Who Is Eligible for the Air Source Heat Pump Grant?
There are two government-backed routes to securing a free or supported air source heat pump: the ECO4 scheme and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Each works differently, and we’ll identify the right option based on your home and circumstances.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a government grant of up to £9,000 towards the cost of installing a heat pump.
To qualify:
You own the property, as a homeowner, private landlord or small business
The property is in England or Wales
It's not social housing (council or housing association). Ex-Right to Buy homes are fine.
It's currently heated by gas, oil, LPG, coal or direct electric heating (such as storage heaters or an electric boiler)
It doesn't already have a heat pump for heating
It hasn't had a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant before
The heat pump isn't also being funded by ECO4 or another government grant
You must fully replace your old heating system. Hybrid (heat pump + boiler) systems don't qualify.
If your home has a valid EPC (under 10 years old), its number is used in the application. If not, there's another way to apply.
The £9,000 rate is only for homes with no mains gas connection (including capped meters) that currently use oil or LPG.
While BUS isn’t fully funded, it significantly reduces the upfront cost of switching to a heat pump.
ECO4 Scheme (No Longer Available)
Elite Energy is no longer taking ECO4 applications. You may still get £7,500 off a heat pump, or £9,000 if your home is off the gas grid and uses oil or LPG, through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
What Makes a Property Eligible?
Eligibility isn’t just based on household circumstances. Your property also needs to be suitable for a heat pump, so the system can operate efficiently and meet grant requirements.
Most Grants Are Awarded to Homes That
Have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G
Use an older or less efficient heating system such as electric, oil, coal, or an ageing gas boiler
Would benefit from insulation or ventilation improvements to support heat retention
When Might a Home Not Qualify?
Some properties may not meet the criteria for BUS funding. This is more likely if:
The property is in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own Home Energy Scotland grant.
It's council or housing association property
It already has a heat pump or has had a previous heat pump grant
It's a new-build home from a developer (self-builds can qualify for £7,500)
There's no suitable outdoor space for the heat pump unit
You want to keep your boiler alongside the heat pump (hybrid system)
If your home doesn’t qualify for a grant, we’ll explain your options clearly. Heat pumps can still be installed through alternative routes, such as our finance plans, and we can guide you on what’s suitable for your property.