The Future Home Standard is making it mandatory for new homes to be equipped with low-carbon heating systems, such as a heat pump. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford it. Thankfully, a governmental grant could enable you to upgrade your heating before the first heavy snow hits the UK. However, only one group can claim this grant if they meet the eligibility criteria. It could be a lifesaver, especially with winter just around the corner, so see if you meet the eligibility criteria today!
You could qualify for a heating pump upgrade opportunity
Winter is approaching at a significant pace. According to the 2025-2026 weather forecasts, Britons could experience colder temperatures and increased snowfall this upcoming season. As a result, the energy usage is bound to increase in an effort to stay warm and cope with the lower temperatures across the UK. If your home is not equipped with a heating system, now might be the time to consider one.
According to a report by the BBC, all private landlords will be required to meet mandatory energy efficiency upgrade criteria, including the installation or upgrading of heat pumps by 2030. If your household’s heat pump is due for an upgrade, a government grant may provide you with the opportunity to upgrade. However, only one group can claim this credit, so find out what the eligibility criteria are today.
Only one group can claim this grant
This grant is known as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and allows eligible people in England and Wales to save up to £7,500 on low-carbon heating systems, which will be a heat pump in most cases. According to the Energy Savings Trust, only one group can claim from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
To be eligible, the following criteria must be met:
- You own a property, whether it be a home or a small business property
- The property presently has a fossil fuel heating system, such as a gas boiler or electric heating system, without a heat pump
- You have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) no older than ten years
- The property has a maximum installation capacity of up to 45kWth
- The installer must be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
Self-built properties may qualify under certain circumstances, but proof must be provided that the property is self-built. This grant could be a vital complement to the Winter Fuel Scheme, which has a confirmed payment date for the first group.
Upgrade your heating with these grants per property
If you want to upgrade your heating, keep in mind that not all heating systems receive the same grants. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will allow you the following grants per heating system per property:
- £7,500 for the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
- A biomass boiler’s cost and installation with a deduction of £5,000
- £7,500 for the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump
The installer should deduct the allowable amount upfront from any installation and cost quotes. Unfortunately, property landlords in Scotland and Northern Ireland will not qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. However, as a consolation, some state pensioners may still be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, which distributes up to £300 for eligible people.
In the UK, heating in the winter is vital. Older Britons, who are more susceptible to cold-related illnesses and mortality, especially depend on heating in the winter. Since heating systems are a given necessity, and the deadline to install low-carbon heating systems by 2030 is around the corner, now may be the best time to transition to more sustainable and eco-friendly heating systems. For more information, please view the Boiler Upgrade Scheme on the official UK Government website.
Disclaimer: Our coverage of one-off payments, support payments, tax reliefs, tax refunds, tax credits and other payments is based on the official sources listed in the article. All payment amounts and dates, as well as eligibility requirements, are subject to change by the governing institutions. Always consult the official source we provide to stay up to date and obtain information for your decision-making.
