How to Apply for UK Air Source Heat Pump Grants in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get Ahead with Heat Pump Grant Eligibility in 2026

Thinking about swapping your old boiler for an air source heat pump? You’re in good company. The UK’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme is back in 2026, offering up to £9,000 to cut the upfront cost. This guide breaks down every step—from checking heat pump grant eligibility to filling in the final form.

We’ll cover:
– What an air source heat pump does
– The benefits beyond savings
– Grant details and eligibility criteria
– A clear, actionable application process
– How Megawave’s eco-friendly solutions outperform generic installers

Ready to see if you qualify for government support? Explore heat pump grant eligibility with Megawave’s eco-friendly heating solutions

What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump (ASHP) transfers heat from the outside air to heat your home and water. No fuel burning—just electricity doing the heavy lifting.

• It absorbs ambient heat.
• Compresses it to a higher temperature.
• Delivers warm air or hot water on demand.

Even at low outdoor temperatures, ASHPs can generate 2–3 units of heat for every unit of electricity used. That efficiency translates into lower bills and fewer emissions. Compared to ground source systems, air source models need no drilling—making them a top pick for many homes.

Benefits of Switching to a Heat Pump

Beyond grant savings, air source heat pumps shine in several areas:

• Eco-Friendly Operation
  They draw on ambient air—a renewable source.

• Reduced Carbon Footprint
  An ASHP can cut heating emissions by up to 60%.

• Lower Running Costs
  High efficiency equals smaller energy bills.

• Zero-Carbon Refrigerants
  Megawave uses R290 refrigerant, slashing greenhouse impact.

• Expert Installation & Maintenance
  Our MCS-accredited engineers handle everything, from design to annual servicing.

• Flexible Finance Options
  Spread the cost with 0% deposit plans, tailored to your budget.

UK Heat Pump Grant Scheme 2026: What’s on Offer

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is the UK’s flagship incentive for low-carbon heating.

• Standard Grant: £7,500 off installation costs.
• Rural Uplift: £9,000 for eligible rural properties.
• Who Runs It: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
• Duration: Running until spring 2028, subject to funding.

This grant covers air source heat pumps replacing existing gas, oil, or coal boilers in England and Wales. Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t delay.

Checking Your Heat Pump Grant Eligibility

Before you call an installer, make sure you tick these boxes for heat pump grant eligibility:

1. You own the property.
2. You’re replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system.
3. Your home has a valid EPC with no pending insulation recommendations.
4. If you rent out homes, landlords can apply too.
5. Rural properties could qualify for the £9,000 uplift.

Pro tip: Get a quick eligibility check from Megawave’s online tool. It takes under a minute and flags any issues before you commit.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Applying for a heat pump grant isn’t rocket science. Follow these steps:

1. Verify Eligibility
   Double-check the criteria or ask a Megawave advisor for a free pre-check.
2. Choose an MCS-Accredited Installer
   Only certified installers can lodge your grant. Megawave’s engineers cover all UK regions.
3. Submit the Grant Application
   Your installer handles the paperwork. Once approved, the grant is deducted from your invoice.
4. Installation & Compliance
   We install, test and certify your system to meet building regulations.
5. Enjoy Low-Carbon Heating
   Benefit from efficient performance, ongoing support, and potential energy bill cuts.

Need a hand? Check your heat pump grant eligibility with Megawave’s expert team

Financing Your Air Source Heat Pump

Even with grants, you may prefer spreading the cost:

• Zero-deposit finance plans
• Low-interest rates over 5–10 years
• Monthly payments tailored to your budget

Megawave’s flexible finance options ensure you don’t have to wait to make the switch. We handle the grant, so your monthly figure covers the remaining balance.

iHeat vs Megawave: Which Service Suits You?

If you’ve browsed online, you’ve likely seen guides from iHeat. They explain the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, but here’s where Megawave goes further:

• iHeat: Standard BUS grant info and quotes.
  • Limited refrigerant options (commonly R410A).
  • Basic financing partnerships.
  • Standard installation service.

• Megawave: All the above, plus:
  • Zero-carbon R290 refrigerant for a greener footprint.
  • In-house MCS-accredited engineers for consistent quality.
  • Flexible, 0% deposit finance.
  • Comprehensive maintenance plans to keep your system at peak efficiency.

That means you get a truly eco-friendly solution with predictable costs and ongoing support—no hidden extras.

Aftercare and Performance Monitoring

A great install is just the start. Megawave offers:

• Annual servicing packages.
• Remote performance monitoring.
• Priority support lines.

This ensures your ASHP remains efficient and reliable for years, maximising grant value and energy savings.

Real-World Savings: A Case Study

Consider Mrs Patel in rural Devon. She received the £9,000 rural uplift. After installation:

• Annual heating bill dropped by £420.
• Carbon emissions cut by 1.2 tonnes/year.
• Comfort levels improved with more even heat distribution.

She paired the ASHP with existing solar panels, further trimming her grid reliance. That’s the Megawave difference.

Ready to Upgrade Your Home?

Don’t let grant funding slip away. If you’re wondering about heat pump grant eligibility or need a full quote, now’s the time to act.

Discover your heat pump grant eligibility with Megawave’s tailored installation services