The Government has announced a new £2,500 grant Air-to-air heat pumpsIn a move designed to help more households install systems that can heat homes in the winter and cool them in the summer.
The funding is part of an expansion of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which aims to reduce the upfront costs of low-carbon heating technology.
Ministers say the changes will make heat pumps a more viable option for a wider range of homes, including flats and smaller properties.
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What is the Air-to-Air Heat Pump Grant for?
The £2,500 grant will help households cover the cost of installing air-to-air heat pumps, which capture heat from outside air and distribute it indoors.
Unlike traditional heating systems, they can be reversed to provide cooling in the warmer months, working the same way. Air conditioning.
The scheme aims to reduce the initial costs of switching to low-carbon heating and increase consumption in different types of households.
To whom does the Air-to-Air Heat Pump Grant apply?
New Heat pump grants Local properties are intended to have suitable air-to-air heat pump systems installed by certified installers.
It is expected to be particularly relevant for flats and smaller homes, where traditional wet heating systems may be more difficult or expensive to install.
All installations must be carried out by approved Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installers to be eligible for funding.
What might an air-to-air heat pump cost after a grant?
Air-to-air heat pumps are one of the most affordable heat pump systems, costing on average between £2,200 and £8,800 depending on the size of the house and energy demand.
Installation costs typically range from £350 to £1,700, as the systems are generally quicker and simpler than other heat pump types as they do not require radiators or a wet heating system.
With a new £2,500 government grant, upfront costs can drop to a maximum of £6,300. For a low-cost system, a new grant can make it completely free, depending on system size and installation requirements.
How to apply for a grant
Applications for the £2,500 heat pump grant are not made directly by householders. Instead, it is controlled by installers approved under the scheme Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
Homeowners must first select an MCS-certified installer, who will evaluate the property and provide a quote for the appropriate air-to-air heat pump system. If the installation qualifies, the installer will apply for the grant on behalf of the homeowner and deduct £2,500 from the upfront cost.
Funds are paid directly to the installer once the installation is complete and all requirements are met, meaning families don’t have to claim the money back themselves.
The expansion marks a further push by ministers to accelerate the shift to low-carbon home heating while making cooling technology more accessible to UK households.
