Government funding has made heat pumps more accessible than ever, but many homeowners still feel unsure about what is available, who qualifies, and whether a “fully funded heat pump” is really as simple as it sounds.
If you are researching the heat pump grant UK, you are probably asking practical questions:
- How much funding can I get?
- Who qualifies for a heat pump grant?
- Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme still available?
- Can I get a free heat pump?
- What is included in a fully funded heat pump?
These are sensible questions. A heat pump is not just a one-off purchase. It is a long-term heating system that needs to keep your home warm, provide reliable hot water and perform efficiently for years.
The UK Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme can reduce the upfront cost of installing a low-carbon heating system in England and Wales. Current grants include £7,500 towards an air source heat pump, £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump, £5,000 towards a biomass boiler, and £2,500 towards an air-to-air heat pump.
But funding is only one part of the decision.
At Adlår, we believe the grant pays for access. Engineering protects performance.
Quick Answer: How Much Is The Heat Pump Grant In 2026?
In 2026, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards an air source heat pump, also referred to by GOV.UK as an air-to-water heat pump. It also offers £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump, £5,000 towards a biomass boiler, and £2,500 towards an air-to-air heat pump. You can only get one grant per property.
From 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, eligible off-gas grid properties that rely on heating oil or LPG can receive a temporarily increased £9,000 grant for air source or ground source heat pumps.
The grant is not usually paid directly to the homeowner. Instead, your installer applies for the grant and deducts the grant value from your quote upfront. Energy Saving Trust explains that homeowners do not apply directly; the installer applies on their behalf.
This means the grant can make a heat pump much more affordable, but it does not automatically mean every installation is free.
What Is The Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, often shortened to BUS, is a UK Government scheme designed to help property owners in England and Wales replace fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon heating.
It supports systems such as:
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- Air-to-air heat pumps
- Biomass boilers in specific circumstances
The scheme helps reduce the upfront cost of moving away from fossil fuel heating. GOV.UK states that the grant can be used to replace a heating system in your home or a building used for your business.
The scheme is administered by Ofgem, and the current Ofgem guidance for property owners applies to applications properly made on or after 28 April 2026.
In simple terms, you do not manage the whole application yourself. You choose an eligible installer, they assess your property, and they apply for the grant on your behalf.
That makes the installer’s role extremely important. They are not just fitting equipment. They are guiding the system design, grant process and long-term heating outcome.
Who Qualifies For A Heat Pump Grant?
Eligibility depends on the property, the current heating system and the installer you use. The heat pump grant UK is available in England and Wales, and Energy Saving Trust says the grant is available for homeowners and small business owners.
To qualify, you usually need to own the home or small business property. The property must currently have a fossil fuel heating system, such as a gas boiler, or an electric heating system that is not already a heat pump.
Installations funded through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme must be completed by an MCS-certified installer and part of an approved consumer code, such as RECC or HIES.
Homeowner Eligibility
Homeowners can usually apply through their installer if the property meets the scheme rules.
Landlords and small business property owners may also be eligible, depending on the property and installation type. The important point is that eligibility should be checked before assuming the grant applies.
Property Requirements
The grant is designed to support replacement of fossil fuel heating or eligible electric heating systems. It is not designed to replace an existing low-carbon heating system. GOV.UK says you cannot get a grant to replace a low-carbon heating system.
EPC Requirements
Rules around EPCs have changed over time, so homeowners should always rely on the latest GOV.UK or Ofgem guidance. Your installer should confirm what is required for your specific application before submitting it.
Is The Boiler Upgrade Scheme Still Available?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is still available in 2026 for eligible properties in England and Wales.
GOV.UK published updated grant categories and values in June 2026, with values effective from 28 April 2026 and a further notice for grant values effective from 21 July 2026.
This matters because grant schemes can change. Funding levels, eligibility rules and eligible technologies may be updated by the Government.
For homeowners, the practical advice is simple: check the current rules before making a decision, and work with an installer who understands both the funding process and heating system design.
