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Heat pumps, in plain English

A heat pump is an electric unit that moves heat from outside air into your home. It replaces a boiler.

Grant

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives £7,500 in England and Wales, through an MCS installer. Off the gas grid on oil or LPG? You could get £1,500 more for an air or ground source heat pump, until March 2027. Air-to-air heat pumps get £2,500. Off-gas homes

Source: GOV.UK, Boiler Upgrade Scheme: what you can get. Checked 25 Oct 2026

Running costs

Gas is 7.97p per kWh and electricity 26.32p under the Ofgem price cap, Oct–Dec 2026. The Energy Saving Trust says heat pumps are more than three times more efficient than a gas or oil boiler. So running costs could be similar or lower, depending on your home and tariff. Our calculator is coming soon.

Efficiency: Energy Saving Trust, Air source heat pumps, checked 25 Oct 2026

Typical installed costs: Boiler Upgrade Scheme statistics (heat pump costs).

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Heat pump questions

Will a heat pump work in my home?

Most homes can have one. It works best in a well-insulated home. An MCS installer (certified to the UK standard) will check your home first.

Do I need new radiators?

Sometimes. A heat pump runs cooler than a boiler, so some rooms may need bigger radiators. Your installer will tell you.

Which grant can I get?

In England and Wales, £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Air-to-air heat pumps get £2,500. See all grants. Source: GOV.UK, Boiler Upgrade Scheme: what you can get, checked 25 Oct 2026.

Do I need planning permission?

Often not, but rules vary across the UK. Listed buildings and conservation areas may need it. Check with your council.