Heat Pump Grants: How to Get a Heat Pump Grant for Your Home in 2023
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a type of renewable heating system that helps to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions by allowing you to produce energy from the outside air. It is an energy efficient method of heating your home, and works by absorbing heat from the outside air and transferring it inside the home.
This is done with various pieces of technology, such as an evaporator coil full of refrigerant fluid, a compressor, and a heat exchanger. The air from outside is drawn in and blown over the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, which warms it and transforms it from a liquid into a gas. The air is then passed through a compressor, which increases the pressure and adds heat. The hot gases are then released into a cool air or water environment, transferring heat to the cool air or water.
This warmed air or water is then sent around the home to provide heat and hot water. Heat pumps are usually placed outside of buildings, resembling an air conditioning unit, and require electricity to power the system. It is estimated that air source heat pumps produce around three times the energy they use, making them much more efficient than a gas boiler.
What are the benefits of installing a heat pump?
1. A heat pump can provide heating and hot water for your home and lower energy bills.
A heat pump can help you save money on energy bills by using renewable energy technology to extract existing heat energy from outside air, and delivering it to the inside of your home. This energy-efficient method of heating produces more heat energy than the electricity input, meaning you can reduce your fuel bills and lower your home’s carbon emissions. It has never been a better time to make the switch, as the government is offering grants and incentives towards (or for the full cost of) installing a heat pump.
2. Heat pumps can be more efficient than traditional heating systems.
Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating systems such as boilers, as they don’t generate heat. Instead these systems extract existing heat energy from outside the house, and deliver more heat energy than the electrical energy they run off. This means that heat pumps can reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions, while having minimal maintenance needs and easy installation. Heat pumps heat both homes and water systems, and do so at lower temperatures over a much longer period of time. This can be more cost-effective in the long run, as they have a lifespan of up to 25 years, while boilers typically last around 10 years. In addition, certain government grants can provide free air source heat pumps, or a £5,000 grant towards the installation cost, making them a more attractive option for homeowners.
What are the different types of grants available for heat pumps?
1. Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grants
Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, grants are available for the purchase of low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps. Eligible homeowners can receive grants of £5,000 for air source heat pumps and biomass boilers, and grants of £6,000 for ground source heat pumps. The scheme is available in England and Wales and is valid from April 2022 to April 2025. To be eligible for the grants, applicants must be property owners with at least 45kWth in installation capacity, and have an Energy Performance Certificate of A to E with no outstanding recommendations for insulation installation in the loft or walls.
2. Energy Company Obligation Grants
Energy Company Obligation (ECO) grants are government-funded grants that can be used to help households in England, Wales, and Scotland replace their existing inefficient heating with energy efficient heat pumps. These grants are provided by major energy suppliers, such as npower, E.ON, British Gas, SSE, EDF, and Scottish Power, and they provide funding to registered installers to offer grants to UK households. Grants can cover all or part of the cost of the heat pump installation, though eligible households may still need to contribute to the cost. The less efficient the home is, the more funding there is available. Installers are responsible for processing applications on behalf of the property owner, and for administering the grant on behalf of the energy company.
How to find and apply for a heat pump grant
Step 1: Research available government grants
Do some research on grant options. Making the switch to a heat pump is a big decision, so we suggest asking for an appointment with a professional installer to have your heat pump questions answered. Make sure you speak to an installer that is able to offer installation under the Boiler Upgrade scheme and Energy Company Obligation scheme, as that will save you thousands on your installation.
Step 2: Compare grant amounts and eligibility criteria
To compare grant amounts and eligibility criteria for a heat pump grant, it is important to understand the scheme. You can find out if you are eligible and apply for a grant by completing the online form. Once your chosen installer has confirmed eligibility, and you are happy with the quote, they will apply to the energy regulator Ofgem for the grant. Ofgem will then issue a voucher to confirm the grant amount.
The property type, age, and number of bedrooms will be important considerations when determining grant amounts, as well as other factors such as your household income and whether you are eligible for a rural uplift. If you are, you may be entitled to increased grant funding and payment options.
It is also important to remember that there are limited funds available for this scheme, so if you are keen to take advantage of a grant you should start looking into it as soon as possible.
