What is the Heat Pump Grant?

The grants offered by the heat pump fall under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This program can be used to subsidize low-carbon heating. It started in April 2022. It is planned to run until 2028. The grant is a financial assistance of the cost of a heat pump. You are allowed to receive up to £7,500 in the form of an air source or ground source heat pump. This eases the transition of a gas boiler. The grant does not however meet the entire price. There might be a need to pay some cash.

Who Qualifies to Receive the Heat Pump Grant?

The grant is on individuals who own buildings or houses. This is to mean that it can be applied by homeowners and small landlords. Large companies or big landlords cannot apply. You should also be a resident of England or Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland are different. The house should also comply with energy efficiency regulations. As an example, your house should be well insulated. That assists in retaining heat and also conserves energy. The house needs to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate too. This certificate should not be more than ten years.

Are You Requiring a Specific EPC Rating?

Yes, the EPC rating matters. There can be no outstanding recommendation of loft or cavity wall insulation available in your home. Where your EPC indicates that you need insulation, then you need to install it first. Application can only be done after the insulation has been done. This is to ensure that heat is not lost. Even when you are living in a solid wall house with no cavity, you may still be eligible. The insulation rule may therefore not be applicable in that instance. However, to receive the grant, all homes should be energy-efficient.

Is There a Limit on the Kind of Home?

Yes, homes and small buildings only are covered by the grant. You are not allowed in case the building is very large. This property should also be in UK, but not in any other part of UK except England or Wales. The house should not have a heat pump in place. It is possible to replace an old gas or oil boiler. Switching It is also possible to switch electric heating. However, in case you already have an already low-carbon system, then you are not eligible to receive the grant again. Neither do new homes that are constructed by developers.

Do Income or Benefits Matter?

No, the grant is not income based. You are allowed to apply regardless of your income. You also do not have to be on benefits. All the homeowners have the same rules. This contrasts with others such as ECO4. ECO4 considers the income and benefits. But the Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not. Therefore, even when you are not on benefits, you can apply. Many people can easily receive support because of this. However, you must still fulfill the house regulations.

Is Your Project a Planning Permission?

In the majority of the homes, there is no planning permission required to install a heat pump. Air source heat pumps are sometimes considered as permitted development. It means that no additional authorization is required. However there are size and noise regulations which the unit needs to satisfy. It might require more work on ground source heat pumps. Checks may be required in case your home is listed or in a special area. Your installer will have the regulations. They will assist you to check whether you should be given permission. You must always ask first before going to work.

Everything You Need to Know to Apply to the Heat Pump Grant

You cannot apply by yourself. Your installer has to make an application on your behalf. Select a registered installer First. They have to be enlisted to the scheme. After they inspect your house, they will provide you with a quote. They will ask Ofgem to send them a voucher should you agree. The group that operates the scheme is called Ofgem. In case the voucher is accepted, the installer may start working. They receive the money of Ofgem after the work is done. You do not receive the money itself.

Which Kind of Heat Pump Are You Able to Find?

The grant is in air source and ground source heat pumps. These are the two most widespread types. Heat pumps that are air based are less costly and simpler to install. Heat pumps that use ground source are more expensive. However, they are more effective in certain homes. The grant provides either type with a grant of £7,500. Hybrid heat pumps are non-qualified. Only biomass boilers are available in a few rural households. The appropriate type of system will be selected with the help of your installer. They will also describe what will best suit your home.

Time to Process: How Long Does It Take?

The procedure may last several weeks. To begin with, you should have your home inspected by the installer. Then they present the voucher application. They will commence the work should they be approved. They assert the grant after they have done the work. Before payment of the grant is made, you will have to pay your portion of the cost. The most common duration of the voucher is three months. That provides time to do everything. Always ensure that you do not miss the opportunity by coming early. The scheme will continue until 2028, although it is possible that the money will run out.

The Tricks to Get Your Odds Up

This is more likely to happen, so make your home well-insulated. Receive a current Energy Performance Certificate. Correct any problems mentioned in the report. Select an appropriate installer who has been certified by the scheme. Request complete information and review of the checks. Ensure that your system has all the technical regulations. Avoid delays by planning. Ensure that you have your paperwork prepared. Waiting till the very end to apply is not a good idea. These will enable you to submit your grant quicker and stress free.

Who Cannot Get the Grant?

You are prohibited from receiving the grant when your house has an installed heat pump. New-build houses do not qualify. In case you have to insulate your home, you should repair that. In case your installer is not approved, you cannot apply. The money cannot be obtained by you either. It goes to the installer. Instead, you must apply to the schemes in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Before making an application, ensure you check the rules to prevent wastage of time or money.

Conclusion

Air source heat pump grant is very beneficial to most homeowners in the United Kingdom. It facilitates the transition to low-carbon heating. You can save and protect the environment. Only a few individuals will be able to obtain the grant. You need to own your own house, reside in England or Wales and must be well insulated. It does not matter what the income and benefits are. You must have an approved installer also. Make sure to do everything and follow all the rules to qualify. When you are willing to upgrade then it is the moment to do it. The grant of the grant does not last long, it expires in 2028.