Air source and ground source heat pump information
Heat pumps are the future of home heating in Britain. Learn about air and ground source options, the £7,500 BUS grant, running costs, and whether your home is suitable for the switch.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards your heat pump installation. Learn eligibility requirements, the application process, and real homeowner experiences claiming this substantial government grant.
TLDR: Heat pumps cost £600-£1,200/year to run depending on home size and efficiency. Cheaper than oil (£1,500+) and comparable to gas (£800-£1,200) at current prices.
TLDR: Ground source heat pumps cost £18,000-£35,000 installed. The £7,500 BUS grant helps. They're more efficient than air source but require garden space for ground loops. Best for larger homes off the gas grid.
TLDR: The BUS grant provides £7,500 towards air source heat pumps and £7,500 for ground source. You need EPC no worse than D and no gas boiler funded by BUS previously. Here's how to apply.
TLDR: Modern heat pumps run at 40-60 dB—similar to a fridge or quiet conversation. Noise mainly comes from the outdoor unit fan. Proper placement and barriers can reduce impact. Here's what to know.
TLDR: Octopus offers specialised tariffs for clean energy homes. Cosy (10p heat pump hours), Go (7-9p overnight EV), Flux (solar export premium). Here's how to choose the right one.
TLDR: Scotland offers up to £15,000 interest-free loans plus £7,500 cashback for heat pumps through Home Energy Scotland. That's potentially £7,500 grant equivalent. Here's how to access it.
TLDR: Heat pump size depends on your home's heat loss, not just floor area. Oversizing wastes money; undersizing leaves you cold. A proper heat loss calculation is essential. Here's how it works.
TLDR: Underfloor heating works brilliantly with heat pumps because it runs at lower temperatures (35-45°C vs 55-70°C for radiators). This maximises heat pump efficiency and comfort. Here's what to know.
TLDR: EPC ratings run A-G, measuring home energy efficiency. The BUS heat pump grant requires EPC D or better. Improving from E to D often needs just loft insulation or LEDs. Here's how it works.
TLDR: Heat pumps work at lower temperatures than gas boilers, so radiators may need upsizing. Often 1-3 radiators need upgrading, not all. A heat loss assessment identifies which ones. Cost: £200-£400 per radiator replaced.
The government has increased the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant to £7,500 for air source heat pumps. Here's everything you need to know about applying, MCS certification requirements, and real stories from homeowners who've successfully claimed.