Step 3: Check online customer reviews of heat pump installers and brands
Online customer reviews can be a great help when finding and applying for a heat pump grant. Reviews can provide valuable insight into which MSC certified installers are the best option, as well as which heat pump products are the most reliable and efficient. Reviews can also provide reassurance that the installation process will be straightforward and successful. Additionally, reviews can help to identify which grants and funding opportunities are available, and how best to take advantage of them. By researching these customer reviews, potential applicants can ensure that they are getting the best deal and making the most of the grants available.
Step 4: Familiarise yourself with the mechanics of a heat pump
A heat pump is a system that works by transferring heat from one area to another. It uses various pieces of technology such as an evaporator coil filled with refrigerant fluid, a compressor and a heat exchanger. The heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air, even at low temperatures, and releases it into air or water which is then distributed around the home.
In order to understand the mechanics of a heat pump, you should first understand the basic components and how they work. The evaporator coil is filled with a refrigerant fluid, the compressor increases the pressure of the fluid, and the heat exchanger transfers the heat from the fluid to the air or water. The heated air or water is then distributed around the home.
Next, you should understand the installation process for a heat pump. A new heat pump will typically take 2-4 days to install, depending on the complexity of the existing setup. It should be installed near or attached to your home, and connected to your plumbing system.
Lastly, you should be aware of the differences between a heat pump and a gas boiler. Heat pumps operate at a lower temperature than gas boilers, meaning that your home will warm up more slowly. Additionally, you will need space outside to install the external condenser unit.
Step 5: Check if any credit checks or guarantees are included
When applying for a heat pump grant, the provider will provide guarantees and warranties for the product and the installation. It’s important to understand what guarantees are included so you are prepared if things don’t go to plan. Many installers offer extended warranties, so it’s worth considering whether you should take out extra guarantees.
Step 6: Verify that the heat pump installer is licensed and certified appropriately
All installers of heat pumps have to be MCS registered. You can check an installers registration on the MCS website at https://mcscertified.com/
FAQs
What is a heat pump grant?
A heat pump grant is financial assistance, usually from the UK government, towards the cost of purchasing and installing a new heat pump. This grant can be up to £5,000 for an air source heat pump, or up to £6,000 for a ground source heat pump under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The Energy Company Obligation grant scheme can cover the cost of the heat pump in full, but less properties qualify for ECO grants.
What types of heat pump grants are available?
Heat pumps are a great way to reduce your energy bills and thus reduce your carbon footprint. They are available via a range of government grants, making them more affordable than ever. The most commonly available UK heat pump grants are the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and the Energy Company Obligation Scheme.
In addition to these grants, the UK government has recently announced a reduction of the current 5% VAT relief on energy-saving measures to 0%.
By taking advantage of these grants, as well as comparing quotes from multiple certified installers, UK homeowners can save thousands on the installation costs.
Who is eligible for a heat pump grant?
Eligibility for heat pump funding can vary from scheme to scheme, so check with the relevant scheme provider or talk to a registered installer like ourselves to see what your options are.
What types of heat pumps are available?
There are two types of air source heat pumps available: air-to-water and air-to-air.
Air-to-water systems take warmth from the outside air and use it to heat water, which is then circulated around the home via radiators or underfloor heating systems. This type of system can also be used to heat water in storage tanks for the bathroom or kitchen.
Air-to-air systems use fans to circulate warm air around the home, and cannot be used to heat water. This type of system is more suitable for homes with larger radiators that function at lower temperatures.
Both types of air source heat pumps require electricity to power the system, however the heat output is greater than the electricity input which makes them an energy efficient heating option. Additionally, air source heat pumps are not dependent on specific weather conditions, so it doesn’t matter where you live in terms of geographical location.
How can I find an installer for my heat pump?
Finding an installer for your heat pump can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are the steps to help you find the right installer for you:
1. Find MSC certified installers in your area.
2. Ask for quotes from several installers and compare costs.
3. Once you have chosen an installer, they will apply for the grant from the grant funder on your behalf.
4. Once your application has been approved, your installer will have a set time to complete the installation.
5. Your installer will generate a ‘microgeneration certification certificate’ to confirm eligibility criteria have been met and submit it on your behalf.
6. The funder will then pay the grant amount directly to the installer, and you will be sent a bill for the remaining amount.
Where can I apply for a heat pump grant?
Complete our enquiry form at https://www.ecoproviders.co.uk/eco4-grant-application-form and we’ll advise on all options available for your circumstances.