UK Heat Pump Guide: Costs, Grants & MCS Installers 2026
Independent guide to heat pump costs, the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, and MCS-certified installers across the UK.
Find out how much a heat pump costs, understand the £7,500 government grant, compare air source and ground source options, and request a property-specific estimate.
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Why UK homeowners are switching now
Three urgent reasons to consider a heat pump before it gets more expensive, harder to arrange, or the grants disappear.
gas price rise since 2021
Rising Energy Bills
Gas prices up 60% since 2021, with no end in sight. Heat pumps lock in lower running costs by using renewable energy from the air or ground.
OFGEM price cap datanew build gas boiler ban
Gas Boiler Ban Coming
New-build homes banned from gas boilers from March 2027. Existing homes will follow. Switching early means better grants and installer availability.
GOV.UK Future Homes StandardBUS scheme deadline
£7,500 Grant Won't Last Forever
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme runs until April 2028, but funding is limited. Over 40,000 vouchers have already been issued. Act before the budget runs out.
GOV.UK Boiler Upgrade SchemeWhy thousands of UK homeowners are switching
Heat pumps are the future of home heating. Here is why the switch makes sense right now.
£7,500 Government Grant
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers up to £7,500 of your installation cost. Plus 0% VAT on heat pumps until March 2027.
Save £300-800/Year
Heat pumps are 3-4x more efficient than gas boilers. Based on 2026 OFGEM tariffs, most homeowners save hundreds per year on energy bills.
MCS-Certified Installers
Compare independent guidance, then continue to a third-party provider for a property-specific estimate. Check the installer's current MCS certification before proceeding.
From enquiry to installation in 3 simple steps
Start with independent guidance, then request a property-specific estimate from the provider.
Check Your Eligibility
Review the official eligibility criteria, then provide your property details to the partner. Final eligibility is confirmed during the provider's assessment.
Request an Estimate
Use a clearly labelled partner link to request a property-specific estimate. The provider confirms coverage, suitability and any grant eligibility directly with you.
Installation and Grant
Your chosen installer handles the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application, installation, and commissioning. The £7,500 grant is deducted automatically from your bill.
Heat pumps by the numbers
Government grant
via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
SourceMore efficient than gas
COP of 3.0 to 4.0 means £1 of electricity delivers £3-4 of heat
SourceVAT until March 2027
Zero-rated VAT on heat pump installation
SourceUK installations via BUS
Over 100,000 vouchers issued since 2022
SourceFrequently asked questions
Answers based on official data from GOV.UK, OFGEM, and Energy Saving Trust.
How much does a heat pump cost in the UK?
An air source heat pump typically costs £8,000 to £15,000 fully installed. A ground source heat pump costs £20,000 to £30,000. With the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, the net cost of an air source system can be as low as £500 to £7,500.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government grant offering £7,500 towards replacing your fossil fuel heating with a heat pump. It covers air source and ground source heat pumps in England and Wales. Your MCS-certified installer applies on your behalf.
Is my home suitable for a heat pump?
Most UK homes can have a heat pump installed. You need a valid EPC with no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations, an existing fossil fuel or electric heating system, and enough outdoor space for the external unit (about the size of a large suitcase).
How much can I save with a heat pump vs a gas boiler?
Based on 2026 OFGEM tariffs, a typical 3-bed home can save £300 to £800 per year switching from gas to an air source heat pump. Savings are higher if replacing oil or LPG. With the £7,500 grant, most homeowners see a positive ROI within 5 to 8 years.
Are heat pumps noisy?
Modern air source heat pumps produce about 40 to 50 decibels, roughly the same as a fridge or a quiet conversation. The legal limit in the UK is 42dB measured at the nearest neighbouring property. Proper installation and positioning minimise any noise impact.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Yes. Modern air source heat pumps work efficiently down to -15 degrees or lower. The UK rarely sees temperatures below -5 degrees. Models from Mitsubishi and Daikin are specifically engineered for cold climates and maintain high efficiency ratings even in freezing conditions.
Ready to cut your energy bills?
Request an indicative price from OVO Solar & Heating. Final price, suitability and grant eligibility depend on your property and survey.
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