Government and Policy

Comprehensive UK Heat Pump Financing Guide: Rebates, Grants and Loans by Megawave

Why You Need Heat Pump Financing Options

Traditional boilers gulp gas and spit out CO₂. A heat pump uses electricity—often from renewables—to deliver up to four times more heat energy than it consumes. The catch? Installation can cost between £8,000–£14,000. That’s where heat pump financing options come in:

  • Spread the cost with low-interest loans.
  • Slash your bill through grants and rebates.
  • Tap VAT reductions and tax relief.
  • Bundle efficiency upgrades (insulation, sealing) to unlock top-tier funding.

With the right mix, your monthly outlay often beats a boiler replacement. And once you’re set up, operating costs stay low for decades.

Government Grants and Rebates

1. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the centrepiece for homeowners and small businesses. Key points:

  • Grant of £5,000 per heat pump (air source or ground source).
  • Available to domestic and some commercial properties.
  • Applies only if you’re replacing an existing boiler.
  • Simple online application via Ofgem.

“We lowered our installation cost by £5,000—thanks to BUS—and our energy bill fell by £300 a year,” says Claire, a Cornwall homeowner.

2. Local Authority Delivery (LAD)

Local councils hold monthly LAD funding rounds. They can help with:

  • Insulation (wall, roof, floor).
  • Heat pump grants on top of BUS.
  • Targeting low-income and vulnerable households.

Check your council’s energy team. They often prioritise properties with poor EPC ratings.

3. Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Designed for those on low incomes or in fuel poverty:

  • ECO grants cover loft, cavity wall or solid wall insulation.
  • Some councils let you stack ECO and BUS together.
  • Means-tested: you may qualify automatically if on certain benefits.

4. VAT Reduction

On 1 April 2022, the UK reduced VAT on heat pumps from 20% to 5%. That’s a direct saving at checkout.

Low-Interest Loans and Green Finance

Green Home Finance Accelerator

This government-backed scheme matches lenders who offer green loans. Typical features:

  • Loans up to £25,000.
  • Interest rates often below 4%.
  • Flexible terms (5–15 years).

It’s like a matchmaker between you and the bank that loves green projects.

Megawave’s Flexible Finance Options

We know not everyone has perfect credit. That’s why Megawave offers:

  • 0% APR on installations over 3 years.
  • No hidden fees.
  • Online application in under 5 minutes.

Our finance arm and local partners work together to keep approval smooth.

On-Bill Styles and Energy Service Agreements

Inspired by US on-bill recovery loans, some UK pilot schemes let you:

  • Add repayments to your electricity bill.
  • Guarantee that payments don’t exceed estimated energy savings.
  • Transfer payments automatically if you sell the property.

These are still rolling out, so watch our blog for updates via Maggie’s AutoBlog—our AI-driven content platform that keeps you in the loop on the latest schemes.

Explore our features


Tax Breaks and Other Savings

Business Rates Relief

If you run an SME, you might qualify for:

  • 100% relief on business rates for approved green tech.
  • SALIX interest-free loans for public sector bodies.

Capital Allowances

Companies can write down plant and machinery costs against profits:

  • 100% first-year allowance on new heat pumps.
  • Cuts your tax bill this financial year.

VAT on Commercial Installations

Commercial heat pump installs also enjoy the 5% VAT rate. Small wins add up.

Preparing Your Home: Boost Your Eligibility

Grants often demand strong energy efficiency measures first. Think of it like building a race car chassis before adding the engine. Here’s a quick win list:

  • Loft insulation to 300 mm.
  • Cavity wall or solid wall insulation.
  • Draught-proof windows and doors.
  • Smart thermostat or zoning controls.

Megawave can bundle these upgrades with your heat pump. Our installation teams handle it all in one go.

Real-Life Case Study

The Johnson Family, Devon

  • Installed a 12 kW air source heat pump.
  • Upgraded insulation through a LAD grant.
  • Received £5,000 BUS grant + £1,200 council top-up.
  • Used Megawave’s 0% finance over 5 years.
  • Net cost: £3,600. Annual saving: £450.

ROI in under 8 years, with carbon savings of 2.3 tonnes annually.

Why Choose Megawave?

You’ve seen the numbers. Here’s why Megawave stands out:

  • We use R290 zero-carbon refrigerant for minimal climate impact.
  • Expert installation and maintenance included.
  • Flexible finance tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all deal.
  • UK-based support and quick response times.
  • We leverage Maggie’s AutoBlog, our AI-powered platform, to bring you real-time updates on funding and policy changes.

You won’t find a smoother path from enquiry to running at full efficiency.

Next Steps

  1. Check your eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
  2. Gather basic info—proof of income or existing boiler details.
  3. Apply for grants before booking installation.
  4. Book a free site survey with Megawave.
  5. Lock in 0% APR finance or tailor your green loan.

Keep reading our blog for fresh insights. We update Maggie’s AutoBlog daily with new incentives.

Ready to switch? Let’s make your home greener—and cheaper to run.

Get a personalised demo

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