Updated Sept 2026
It’s in the government’s best interests to offer renewable energy incentives to homeowners in the UK in order to reach its target of zero carbon emissions by 2050. Not only is this good news for the environment, but it’s also a godsend as far as your energy bills are concerned.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers either £7,500 or £9,000 towards the installation cost of an air source heat pump. Eligible properties must have an Energy Performance Certificate, among other criteria, and installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer.
If you’re wondering if you qualify for financial help towards a heat pump under the the BUS, allow Cinergi to assist you. Read on for our helpful guide on what type of heat pump grants are available to you.
If you are a homeowner on the South Coast, please contact Cinergi for a personalised quotation on a heat pump, a replacement boiler, and other renewable energy solutions such as solar panels.
How do I get a free air source heat pump?
It would be misleading to say that anyone can get a free air source heat pump, but there is help available.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants to incentivise home and small non-domestic property owners to replace fossil fuel heating with low-carbon alternatives, including heat pumps. It offers £7,500 to switch from a gas boiler or electric heating, or £9,000 for switching from oil or LPG.
Renewable heating systems commissioned on or after 1 April 2022 may be eligible. The closing date for applications is 31 December 2027. See if you are eligible for a BUS grant here.
Why should I get an air source heat pump?
The fact you’re reading this hopefully means that you are ready to consider an air pump as an alternative method of heating your home and hot water. But in case you need a bit of extra persuading…
A heat pump (air or ground) can significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint and energy bills. The biggest savings are to be had when replacing electric heating systems, but there are also significant savings when replacing old gas, LPG and oil boilers, too. What’s more, heat pumps require minimal maintenance, so you can also cut down on your annual servicing bill.
To find out how much you could save on your heating bills, see the Energy Saving Trust’s website or get in touch with Cinergi for a home evaluation.
Click here for more information on air source heat pumps.
Government grants for air source heat pumps
The Green Deal and The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (DRHI) are now closed and have been replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Launched in 2023, the BUS scheme provides eligible homeowners with a grant towards the cost and installation of an air source heat pump, ground source heat pump or biomass boiler. Renewable heating systems commissioned after 1 April 2022 may be eligible. The closing date for applications is 31 December 2027. See if you are eligible for a BUS grant here.
As certified MCS installers, Cinergi can apply for the BUS on your behalf. We will handle the application process, request a grant voucher from Ofgem and deduct the voucher amount from your quote.
WHAT DOES A BUS GRANT COVER?
Both ground and air source heat pumps may qualify for £7,500 or £9,000 funding. Biomass boilers qualify for £5,000 (but this is a bulky and maintenance-heavy alternative with a high upfront cost).
WHO QUALIFIES FOR A BUS GRANT?
A full list of eligibility criteria for the scheme can be found here, but typically, homeowners must fulfil the following:
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- The new air source heat pump must fully replace a fossil fuel system rather than be installed alongside it.
- The heating required for the property is 45kW or less.
- The property is owned by a domestic customer (i.e. not owned by a limited company) at the time the installation takes place.
- Since April 2026, a valid EPC is no longer required to apply for the BUS grant.
CONTACT CINERGI FOR ADVICE ON THE BOILER UPGRADE SCHEME (BUS)
Cinergi is a family-run business with 40 years of experience in domestic heating. We supply and install all types of boilers and newer, more energy-efficient alternatives like air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps across the South Coast. We are an MCS-accredited installer and participate in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. If you live in Hampshire, Dorset or West Sussex and are struggling to get to grips with which government schemes you are eligible for, please get in touch, and we will assist you every step of the way.
FAQs about grants for air source heat pumps
What is a renewable heating system?
Renewable heating technologies provide an energy-efficient method of indoor heating and hot water that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels like natural gas or oil. Renewable heating systems use sustainable sources like air, solar and wind to generate heat.
What is the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (DRHI)?
The Domestic RHI ended in March 2022. It has been replaced by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers grants of up to £7,500 towards the installation of domestic renewable energy solutions such air source heat pumps.
How long does an air source heat pump last?
Heat pumps of today are very different to those that were installed in the early days, i.e. around 10-15 years ago. Some of these original heat pumps are now coming to an age where they require a replacement. However, newer models are far more robust and are designed to last between 20 to 25 years. Most heat pump manufacturers offer full parts and labour guarantees for between 5 and 7 years.
Should I leave my air source heat pump on all the time?
The simple answer to this question is yes. The concept being a heat pump is very different to that of a boiler in that they are designed to match the heat loss of your property (or slightly exceed it) when the external ambient air temperature reaches -2°C. This means that the heat pump needs to be left on continuously in order to ensure the home is topped up with heat.
Read more air source heat pump FAQs here
In Summary
The Boiler Upgrade scheme provides up to £9,000 towards the cost and installation of renewable energy heating solutions, such as air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. There is eligibility to meet which we can advise on. Installation must be carried out by an MCS-accredited installer. For heat pump installation across the South Coast, please get in touch with the renewable energy experts at Cinergi.
If you’re interested in air source heat pumps and want to learn more, then check out our guides:
