If you’re considering a heat pump, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is:
“Do I actually qualify for a heat pump grant?”
The good news is that eligibility is often broader than many homeowners realise.
In fact, if you’re currently heating your home with oil or LPG, you may qualify for up to £9,000 towards a heat pump installation through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. For many rural and off-grid homeowners, this represents one of the most significant renewable heating funding opportunities available today.
Yet misconceptions remain common.
Many homeowners assume they won’t qualify because they:
- Live in an older property
- Have a gas boiler
- Don’t have perfect insulation
- Own a listed building
- Think grants are means tested
In reality, many of these assumptions are incorrect.
This guide explains everything you need to know about heat pump grant eligibility in 2026, including who qualifies, how much funding is available, whether landlords can apply, and why eligibility is only the first step towards choosing the right heating system.
Quick Answer: Who Is Eligible For The Heat Pump Grant?
Most homeowners in England and Wales who own their property and are replacing an eligible fossil fuel or electric heating system may qualify for funding through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Current funding includes:
- £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
- £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump
- £2,500 towards an air-to-air heat pump
- £5,000 towards a biomass boiler in eligible circumstances
In addition, eligible off-gas-grid homes currently heated by oil or LPG may qualify for an enhanced £9,000 grant towards an air source or ground source heat pump installation.
The easiest way to determine eligibility is through a professional assessment that considers both funding requirements and property suitability.
What Is The Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government-funded programme designed to help homeowners and small business owners replace fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives.
The scheme supports:
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- Air-to-air heat pumps
- Biomass boilers in specific situations
Rather than applying directly yourself, an MCS-certified installer applies for the grant on your behalf and deducts the funding from your installation quote.
The aim is simple: make renewable heating more affordable while reducing carbon emissions across UK homes.
For a complete overview of available funding, see our guide:
Heat Pump Grant UK: Everything Homeowners Need To Know In 2026
Can Homeowners Get A Heat Pump Grant?
Yes.
Most owner-occupiers can qualify for a heat pump grant provided the property meets the scheme requirements and the installation is completed by an approved installer.
Existing Heating Systems
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is designed to help homeowners move away from heating systems such as:
- Gas boilers
- Oil boilers
- LPG heating systems
- Certain electric heating systems
Many homeowners mistakenly believe they must already have renewable heating to qualify.
This is not the case.
Property Requirements
Eligibility depends on both the homeowner and the property.
The property must be suitable for the installation and comply with the current scheme requirements.
This is an important distinction.
Grant eligibility does not automatically mean heat pump suitability.
At Adlår, we assess both.
Because securing funding is only valuable if the system delivers reliable comfort and performance afterwards.
Can Oil-Heated Homes Get A £9,000 Heat Pump Grant?
Quick Answer
Yes.
Eligible off-gas-grid homes currently heated by oil may qualify for up to £9,000 towards an air source or ground source heat pump installation through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
This enhanced funding reflects the significant carbon savings achieved by replacing oil-fired heating systems.
Can LPG-Heated Homes Get A £9,000 Heat Pump Grant?
Quick Answer
Yes.
Eligible off-gas-grid homes currently heated by LPG may also qualify for up to £9,000 towards a heat pump installation.
For many homeowners, this makes switching from LPG to renewable heating significantly more affordable than expected.
Enhanced £9,000 Grants For Oil And LPG Homes
One of the biggest changes to heat pump funding in 2026 is the introduction of enhanced support for eligible off-gas-grid properties.
Homeowners currently using oil or LPG may qualify for up to £9,000 towards an air source or ground source heat pump installation.
Who Does This Apply To?
Typically:
- Off-gas-grid homes
- Oil-heated properties
- LPG-heated properties
- Rural homes
- Farmhouses
- Cottages
- Larger detached properties
Why This Matters
Many of these homes face higher heating costs than properties connected to the gas network.
They are also often the homes most commonly assumed to be unsuitable for heat pumps.
The reality is often very different.
With the correct system design and installation approach, many rural and off-grid homes can benefit from excellent heat pump performance while dramatically reducing reliance on oil or LPG deliveries.
Do I Need An EPC To Qualify?
This is one of the most common questions surrounding boiler upgrade scheme eligibility.
The answer is that EPC requirements have changed over time and homeowners should always refer to the latest guidance before applying.
Your installer should review the latest requirements and advise whether any actions are required before an application is submitted.
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking early in the process.
Can Landlords Apply For A Heat Pump Grant?
In many cases, yes.
Landlords may be able to access Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding provided the property meets the eligibility requirements and the installation is completed by an approved installer.
This can help improve property energy performance while reducing future heating costs for tenants.
As scheme rules may change over time, landlords should always verify the latest guidance before proceeding.
Is The Heat Pump Grant Means Tested?
