Can I Get a Free Heat Pump in 2026?
Free heat pump grants in 2026 are available through three UK government schemes: the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 towards an air source heat pump, no income test), the Warm Homes Local Grant (fully funded for low-income households), and ECO4 (limited heat pump funding, closing December 2026).
The short answer: yes, it's possible — but it depends on your income, your home, and which grant you apply for. There are currently three government schemes that can help pay for a heat pump in 2026, and one of them can cover the full cost.
This guide compares all three schemes side by side so you can see exactly what you're eligible for and how much you'd pay (if anything). Whether you're a homeowner in Leeds or anywhere else in England and Wales, here's what's available.
The Three Heat Pump Grants Available in 2026
There are three government-backed routes to getting a heat pump fitted in your home:
| Scheme | Grant Amount | Income Test? | Where | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) | £7,500 | No | England & Wales | March 2028 |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant | Full cost covered | Yes (£36,000) | England only | 2028 |
| ECO4 | Full cost covered | Yes (benefits/low income) | England, Scotland & Wales | December 2026 |
1. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) — £7,500 Grant
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the most accessible heat pump grant because it has no income test. Any homeowner in England or Wales replacing a fossil fuel heating system can apply.
What you get
- £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
- £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump
- £5,000 towards a biomass boiler (rural, off-grid properties only)
Who's eligible
- You own the property (including second homes and rental properties)
- You're replacing a fossil fuel heating system (gas, oil, electric, or LPG)
- Your property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- The heat pump must be installed by an MCS-certified installer
- Installation must be completed within 120 days of applying
What you'll pay
The grant covers £7,500 of the total cost. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical air source heat pump installation costs around £11,000, so you'd pay roughly £3,500 out of pocket after the grant. Costs vary depending on your property size, system type, and whether radiator upgrades are needed.
You cannot get a grant for hybrid systems (e.g. a combined gas boiler and heat pump).
2. Warm Homes: Local Grant — Fully Funded
If you're on a lower income, the Warm Homes: Local Grant can cover the full cost of a heat pump — you pay nothing. It's delivered through your local council and is part of the government's £13.2 billion Warm Homes Plan.
Who's eligible
- Your home is in England
- Privately owned (owner-occupied or privately rented)
- EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
- Household income of £36,000 or less — or you live in an eligible postcode area (IMD Income Deciles 1–2), or someone in your household receives qualifying benefits
What you get
Your council arranges a home survey. If a heat pump is recommended, they organise and fund the installation. You can also receive insulation, smart heating controls, and solar panels — all at no cost. See what's available in Hull, Manchester, or your area.
How to apply
Apply online at gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant or call 0800 098 7950 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Saturday, 9am to 12pm).
3. ECO4 — Fully Funded (Ending December 2026)
ECO4 is funded by energy suppliers rather than direct government spending. It can cover the full cost of a heat pump for qualifying households, but it's closing in December 2026 with no replacement announced.
Who's eligible
- You receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, etc.)
- Or your council refers you under ECO4 LA Flex — typically household income below £31,000, or health/vulnerability criteria
- Your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
- Available in England, Scotland, and Wales
⚠️ ECO4 closes 31 December 2026. The government has confirmed there will be no successor supplier obligation scheme. If you think you qualify, apply soon.
Which heat pump grant fits your situation?
Your eligibility depends on your income, property type, and current heating system. Our checker matches you with the right scheme.
Which Grant Should You Apply For?
The best option depends on your income and where you live:
- Any income, own your home, replacing fossil fuel heating? → Start with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. It's the fastest and simplest — no income test, £7,500 towards the cost.
- Income under £36,000 and EPC D or below? → Apply for the Warm Homes: Local Grant. It can cover the full cost of a heat pump plus insulation.
- On benefits or very low income? → Check ECO4 eligibility through your energy supplier or council. This can also cover the full cost, but the scheme is closing soon.
Could You Get a Free Heat Pump?
The Warm Homes Local Grant can fully fund a heat pump for eligible households. Check if you qualify — it takes 2 minutes.
Check My Eligibility — FreeHow Much Does a Heat Pump Actually Cost?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical air source heat pump installation costs around £11,000. The actual cost varies depending on your property size, system type, and whether you need radiator upgrades.
