Every Heat Pump Grant Available in the UK, A Complete Guide for 2026

Why Heat Pump Grants Matter

The UK government has committed to phasing out new gas boiler installations by 2035, making heat pumps the default low-carbon heating technology for most homes. However, the upfront cost of a heat pump, typically £10,000 to £18,000 before grants, remains a significant barrier for many homeowners.

Fortunately, several grant programmes exist across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to reduce the cost. This guide explains every major scheme available in 2026, who qualifies, and how to apply.

1. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (England and Wales)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is the flagship heat pump grant for homeowners in England and Wales. Administered by Ofgem, it provides a £7,500 voucher towards the installed cost of an air source heat pump (ASHP) or ground source heat pump (GSHP).

Key eligibility requirements

• Your property must have a valid EPC with no outstanding recommendation for loft or cavity wall insulation (or an exemption must be obtained)
• You must replace an existing fossil fuel heating system (gas, oil, or LPG boiler, or direct electric heating)
• The installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer
• The property must not have previously received a BUS voucher for the same technology

The grant is applied directly to your installer's invoice, you pay the net cost after the £7,500 deduction.

For a detailed walkthrough of the BUS application process, see our dedicated Boiler Upgrade Scheme guide.

2. ECO4 (Great Britain)

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements, including heat pumps, for low-income and vulnerable households. ECO4 runs until March 2026 and is expected to be succeeded by a similar obligation.

Who qualifies

• Households receiving means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, or Housing Benefit
• Properties with an EPC of D, E, F, or G
• The scheme targets the least efficient homes occupied by the most vulnerable residents

Under ECO4, the full cost of a heat pump installation can be covered in many cases, meaning eligible homeowners pay nothing. Your energy supplier or an approved ECO installer can check your eligibility.

3. Home Upgrade Grant (England)

The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) targets off-gas-grid homes in England, properties not connected to the mains gas network. It funds a package of energy efficiency measures including heat pumps, insulation, and ventilation.

Key details

• Available to homeowners and private landlords with off-gas-grid properties
• Household income must be below £36,000 (or the occupant must receive qualifying benefits)
• Grants can cover the full cost of a heat pump plus insulation measures
• Administered by local authorities, check your council's website for the local delivery partner

HUG2 is particularly relevant for rural properties that currently rely on oil, LPG, or solid fuel heating.

4. Warmer Homes Scotland

Scotland operates its own heat pump funding through Warmer Homes Scotland, delivered by Warmworks on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Who qualifies

• Homeowners (not tenants or landlords) with a household income below £31,000
• Or homeowners receiving qualifying benefits regardless of income
• The property must be the applicant's main residence

Warmer Homes Scotland can fund the full cost of a heat pump, insulation, and associated works. Applications are made through Home Energy Scotland, the Scottish Government's free advice service.

5. The Nest Scheme (Wales)

In Wales, the Nest scheme provides free home energy efficiency improvements to qualifying homeowners and private tenants.

Eligibility

• Households receiving means-tested benefits, or
• Households with a low income and a property with poor energy efficiency (EPC E, F, or G)

Nest can fund heat pump installations alongside insulation and other measures. Applications are made directly through the Nest scheme website or helpline.

6. Northern Ireland, Affordable Warmth Scheme

Northern Ireland's Affordable Warmth Scheme provides grants for energy efficiency improvements to owner-occupiers with a household income below £23,000. While the scheme primarily funds insulation and boiler replacements, heat pump installations may be included where appropriate.

Combining Grants

In most cases, you cannot combine the Boiler Upgrade Scheme with ECO4 or HUG2 for the same measure. However, you can use different schemes for different measures, for example, ECO4 for insulation and BUS for the heat pump itself, provided the schemes' rules permit it and the measures are applied for separately.

Always confirm with your installer and the relevant scheme administrator before assuming grants can be stacked.

How to Check Your Eligibility

1. **Check your EPC**, Search your address on Property Passport UK to see your current EPC rating, SAP score, and listed recommendations. Many schemes require a valid EPC and use it to assess eligibility.

2. **Contact your local authority**, HUG2 and some ECO4 delivery is managed by local councils.

3. **Speak to an MCS-certified installer**, Reputable installers will check your BUS eligibility as part of the quoting process.

4. **Call the relevant advice service**, Home Energy Scotland, the Energy Saving Trust advice line (England and Wales), or the Nest helpline (Wales) can confirm which schemes you qualify for.

What to Do Next

Start by checking your property's current EPC on Property Passport UK. If your EPC lists outstanding insulation recommendations, address these first, they are often required before a heat pump grant can proceed, and insulation alone will reduce your energy bills and improve comfort.