No.
One of the most common misconceptions about the government heat pump grant is that it is only available to households on lower incomes.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is generally not means tested.
Instead, eligibility is based on factors such as:
- Property ownership
- Property suitability
- Existing heating system
- Compliance with current scheme requirements
This means many homeowners who assume they won’t qualify may actually be eligible.
Can I Combine Heat Pump Grants With Other Funding?
Possibly.
The answer depends on the specific schemes involved.
Some local authority and regional funding programmes may be available alongside national support.
However, certain grants cannot be combined.
Because funding rules can change, homeowners should always check current guidance before making assumptions.
An experienced installer can help explain what funding options may be available.
Common Reasons Homeowners Think They Don’t Qualify
Many homeowners rule themselves out before speaking to an installer.
In reality, eligibility is often broader than expected.
“I Live In An Older Property”
Older homes can often qualify for both funding and heat pump installations.
Many Victorian, Edwardian and period properties successfully use heat pumps when designed correctly.
Related Reading: Do Heat Pumps Work In Old Houses?
“I Have A Gas Boiler”
Many grant-supported installations involve replacing existing gas boilers.
Having a gas boiler does not automatically prevent eligibility.
“My Home Isn’t Perfectly Insulated”
No home is perfect.
Suitability should be assessed through proper heat loss calculations rather than assumptions.
“I Live In A Rural Property With Oil Heating”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
Many rural homeowners assume they are unsuitable for heat pumps.
In reality, they may qualify for the highest level of funding currently available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Eligibility Is Only The First Step
Qualifying for a grant is important.
Qualifying for the right heating system is even more important.
At Adlår, we believe many homeowners focus entirely on funding and overlook the factor that ultimately determines comfort, efficiency and performance:
System design.
Why System Design Matters
Poorly designed systems can result in:
- Higher running costs
- Reduced comfort
- Lower efficiency
- Hot water limitations
- Unnecessary upgrades
Funding helps reduce upfront costs.
Good engineering protects long-term outcomes.
Why Adlår Assesses The Property First
Before recommending any solution, we assess:
- Heat loss
- Heating demand
- Hot water demand
- Existing radiators
- Property characteristics
This ensures the system is designed around the home, not around a funding application.
Why Many Oil And LPG Homes Benefit From Adlår’s Dual-System Design
Many off-grid homes have:
- Larger floor areas
- Higher heating demands
- Greater hot water requirements
This is where Adlår’s dual-system becomes particularly valuable.
The Aurora II is dedicated to space heating.
The Fjord is dedicated to hot water production.
By separating these responsibilities, the system can deliver more consistent comfort, reliable hot water and improved performance throughout the year.
Manufacturer And Installer
Most heat pump companies install systems manufactured by someone else.
At Adlår, we take a different approach.
As both manufacturer and installer, we maintain greater control over design, performance and delivery.
This allows us to:
- Reduce unnecessary supply chain costs
- Maintain quality throughout the process
- Provide greater accountability
- Offer highly accessible and fully funded solutions where available
Many fully funded heat pumps are selected because they meet the requirements of a grant.
Adlår systems are engineered to meet the requirements of the homeowner.
The Grant Pays For Access. Engineering Protects Performance.
Funding helps homeowners make the transition to renewable heating.
Engineering determines whether they remain happy with that decision for the next 15 years.
That’s why we focus on both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the heat pump grant?
Most homeowners and eligible property owners replacing an existing heating system may qualify through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Can homeowners get a heat pump grant?
Yes. Many owner-occupiers qualify provided the property meets the scheme requirements.
Do I need an EPC?
Possibly. Requirements can change, so always check current guidance.
Can landlords apply?
In many cases, yes.
Is the heat pump grant means tested?
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is generally not means tested.
Can I get a grant if I have an oil boiler?
Yes. Eligible oil-heated homes may qualify for enhanced funding of up to £9,000.
Can LPG-heated homes qualify?
Yes. Eligible LPG-heated homes may also qualify for up to £9,000.
Does grant eligibility mean my home is suitable for a heat pump?
Not necessarily. Suitability depends on heat loss, system design and property characteristics.
Not Sure Whether You Qualify?
Many homeowners assume they won’t qualify because of the age of their property, their current heating system or concerns about suitability.
The reality is often very different.
At Adlår, we help homeowners understand their funding options, assess property suitability and design heating systems around the needs of the home.
Whether you’re connected to the gas grid, currently using LPG or looking to replace an oil boiler, we can help you understand what funding may be available and whether a heat pump is the right solution.
Book a home assessment and find out whether you qualify for a heat pump grant and how much funding may be available for your property.
Sources
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Overview
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant Values
Enhanced £9,000 Grant Information
Energy Saving Trust Boiler Upgrade Scheme Guidance