A grant can reduce the upfront cost, but it should not be the only reason you choose a system. The real value comes from a heating system that performs properly after installation day.
Can I Get A Free Heat Pump?
Quick Answer: Can I Get A Free Heat Pump?
Sometimes.
Some homeowners may qualify for schemes that significantly reduce or eliminate upfront installation costs. However, not all properties or installations will be fully funded.
The most important question is not whether a system is free, but whether it has been designed to deliver reliable comfort and long-term performance.
The phrase “free heat pump” can be misleading if it is not explained clearly.
In some cases, the grant and the installer’s package may reduce the homeowner’s upfront contribution to very little or even zero. In other cases, the homeowner may still need to pay a contribution because the total cost of the installation is higher than the grant.
This depends on:
- Property size
- Heating requirements
- Existing pipework
- Radiator suitability
- Hot water demand
- Electrical requirements
- Installer pricing
- System design
A fully funded heat pump should not mean a low-quality or rushed installation.
This is where Adlår’s message matters:
The funding matters. But the engineering matters more.
A system that costs little upfront can still become expensive to live with if it is poorly designed, inefficient, noisy or unable to keep the home comfortable.
What Is Included In A Fully Funded Heat Pump?
A fully funded heat pump usually means the available grant and installer package cover most or all of the upfront installation cost.
However, what is included can vary between providers.
A complete installation may include:
- The heat pump system
- Installation labour
- Controls
- Commissioning
- Customer handover
- Basic system checks
- Grant administration
But not every quote is the same. Some providers focus on speed and volume. Others focus on long-term performance, comfort and system design.
Homeowners should ask:
- What equipment is included?
- Is the system designed around my property?
- Is commissioning included?
- Are controls included?
- Are radiator changes included?
- What support is available after installation?
- Who is responsible if the system does not perform as expected?
A fully funded system is only valuable if it delivers reliable warmth, dependable hot water and long-term efficiency.
What Costs Might Not Be Covered By The Grant?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a grant towards the cost of installation. It does not guarantee that every property-specific cost will be covered.
Additional costs may include:
- Radiator upgrades
- Pipework changes
- Electrical work
- Cylinder changes
- Structural or access work
- Controls upgrades
- Extra installation complexity
Every home is different. A small, simple property may need fewer changes than a larger or more complex home.
This is why homeowners should be cautious with vague “free heat pump” claims.
The right question is not only:
“How much grant can I get?”
It is also:
“What does my home need for the system to perform properly?”
A trustworthy provider should explain what is included, what may cost extra and why those choices matter.
Does The Grant Cover Radiators And Other Upgrades?
This is one of the most common questions linked to heat pump grant eligibility.
The grant contributes towards an eligible low-carbon heating installation, but whether radiators or other upgrades are included depends on the quote, the installer and the property requirements.
Some homes need radiator changes.
Others do not.
The only responsible answer comes from assessment, not assumptions.
Many heat pump concerns come from systems that are not designed around the property. If radiators are too small, pipework is unsuitable or flow temperatures are too high, performance can suffer.
At Adlår, we do not start with generic assumptions. We assess the property first, then design the system around the building’s heating and hot water needs.
That approach protects comfort and helps avoid unnecessary upgrades where they are not required.
Why The Cheapest Heat Pump Is Not Always The Best Value
A heat pump is a long-term heating system. It is not just a grant application.
The cheapest quote may look attractive at first, especially when funding is available. But low upfront cost does not always mean good long-term value.
Poor system design can lead to:
- Higher running costs
- Cold rooms
- Noisy operation
- Unreliable hot water
- More strain on the system
- Lower seasonal efficiency
- Customer frustration
This is why Adlår’s position is simple:
The grant pays for access. Engineering protects performance.
A properly designed system should be built around heat loss, radiator performance, hot water demand, controls, commissioning and long-term support.
A fully funded system should never mean “good enough”.
Funding should improve access to better heating, not reduce standards.
