If you’re looking for a way to make your home more energy efficient while reducing your heating costs, an air-source heat pump could be the perfect solution. With government heat pump grants of up to £7,500 available, switching to a heat pump has never been more affordable. Here’s everything you need to know about heat pumps and how you can benefit from the grant…

What is an air-source heat pump?

An air-source heat pump is an energy-efficient system that provides heating and cooling for your home. Unlike gas boilers that generate heat by burning fuel, heat pumps transfer heat from the air or ground outside your home and use it to warm your indoor space. They work efficiently even in colder temperatures and can also be used to cool your home in the summer. Nearly 100,000 heat pumps were sold in 2024, up from about 60,000 in 2023, according to the Heat Pump Association.

How do air-source heat pumps work?

Air-source heat pumps use a refrigeration cycle to extract heat from the air or ground and transfer it inside your home. Even in cold weather, there is enough thermal energy outside for a heat pump to work effectively. The process is similar to how a fridge keeps food cold but in reverse, extracting heat from the environment and using it to warm your home.

Types of heat pumps

There are two main types of heat pumps:

• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) – These take heat from the outside air and use it to heat your home and hot water. They are the most common type of heat pump in the UK.
• Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) – These extract heat from the ground using pipes buried outside your home. They are highly efficient but require more outdoor space for installation.

Why should I switch to an air-source heat pump?

1. Lower energy bills – Heat pumps use less energy than traditional heating systems, which means you could see a reduction in your heating bills. 
2. Environmentally friendly – Since heat pumps use renewable energy sources, they help reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Year-round comfort – They provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, keeping your home comfortable all year round.

The government heat pump grant

The Climate Change Committee (CCC), which advises the UK government on cutting emissions, says this number needs to rise to nearly 450,000 a year by 2030 and 1.5 million by 2035 to help meet climate targets. It says around half of UK homes need to have heat pumps by 2040.

To encourage more homeowners to switch to heat pumps, the UK government offers heat pump grants of up to £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This grant helps cover the cost of installing a heat pump, making the transition more affordable.

Who is eligible for the grant?

• Homeowners in England, Wales, and Scotland
• Those replacing a fossil fuel heating system (such as a gas or oil boiler) with a heat pump
• Installations carried out by an MCS-certified installer

How to apply for the heat pump grant 

The application process is simple:

1. Find an MCS-certified heat pump installer. Get in touch with our expert team as a MSC-certified heat pump installer
   
2. The installer will apply for the grant on your behalf
   
3. The grant amount is deducted from the installation cost, reducing the price you pay 

Is a heat pump right for your home?

While air-source heat pumps are a great choice for many homes, it’s important to consider a few factors:

• Insulation - Homes with good insulation will benefit the most from a heat pump’s efficiency
• Space - Air source heat pumps require an outdoor unit, while ground source heat pumps need enough land for pipe installation
• Initial costs - Even with the grant, you may have some upfront costs, but these are often offset by long-term energy savings 

Air-source heat pumps and the government heat pump grant -FAQs 

• How do heat pumps work?

Heat pumps transfer heat from external sources (air or ground) into your home using a refrigerant cycle involving evaporation and condensation. This process efficiently provides heating and cooling as needed. 

• Are heat pumps effective in cold weather?

Yes, modern heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently even in colder climates by extracting available heat from the environment. ​

• What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a UK government initiative offering grants of up to £7,500 to homeowners replacing existing fossil fuel heating systems with heat pumps. ​

• How much does a heat pump cost after the grant?

While costs vary, the BUS grant significantly reduces the upfront expense, making heat pump installation more affordable. Contact us for more information.

• Do I need new radiators with a heat pump?

Depending on your current system, larger radiators or underfloor heating may be recommended to optimise the lower temperature heat output of heat pumps. 

• How long do air-source heat pumps last?

With proper maintenance, heat pumps can have a lifespan of 15-20 years, providing long-term energy-efficiency.

• Could a heat pump save me money? 

Yes! Heat pumps are highly energy-efficient and use less electricity than traditional heating systems. While the upfront cost can be higher, government grants help reduce this, and the long-term savings on your energy bills can make it a cost-effective investment.

• Do I have to replace my gas boiler? 

If you want to take advantage of the government grant, you will need to replace your existing fossil fuel heating system (such as a gas or oil boiler) with a heat pump. However, heat pumps can be integrated with some existing heating systems, and our experts can advise on the best approach for your home.

At Ecotech Yorkshire, we make switching to an air-source heat pump easy. Our expert team will assess your home’s suitability, help you access the government heat pump grant, and install a high quality heat pump system that meets your needs.

Make the switch today and start saving on your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. Contact us to learn more and find out if you’re eligible for the grant.

To find out more or get a quote, get in touch with our expert Ecotech Yorkshire Team.

01909 519532hello@ecotechyorkshire.co.uk

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