The heat pump grant: who actually qualifies for the 7,500 pound payment

The hard conditions

1. A valid EPC: the property needs an EPC dated within the last ten years. The cheapest route is usually to insulate first, get the EPC re-issued, then apply.
2. An MCS-certified installer: the installer, not just the engineer on site, must hold MCS certification for the heat pump category being fitted. Cross-check on the MCS register before signing.
3. A single home: new builds and properties already funded through other schemes are generally excluded.

What MCS 020 noise compliance means

Every install must pass the MCS 020 sound assessment: 42 dB(A) or quieter at the nearest neighbour assessment point, calculated on the MCS worksheet. Corner sitings and reflective-surface multipliers catch installers out. If the install fails MCS 020 the grant can be withdrawn, even after install. Ask the installer for the MCS 020 calculation sheet before they fix the unit position.

What the grant does not cover

• Radiator upgrades, often needed for a lower-temperature retrofit.
• A hot-water cylinder replacement if your existing one is incompatible.
• Building works to fit the indoor unit.
• VAT, which is separately zero-rated on a qualifying install until 31 March 2027, so it is not a real out-of-pocket cost.

Application timing

Your installer submits the grant application on your behalf once the install is commissioned, using their MCS reference. You will sign consent forms during the process. Do not pay the installer the grant portion until the grant is confirmed received.

What it costs

Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant

7,500 pounds off For a qualifying air source or ground source heat pump in England and Wales (gov.uk). Applied by the installer.

Install before the grant

Get a quote The unit is roughly a third of the total; the rest is labour, controls, cylinder and pipework.

Radiator or cylinder upgrades

Quote separately Not covered by the grant. Ask whether your home needs them.

We keep the 7,500 pound grant figure because it is a published gov.uk value. The total install cost varies by property, so get an itemised MCS-certified quote and apply the grant against it.

How to choose a vetted trade

• Confirm the installer (not just the engineer) holds MCS certification for the heat pump category, on the MCS register.
• Ask for the MCS 020 noise calculation sheet before they fix the unit position, since a fail can withdraw the grant.
• Get a valid EPC in place first, and do not pay the grant portion until it is confirmed received.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• gov.uk: Boiler Upgrade Scheme
• MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme)
• MCS: Planning standards (MCS 020)