Government may offer installment grants of up to £7,500 for air conditioning installations
**UK Government Contemplates Expansion of Boiler Upgrade Scheme to Include Air-to-Air Heat Pumps**
In a significant move towards promoting climate-friendly technology, the UK government is considering an expansion of its Boiler Upgrade Scheme to incorporate air-to-air heat pumps. Launched in July 2025, a consultation invites public and industry opinions on the eligibility of these systems for the £7,500 grant currently offered for other types of heat pumps[1].
The proposed change, if approved, would make air-to-air heat pumps, which offer both heating and cooling, eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. These systems, not currently included in the heat pump grant scheme, have garnered support from industry figures, including manufacturers like Daikin, NIBE, and Baxi Heating[1]. They believe that the move will help reduce costs and boost adoption.
The consultation also encompasses proposals for more flexible ownership and leasing models for air source heat pumps. This could potentially make these systems more accessible to homeowners. Moreover, the consultation signals a broader shift in home energy policy towards climate adaptation, as it includes proposals for air-to-air heat pumps that offer cooling, a crucial feature in addressing rising summer temperatures[2].
While the exact timeline for the decision remains uncertain, the government's active exploration of the issue suggests that a decision could be announced soon. The consultation's focus on assessing public and industry views indicates that the decision-making process may be influenced by feedback from stakeholders[1].
In a statement, a government spokesperson emphasised the importance of considering future-ready technologies in light of increasingly frequent extreme heat events. This move towards air-to-air heat pumps is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable and adaptive home energy solutions[2].
Dean Franklin, winner of The Apprentice and founder of ADL Air Conditioning, is among those advocating for the inclusion of air conditioning systems in grants schemes. His business specialises in domestic and commercial air conditioning installations[3].
The consultation also supports emerging technologies like heat batteries, further underscoring the government's commitment to a green and sustainable energy future[1]. Ed Miliband, in Parliament last month, confirmed the consultation on expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include air-to-air heat pumps[4].
If the consultation results in the inclusion of air-to-air heat pumps in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, it could represent a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions from homes and promoting energy efficiency.
[1] Department for Energy Security and Net Zero [2] BBC News [3] The Guardian [4] Parliament.uk
- Given the UK government's intention to promote climate-friendly technology, a consultation was launched to potentially expand the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to incorporate air-to-air heat pumps, which are currently excluded from the heat pump grant scheme.
- Air-to-air heat pumps, capable of both heating and cooling, have gained support from industry figures, believing that their inclusion in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme could help reduce costs and boost adoption.
- The consultation also proposes more flexible ownership and leasing models for air source heat pumps, aimed at making these systems more accessible to homeowners.
- Meanwhile, the consultation signals a shift in home energy policy towards climate adaptation, as it includes proposals for air-to-air heat pumps that offer cooling – a critical feature in addressing rising summer temperatures.
- The government's move towards air-to-air heat pumps is a part of a broader effort to promote sustainable and adaptive home energy solutions, in line with the increasing frequency of extreme heat events.
- A focus on assessing public and industry views indicates that the decision-making process may be influenced by feedback from stakeholders, and a timely decision could earn the inclusion of air-to-air heat pumps in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, potentially marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions from homes and promoting energy efficiency.
