In this highly informative blog, we are going to break down the updated air source heat pump eligibility checklist so you can take a confident step toward more cost-effective heating to make our future cleaner.

What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Launched to accelerate the UK’s shift to low-carbon heating, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers financial support to homeowners in England and Wales looking to move away from gas and oil-based systems. This scheme was introduced for the first time in 2022 and since then it has been extended and improved in response to rising demand and the UK’s broader push for net zero.

Eligible applicants can receive £7,500 toward the cost of installing an air source heat pump through this scheme. This funding is paid directly to the installer and deducted from your final bill upfront which makes this transition far more accessible for homeowners across the UK.

Who Is Eligible for the Grant?

The applicants must meet several key conditions to be eligible to avail air source heat pump grant. Homeowners and private landlords can access the air source heat pump grant to support the switch to low-carbon heating. To qualify, the property must hold a valid Energy Performance Certificate without any outstanding recommendations for cavity wall or loft insulation.

The air source heat pump grant system being replaced must rely on fossil fuels, such as gas, oil, or electric resistance heating and not already include a heat pump.

New builds are excluded unless you are building the home yourself, in which case self-build properties can still apply. In landlord situations, tenants must be informed before work begins.

Which Heating Systems Qualify?

When it comes to technology, the scheme focuses on tried-and-tested low-carbon heating systems that are proven to reduce emissions:

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air to warm your home. To qualify for this scheme, the system must be an air-to-water heat pump. Air-to-air models, which deliver warm air through internal fans, are not eligible under current BUS rules.

What Property Requirements Apply?

Not all properties automatically qualify, even if they are owner-occupied. To meet the updated air source heat pump eligibility standards in 2025, the home must be located in England or Wales. Social housing is not eligible.  Properties built by developers are excluded unless they are self-builds.

Conversions and substantial renovations may be eligible under the scheme if they meet standard requirements, including a valid EPC and sufficient insulation. Shared systems are only permitted in specific cases, such as shared ground loops, provided each property has its own separately installed heat pump.

How the Application Process Works

As a homeowner, you are not expected to navigate the complicated process yourself. Once you select an MCS-certified installer, they’ll take charge of assessing your property, preparing a quote, and submitting your application to Ofgem.

A grant voucher will be then issued if your application gets approved. After completing the installation, the installer finalises the process by redeeming the grant voucher directly with Ofgem. The grant amount is deducted from your total invoice at the outset, meaning you only pay the remaining balance.

Vouchers for air source heat pump installations are valid for three months, while those for ground source heat pumps remain valid for six months. Installers are required to maintain full documentation and meet compliance standards to ensure funding is applied correctly.

What’s New in 2025?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has seen several positive updates this year, aimed at reducing barriers for homeowners and broadening access to the grant.

The outdated one-metre clearance requirement has been lifted which makes it easier to install systems in smaller or urban gardens.  Installers now have more flexibility in placing units on smaller properties or in tighter spaces. The maximum size allowance for heat pump units has also been increased from 0.6 to 1.5 cubic metres, opening the door to more powerful systems that can serve larger homes.

Detached homes can now accommodate two units if needed, helping to meet higher heating demands. Additionally, updated planning rules now allow installations in locations previously restricted, such as properties facing directly onto highways which makes this scheme more accessible across urban areas.

Infinity: Your Partner in Smart Heating

At Infinity, we work closely with homeowners to guide them through every stage of the upgrade, from assessing your home’s eligibility to managing the full installation and grant application process.

Our team is fully MCS-certified and experienced in delivering high-performance air source heat pump solutions that meet both your energy needs and the scheme’s technical standards. We take pride in simplifying what can feel like a complex process, offering expert advice, transparent pricing, and long-term support.

We also work with trusted suppliers like Daikin to ensure you benefit from cutting-edge efficiency and performance. Whether you’re looking to cut costs, reduce your carbon footprint, or simply future-proof your home, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Conclusion

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme represents one of the most generous and practical energy incentives available to UK homeowners. With a grant of £7,500 and updated 2025 rules that reduce previous barriers, now is the perfect time to explore your options.

If you’re thinking about switching to low-carbon heating, reviewing your air source heat pump eligibility should be your first step. With the right guidance and a trusted installer, accessing government funding has never been more straightforward.

Visit Infinity today to begin your journey toward a more efficient, sustainable, and affordable heating system.

With rising energy costs and increasing concern about climate change, many UK homeowners – particularly in London – are exploring more sustainable and cost-effective ways to heat their homes. One of the most efficient and environment-friendly solutions available today is the air source heat pump (ASHP).

This detailed guide explains how air source heat pumps work, their benefits, potential challenges, costs, and the government support available to help you make the switch. Whether you’re planning a renovation or simply looking to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

What is an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump is a low-carbon heating system that extracts heat from the outside air – even in cold weather – and uses it to warm your home and provide hot water. It functions similarly to a refrigerator, but in reverse.

These systems use electricity to operate but are highly efficient, often generating three to four times more heat energy than the electricity they consume. This makes them an economical and sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems such as gas boilers.

Types of Air Source Heat Pumps

There are two main types of air source heat pumps: monobloc and split systems.

A monobloc system contains all of its components within a single outdoor unit. It connects to your home’s central heating and hot water cylinder via pipes that carry heated water inside. These systems are generally more common, as they’re typically cheaper and quicker to install. They also take up less space indoors. However, they are usually slightly less efficient than split systems.

A split system, on the other hand, separates the heat pump into an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. These systems tend to be more efficient because part of the heat transfer happens inside the home, where the ambient temperature is warmer – meaning less heat is lost during the process.

Also Read: Air Source Heat Pump Grant Eligibility: Things You Need to Know in 2025

How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?