How Adlår Approaches Fully Funded Heat Pumps
Adlår’s approach is different because we do not treat the heat pump as a standalone product.
We design the heating system around the home.
Designed Around The Property
Every home has different heat loss, hot water requirements and comfort needs.
That is why system design comes first.
We consider:
- Heat loss
- Radiator performance
- Pipework
- Controls
- Hot water demand
- Property layout
- Long-term efficiency
This helps ensure the system is designed to perform in real homes, not just qualify for funding.
Dedicated Heating And Dedicated Hot Water
Many traditional heat pump systems rely on one unit to manage both space heating and hot water.
Adlår uses a dual-system approach.
The Aurora II is dedicated to space heating.
The Fjord is dedicated to hot water production.
This means heating and hot water are not constantly competing for the same output.
For homeowners, this can help deliver more stable comfort, reliable hot water and improved long-term performance.
Manufacturer And Installer: Why That Matters
Most heat pump companies install equipment manufactured by someone else.
At Adlår, we take a different approach.
As both the manufacturer and installer of our systems, we have greater control over the design, performance and delivery of every installation.
This allows us to:
- Design systems specifically for UK homes
- Maintain quality throughout the entire process
- Reduce unnecessary supply chain costs
- Deliver a more integrated customer experience
- Provide ongoing accountability from design through to installation and support
It also means we’re able to offer many homeowners fully funded or highly accessible heat pump upgrades without compromising on system quality.
Rather than passing responsibility between multiple manufacturers, suppliers and installers, Adlår remains accountable for the complete system.
For homeowners, that means greater confidence, clearer communication and a heating solution designed to deliver long-term comfort and performance.
Long-Term Comfort And Performance
A good heating system should quietly support everyday life.
It should provide warmth, hot water and confidence without constant adjustment.
That is why Adlår focuses on outcomes, not just installation.
The grant may make the system more accessible.
Engineering makes it worth having.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the heat pump grant?
In 2026, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards an air source heat pump and £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump. It also offers £2,500 towards an air-to-air heat pump and £5,000 towards a biomass boiler. From 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, eligible off-gas grid properties that rely on heating oil or LPG can receive a temporarily increased £9,000 grant for air source or ground source heat pumps.
Who qualifies for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Homeowners and small business owners in England and Wales may qualify if they own the property, currently have an eligible fossil fuel or electric heating system, and use an MCS-certified installer. (Energy Saving Trust)
Is the heat pump grant means tested?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is not generally presented as a means-tested grant. Eligibility is based mainly on the property, heating system and installation requirements.
Can I get a free heat pump?
Possibly, but not always. Some installations may be fully funded depending on the grant, property and installer package. Others may require a homeowner contribution.
Does the grant cover radiators?
The grant contributes towards an eligible installation. Whether radiator upgrades are included depends on the installer’s quote and the property’s requirements.
Can pensioners apply?
Pensioners may be able to apply if they meet the same property and ownership requirements. The main Boiler Upgrade Scheme is not limited by age.
Can landlords apply?
Landlords may be eligible if the property meets the scheme requirements. It is best to confirm details with an MCS-certified installer.
What happens if installation costs exceed the grant?
The homeowner usually pays the difference between the grant value and the total quoted cost, unless the installer offers a package that covers the full amount.
How long will the Boiler Upgrade Scheme last?
The scheme is active in 2026, but rules and funding levels can change. Homeowners should always check the latest GOV.UK and Ofgem guidance before applying.
Can I combine grants?
This depends on the grant type and scheme rules. Some funding routes cannot be combined. Your installer should confirm this before submitting an application.
Thinking About A Heat Pump Grant?
Government funding can make switching to renewable heating significantly more affordable.
But a grant only helps with the upfront cost.
Long-term comfort, efficiency and running costs depend on the quality of the system behind it.
At Adlår, we help homeowners understand their funding options, assess their property’s suitability and design a heating system around their home’s specific requirements.
Book a home assessment and discover what funding may be available, and whether a properly engineered heat pump system is right for your property.
