Air Source Heat Pump Grants: A Key to UK Green Energy Goals
Getting your home energy-efficient might seem like a massive undertaking — especially when you're weighing up replacing an old boiler or paying out for new gear. But with energy bills on the rise and the UK striving towards net-zero, now is quite a good moment to be considering it.
One of the easiest methods of lowering your carbon footprint (and your heating bills) is to switch to a greener heating system — and with the air source heat pump grant, you don't have to pay the full price for it.
Take a closer look at how it works, why it's important and how homeowners right across the UK are already saving money while doing their bit for the planet.
What’s an Air Source Heat Pump, and Why Should You Care?
An air source heat pump is an energy-efficient system that captures warmth from the air outside and uses it to heat both your home and your water supply. Yes, even when it's cold outdoors.
Consider it to be a reversed fridge. Rather than cooling stuff down, it takes warmth out of the air and puts it to good use. These pumps consume much less energy than gas boilers and are capable of slashing your house's carbon emissions dramatically.
Now, here's the catch — they're not inexpensive to fit. That’s when the air source heat pump grant can help cover the cost and make the switch easier.
The Air Source Heat Pump Grant: What You Get
Under programs such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), homeowners in England and Wales are eligible to receive up to £7,500 towards the cost of fitting an air source heat pump. That can significantly cut down your upfront costs.
This grant isn’t a loan. You don’t pay it back. It’s real government funding designed to get more people using greener, low-carbon heating systems. And it’s one of the ways the UK plans to move away from gas heating and hit its climate goals.
Replacing Old Back Boilers? You’re in Luck
If you are still using a back boiler to warm your house (they were popular in the '70s and '80s), it is perhaps time to modernize — and you could be entitled to even further assistance under the back boiler replacement scheme.
This scheme is designed to assist homeowners in replacing outdated, inefficient systems with modern, energy-saving options such as air source heat pumps. These old systems are not only costly to operate — they're also horrible for the planet.
Real People, Real Results
Here’s how real homeowners are making the most of these grants.
Case Study 1: Anne & James from Leeds
Anne and James live in a 3-bed semi that still had a back boiler tucked behind the fireplace. It worked, but not well — the hot water took forever, and the heating bills were climbing.
They decided to look into greener options and came across the air source heat pump grant. With help from an MCS-accredited installer, they applied for the grant and got £7,500 off the total cost. They also qualified for help removing the old boiler under the back boiler replacement scheme.
Now, they’re saving around £450 a year on energy bills and the house heats more evenly. As James puts it, “It just feels better knowing we’re not burning gas every day.”
Case Study 2: Sarah in Bristol
Sarah recently bought an older property that needed quite a bit of work. She was planning to renovate anyway, so she factored in the cost of installing an air source heat pump. With the grant covering most of it, she managed to make the switch without blowing her renovation budget.
She’s now using a mix of solar panels and her new heat pump to power and heat her home, and says the system “runs quietly and efficiently.”
How Does All This Help the UK Go Green?
The UK’s green energy goals include cutting carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. That’s a big target — and heating plays a huge role. Around 14% of the UK’s total emissions come from home heating.
By helping people switch to cleaner systems like heat pumps, the government can tackle one of the biggest carbon culprits head-on. Every home that ditches a gas boiler for an air source heat pump is another step closer to that goal.
Benefits Beyond the Environment
It’s not just about carbon emissions. Here’s what else you get by switching to a heat pump (especially if you take advantage of the grant):
Lower heating bills — heat pumps are incredibly efficient


Future-proofing — as fossil fuels get phased out, your system will already be ahead of the curve


Better home comfort — modern heat pumps can both heat and cool your home


Added property value — energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers


How to Get the Air Source Heat Pump Grant
Here’s a quick guide if you’re ready to take the next step:
Check if you qualify – You must live in England or Wales and own your home. New builds don’t usually qualify unless you’re building your own home.


Get an EPC – That’s an Energy Performance Certificate. You’ll need this to show your home’s current efficiency.


Pick an installer who’s MCS-certified — they’re the only ones who can apply for the grant for you.


Apply through your installer – Once the installer confirms everything’s in place, they’ll handle the grant application for you.


Get the work done – The grant amount will be taken off your final invoice. No paperwork nightmares on your end.


Final Thoughts
If you’re still using an old gas boiler — especially a back boiler — now’s the time to consider a change. With help from the air source heat pump grant and, if applicable, the back boiler replacement scheme, you don’t have to shoulder the cost alone.
The technology is ready. The funding is available. And the savings? They start adding up right away.
Upgrading your home heating is a smart move — not just for your wallet, but for the environment, too. The UK needs more people to make the switch if we’re going to meet those 2050 targets.