Heat pumps and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme: summer 2026 checklist
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Air source heat pump installs typically cost £8,000–£15,000 before grants. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales can reduce upfront cost — but insulation and radiator sizing decide whether running costs beat gas.
By Money Guide editorial team
Published:
Government grants through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) have helped households in England and Wales move from gas boilers to air source or ground source heat pumps. Grant levels and installer accreditation rules change — verify on gov.uk before booking.
Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes. Poor loft or wall insulation forces higher flow temperatures, cutting efficiency and raising electricity bills. A whole-house survey should cover emitters — many homes need larger radiators or underfloor heating.
Running economics depend on coefficient of performance and your electricity tariff. Time-of-use tariffs that favour off-peak heating can help. Pairing solar PV with a heat pump is increasingly common — see our solar panels guide for the fuller picture.
Scotland and Wales run separate home energy schemes. Listed buildings and flats without outdoor space may need hybrid boiler-plus-heat-pump systems or efficiency measures first.
Our heat pumps UK guide walks through costs, grants and when not to install.