While there are several types of heat pumps, they all operate on the same basic principle – capturing natural heat from the environment and using it to warm your home.

• Heat is all around us – in the air, the ground, even when it feels cold outside.
  
• Heat pumps collect this low-level thermal energy and boost it to a higher temperature suitable for heating.
  
• They use a process called the refrigeration cycle, similar to how a fridge works – but in reverse.
  

The Four-Step Process:

1. Absorb – A refrigerant liquid absorbs heat from the air or ground.
   
2. Compress – The liquid evaporates into a gas, which is then compressed to raise its temperature.
   
3. Transfer – The hot gas releases its heat into your central heating system to warm your home and hot water.
   
4. Reset – The gas cools and condenses back into a liquid, and the cycle begins again.
   

• This continuous process is powered by electricity and is highly efficient.
  
• Heat pumps can deliver three to four times more heat than the electrical energy they use.

Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

Air source heat pumps can deliver up to three or four units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. This makes them significantly more efficient than traditional heating systems.

2. Lower Carbon Emissions

ASHPs reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. When paired with renewable electricity sources, such as solar panels, they can dramatically cut your home’s carbon emissions.

3. Financial Support Available

The UK Government is offering financial incentives through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to encourage households to switch to low-carbon heating. Eligible homeowners can apply for:

• £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
  
• £7,500 for a ground or water source heat pump
  
• £5,000 towards a biomass boiler
  

These grants are only available through an MCS – certified installer and do not apply to hybrid systems.

Heating accounts for a significant portion of electricity bills in the UK, making this the right time to adopt solutions like air source heat pumps. This highly informative and comprehensive blog will help you understand how the air source heat pump grant works, who qualifies, and how to apply through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.  

What Is an Air Source Heat Pump Grant?  

The air source heat pump grant is one of several financial incentives offered through the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to encourage the adoption of low-carbon heating alternatives and reduce reliance on gas and oil boilers.  

Eligible homeowners in the UK can receive up to £7,500 through this grant. The installation of air source heat pumps is especially beneficial for low-income households looking to reduce energy bills and contribute to a greener environment.  

Why Are Air Source Heat Pumps a Smart Investment in 2025?  

Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air and use it to warm your home and water—even during the winter months. They not only lower your annual heating costs but also play a crucial role in reducing your home’s carbon footprint.  

Here are a few reasons why they’re considered a smart, long-term investment:  

• Energy Efficiency: An air-source heat pump can deliver 2 to 3 times more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes.  
  Source  

• Lower Energy Bills: You can expect significant reductions in your yearly heating expenses.  

• Low Maintenance: Once installed, these systems require minimal upkeep.  

• Environmental Benefits: Heat pumps rely on renewable energy sources, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  
    

Eligibility Criteria for the Air Source Heat Pump Grant in 2025  

To qualify for the air source heat pump grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria:  

• You must own the property (either as a homeowner or a private landlord).  

• A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required with no pending loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations.  

• The air source heat pump must replace a fossil fuel heating system (like gas, oil, or direct electric systems).  

• New builds and social housing are not eligible at this time.  

• Installation must be completed by an MCS-certified installer.  

Source  

How to Check Your Eligibility for the Air Source Heat Pump Grant in 2025  

Applying for the grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:  

1. Find an MCS-certified installer – Your installer must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.  

2. Get a quote and assessment – The installer will evaluate your property and provide a quote.

3. Installer applies on your behalf – Your installer submits the grant application to Ofgem.  

4. Installation takes place – Once approved, the installer can begin the work.  

5. Grant paid directly to the installer – The amount is deducted from your final bill.
     

This streamlined process ensures homeowners receive the grant efficiently and without complications.  

Air Source Heat Pump Grant Eligibility: 2025 Updates 

A number of important changes have been introduced in 2025 to make it easier for homeowners to access government support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and move towards low-carbon heating. The latest updates include: 

• Removal of the 1-metre boundary rule 
  Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) can now be installed closer to property boundaries, making them a more practical option for many households. 

• Increased allowable unit volume for houses 
  The permitted size of ASHP units for houses has increased from 0.6m³ to 1.5m³, allowing for more efficient and higher-capacity systems. 

• Permission for two units on detached homes 
  Detached properties can now accommodate two ASHP units, offering greater flexibility for homes with higher heating demands. 

• More flexible placement rules 
  Installations are now permitted in more locations, including some properties that face directly onto a highway. 

These changes significantly reduce the barriers to installation and make 2025 an ideal time to take advantage of available grants and transition to a more sustainable heating system. 

Infinity: Helping You Make the Green Change in 2025  

If you’re considering a switch to low-carbon heating in 2025, the Air Source Heat Pump Grant is a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your system with government support—and Infinity is here to help you make the most of it. With over ten years of experience in delivering energy-efficient solutions, Infinity provides expert guidance from checking your eligibility to managing the full installation process with certified professionals.

Infinity believes that every home should benefit from clean, efficient, and future-ready heating. That’s why they take the hassle out of the grant process—handling all the paperwork, offering clear advice, and ensuring you access the right funding options without delay.

Whether you’re replacing an outdated system or installing a heat pump for the first time, Infinity works with trusted UK installers and high-performance equipment to ensure your upgrade is both effective and built to last.

With Infinity by your side, applying for the Air Source Heat Pump Grant in 2025 becomes a smooth, stress-free journey—so you can enjoy a warmer home and lower energy bills with confidence.

Conclusion  

The air source heat pump grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme presents an excellent opportunity for UK homeowners to adopt a greener, more cost-effective heating system without the financial strain.  

Whether you’re driven by the desire to save money or reduce your environmental impact, 2025 is the ideal time to take advantage of this powerful government-backed scheme.  

Contact Infinity today to find out how we can help lower your energy bills, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and support the UK’s goal of achieving net zero emissions.