Who Qualifies for a Free Air Source Heat Pump Grant?
There are two government-backed routes to securing an air source heat pump grant in the UK: the ECO4 scheme and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Each has its own eligibility criteria, and we’ll help you identify which one applies to your property.
ECO4 Scheme Eligibility
The ECO4 scheme is designed to support low-income households, vulnerable residents, and properties with poor energy efficiency. If you qualify, you could receive a fully funded heat pump installation at no cost.
You may be eligible under ECO4 if:
You own or privately rent your home (with landlord consent)
Someone in your household receives a qualifying benefit, such as:
Universal Credit
Pension Credit
Income Support
Housing Benefit
Child Tax Credit
Your home has a poor EPC rating (D, E, F or G) and requires insulation upgrades
You rely on inefficient heating (e.g. electric, oil, coal, LPG, or broken gas boilers)
ECO4 also covers associated upgrades like whole home insulation and, in some cases, solar panels. We can assess all of this during your initial survey.
No Supplier Tie-In or Tariff Lock
Both grants provide you with a fully independent heating system. You’re not locked into any energy supplier or tariff. Once installed, the heat pump is yours, with no contracts, catches, or future repayment.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides a £7,500 government grant towards the cost of installing a heat pump. This scheme is available to owner-occupiers in England and Wales, and doesn’t require you to be on benefits, but it’s not entirely free.
To qualify for BUS:
You must own your home
Your current heating must use gas, oil, electric, or other fossil fuels
Your home must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding insulation recommendations
You must contribute the remaining cost after the £7,500 grant (we’ll confirm how much during your free survey)
No Supplier Tie-In or Tariff Lock
Both grants provide you with a fully independent heating system. You’re not locked into any energy supplier or tariff. Once installed, the heat pump is yours, with no contracts, catches, or future repayment.
ECO4 vs Boiler Upgrade Scheme - What’s the Difference?
Both ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) support the installation of air source heat pumps, but they work differently and serve different households. Our comparison helps you understand how each scheme works and what it includes.
ECO4 Scheme
ECO4 Scheme
Funding Level: Fully funded, covers 100% of heat pump and associated upgrades
Eligibility: Low-income households or those receiving qualifying benefits
Property Type: Owner-occupied or privately rented (with landlord consent)
EPC Requirements: EPC rating of D, E, F or G + insulation needs (we’ll assess this)
Heating System Requirements: Must have inefficient or fossil fuel heating
Included Upgrades: May include insulation, ventilation, solar panels (where eligible)
Cost to You: £0, installation fully funded
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Funding Level: £7,500 grant towards installation, homeowner pays the remainder
Eligibility: Owner-occupiers (not means-tested)
Property Type: Owner-occupied only
EPC Requirements: Valid EPC with no outstanding insulation recommendations
Heating System Requirements: Must replace gas, oil, electric, or LPG heating
Included Upgrades: Heat pump installation only
Cost to You: You contribute remaining cost after grant
What Makes a Property Eligible?
Even if you’re not sure about benefit eligibility, your property itself must meet certain requirements for a government heat pump grant to be approved. These checks ensure the funding supports homes where energy efficiency improvements are genuinely needed. If you don’t qualify, we can still install air source heat pumps to your home under our finance plans.
Most Grants Are Awarded to Homes That
Most Grants Are Awarded to Homes That
Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated D, E, F or G
Rely on outdated heating systems such as electric, oil, coal, or older gas boilers
Would benefit from improved insulation or ventilation upgrades
When a Home Might Not Qualify
When a Home Might Not Qualify
Your EPC is already rated A, B or C and requires no insulation improvements
Your home was built recently and meets high energy efficiency standards
You live in a flat or building without space for an external heat pump unit
Secure Your Air Source Heat Pump Grant
We’ll help you secure a government-funded air source heat pump through the ECO4 or BUS scheme, with no stress, no confusion, and no pressure to commit. From the initial assessment to post-install support, we handle everything in-house.
You may also qualify for free insulation, boilers or even solar panels as part of the ECO4 scheme, we’ll assess this during your survey.
Use our funding eligibility checker to see which scheme applies to your home. Or, if you’d prefer an expert to contact you directly, just fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.