With the BUS grant of £7,500, that brings the typical out-of-pocket cost to around £3,500. With the Warm Homes Local Grant or ECO4, the full cost can be covered.
Is My Home Suitable for a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes. If your home has poor insulation, you may need to address that first — and grants like ECO4 and the Warm Homes Local Grant can cover insulation costs too.
Key things that affect suitability:
- Insulation levels — Cavity wall and loft insulation should be in place first
- Outdoor space — Air source heat pumps need space outside (roughly the size of a washing machine)
- Radiator size — Heat pumps run at lower temperatures, so you may need larger radiators or underfloor heating
- Current heating type — You must be replacing a fossil fuel system (gas, oil, LPG, or electric)
An MCS-certified installer can assess whether your home is suitable and recommend the right system.
⏰ ECO4 closes December 2026 — some suppliers have already met their targets
Don't wait until the deadline. Check what you qualify for while both schemes are still open.
Check Before It's Too LateWhat Happens After ECO4 Ends?
ECO4 closes on 31 December 2026. The government has confirmed there will be no direct successor supplier obligation scheme. However, heat pump funding continues through:
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme — runs until March 2028
- Warm Homes: Local Grant — £500 million committed over 2025–2028
If you're currently eligible for ECO4, it's worth applying before December 2026 while the funding is still available.
How to Get Started
- Check your EPC rating — Find your EPC on gov.uk
- Use our eligibility checker — Check which grants you qualify for in 2 minutes
- Find an MCS installer — Search the MCS register for certified heat pump installers near you
- Apply — Your installer handles the BUS application. For Warm Homes Local Grant, apply directly on gov.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a completely free heat pump?
Yes, if you qualify for the Warm Homes: Local Grant or ECO4. Both can cover the full cost. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 but you may need to pay the remaining balance.
Do I need to be on benefits?
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has no income or benefits test at all. The Warm Homes Local Grant accepts households with income below £36,000 regardless of benefits. Only ECO4 typically requires benefits or a council referral.
Can I combine a heat pump grant with an insulation grant?
You can't get two grants for the same heat pump, but you can get insulation through one scheme and a heat pump through another. For example, ECO4 for insulation and BUS for the heat pump.
How long does installation take?
A typical air source heat pump installation takes 2–5 days. Your installer will advise on timing based on your property.
Will a heat pump save me money on energy bills?
Heat pumps are more than three times more efficient than gas or oil boilers, according to the Energy Saving Trust. However, electricity currently costs around four times more per unit than gas, so actual savings depend on your current system, tariff, and how well-insulated your home is. The EST notes that running costs are currently slightly more than a new gas boiler, but expects savings to improve as electricity prices change.
I'm a tenant — can I get a heat pump?
For the Warm Homes Local Grant and ECO4, private tenants can apply but your landlord must agree. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is for property owners only — your landlord would need to apply.
What happens if ECO4 ends before my installation is complete?
ECO4 measures must be installed and notified before the scheme closes on 31 December 2026. If you're considering ECO4, start the process early to ensure everything is completed in time.
I live in Scotland — what are my options?
Scotland has separate schemes. Check Home Energy Scotland for interest-free loans and grants for heat pumps. ECO4 also covers Scotland until December 2026.
I live in Wales — can I get a free heat pump?
Yes. The Nest Wales scheme can provide free heat pumps as part of a tailored package for eligible households. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme also covers Wales. ECO4 is available across Great Britain until December 2026.
Heat Pump Grants in Your Area
Heat pump grants are available across England. See local eligibility:
- Energy grants in Hull
- Energy grants in Nottingham
- Energy grants in Manchester
- Energy grants by city — all areas
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Important: WarmHomeUK is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the UK Government, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, or Ofgem. Eligibility results are indicative and subject to official assessment. This content does not constitute financial or legal advice.
Written by Forhad Sarker
Forhad has worked inside the UK solar installation industry and now runs WarmHomeUK to make government grant information accessible. He tracks scheme changes across 300+ councils, reads the policy documents, and cross-references every guide against official gov.uk sources.