It was announced last month that the Prime Minister would be doing a u-turn on policies to phase out gas boilers – scrapping plans to force landlords to improve the energy efficiency of rented accommodation.
Despite this, energy efficiency still appears to be on top of the Government agenda, with the heat pump grant set to rise to £7,500 as of 23rd October 2023.
What is the UK’s Heat Pump Grant?
The UK’s Heat Pump Grant is a government initiative aimed at encouraging homeowners to transition to energy-efficient heat pump systems by providing financial assistance. The grant allows eligible individuals to receive funding towards the cost of purchasing and installing heat pumps in their homes.
The scheme aims to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and contribute towards the UK’s green energy goals. By offering financial support, the government hopes to make heat pumps more accessible and affordable, ultimately increasing their adoption and helping homeowners save on energy bills while reducing their environmental impact.
Importance of Heat Pumps in Reducing Carbon Emissions
Heat pumps are a vital tool in the fight against climate change. Unlike conventional heating systems that burn fossil fuels, heat pumps simply move heat from the air, ground, or water to provide warmth, making them highly energy-efficient. By utilising renewable energy sources like air, ground, or water, heat pumps help lower reliance on non-renewable energy, reducing the carbon footprint associated with heating homes.
Heat pumps can achieve incredibly high energy efficiency, with some models offering a coefficient of performance (COP) of over four. This means they produce four units of heat for every unit of electricity they consume. By upgrading to energy-efficient heat pumps, homeowners can experience substantial savings on their energy bills while simultaneously reducing their impact on the environment.
Heat pumps also contribute to achieving the UK’s energy efficiency targets and support the transition towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Who Is Eligible for the Heat Pump Grant?
The government grant is available for any homeowner living in England, Scotland, and Wales. Grants are up to £9,000 for select Scottish rural regions and up to £7,500 in the rest of the UK. The grant applies to both new and existing properties.
As per the government website, there are some rules when it comes to the grant:
- You cannot get a grant for a hybrid heat pump system (for example a combination of gas boiler and air source heat pump).
- The system you install must meet certain standards, such as minimum efficiency levels (your installer can advise you on these).
- The system’s maximum capacity must be less than 45kWth – anything over is not eligible.
The Application Process:
Your heat pump installer will manage the grant application procedure. Then, when you receive your quote, the £7,500 reduction will have been taken into account.
Installers who have earned certification from the Microgeneration Certification System, a nationally renowned standards body, will be eligible to submit grant applications on behalf of property owners. This is done to reassure homeowners about the calibre of their new heating system.
You can read more about how to apply and eligibility criteria on the government website.
Funding and Amounts:
The cost of an air source heat pump, including installation, is estimated by the government to be roughly £12,000. In actuality, you can expect to pay about £4,500 towards the price of a new heat pump for your property once the grant money of £7,500 has been subtracted.
It’s important to keep in mind that this figure is an average, and your exact cost will depend on things like the size of the heat pump you need to heat your home and if you still need to make any outstanding energy efficiency improvements to your house. On your Energy Performance Certificate, you can find out if your house requires any suggestions.
Final Thoughts:
We encourage homeowners and landlords to explore the Heat Pump Grant further if they are interested in making their homes energy-efficient and eco-friendly. This change can help contribute to better EPC ratings.
Consult with a professional for further advice.
