Heat pumps can be cheaper than gas boilers as UK government grants increase by 50 per cent

The UK government has announced a significant boost to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering a £7,500 grant towards the cost of new heat pump installations. This grant represents a 50% increase in support for air source models and is considered one of the most generous schemes in Europe.

Typically, purchasing and installing a gas boiler costs between £2,500 and £3,000. The government now states that the starting prices for heat pumps can be below this range for some households, factoring in the grant and additional discounts offered by energy suppliers.

Affordable Heat Pump Installations

According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), the cost of installing an air-to-water pump can range from £7,000 to £13,000, and for a ground source heat pump, it can vary between £14,000 and £19,000. This significant grant increase aims to help thousands of families in the UK transition to cleaner heating alternatives without incurring high costs.

Extended Scheme for Cleaner Heating

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has also been extended by three years, now set to run until 2028, providing more opportunities for families to switch to energy-efficient and eco-friendly heating systems. The government's approach ensures that people can reduce their energy use and keep their homes warm without imposing a financial burden.

Who is eligible for the heat pump installation grant?

Customers interested in the heat pump installation grant do not need to apply for it directly. They can check their eligibility online via Gov.uk and proceed with a certified installer to get a quote and complete the necessary paperwork. The grants for air source and ground source heat pumps have increased to £7,500, while biomass boilers still offer £5,000 grants.

The UK government aims to encourage a transition from gas boilers to heat pumps, which are more energy-efficient and powered by cleaner electricity, thereby reducing carbon emissions associated with home heating. The extended scheme and increased grants are part of this transition to cleaner and more sustainable heating methods.