must be commissioned within the scheme's specified timeframes. ## Why choose a professional installer for your heat pump project? Navigating the technical and regulatory landscape of renewable energy requires expertise. As a local installer serving London and Kent, we ensure that your system is designed to maximise efficiency based on your home's specific heat loss profile. Proper sizing is essential not only for grant eligibility but also for the long-term performance and comfort of your heating system. By choosing a certified installer, you ensure that your installation meets the rigorous standards required for the BUS grant and provides a reliable, low-carbon solution for your property. ## Key takeaways - The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 for air-to-water heat pumps and £9,000 for eligible off-gas grid properties until 31 March 2027. - A £2,500 grant is available for air-to-air heat pumps in residential properties. - No EPC is required to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme as of late 2026. - 0% VAT applies to heat pump installations until March 2027. - The process is installer-led; you must use an MCS-certified company to claim the grant. - The Warm Homes Loan Scheme is available to help finance the remaining installation costs.