A warmer, more efficient home made simple.

For eligible properties in England and Wales, the current Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 towards an air-to-water or ground-source heat pump, £2,500 towards an eligible residential air-to-air heat pump, and £5,000 towards biomass in limited circumstances. Eligible off-gas properties replacing oil or LPG with an air-to-water or ground-source heat pump can currently receive £9,000 until 31 March 2027.

The scheme is for property owners in England and Wales replacing a qualifying fossil-fuel or direct-electric heating system. It can include homeowners, private landlords, second homes and eligible small non-domestic properties. Most new builds, social housing and properties that have already received public funding for a heat pump are excluded. EPC can check the proposed technology and property route, while Ofgem makes the final eligibility decision.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is installer-led. An MCS-certified installer applies for and redeems the voucher on the property owner’s behalf. The approved grant is shown as an upfront reduction on the quotation and invoice rather than paid directly to the homeowner.

ECO4 is targeted support rather than a universal grant. Eligible lower-income or vulnerable households may receive a package of measures through an obligated energy supplier or local-authority Flex route. The work is based on a whole-home assessment and the approved measures vary, so a heat pump or boiler replacement is not automatically guaranteed. ECO4 currently runs to 31 December 2026.

Modern air-source heat pumps are designed for residential use, but every outdoor unit produces some sound. The final result depends on the model, operating conditions, mounting and location. EPC assesses noise as part of the MCS design and planning process rather than relying on one generic decibel claim.

Yes, when the system is correctly selected and designed. Modern heat pumps can extract heat from cold outdoor air. EPC sizes the system using the property’s design heat loss and local design temperature so winter performance is considered before installation.

Often, but it must be checked room by room. Underfloor heating works particularly well with lower flow temperatures. Existing radiators may be suitable in some rooms, while others may need larger radiators or changes to achieve the required output efficiently.

Yes. Solar can contribute electricity while it is generating, and a battery may help shift some electricity use. The best combination depends on seasonal generation, heat-pump demand, tariff and battery capacity, so EPC considers the technologies together rather than promising that solar will cover all heating use.

Usually at the side or rear of the property on a stable base or suitable wall brackets, with adequate airflow and service access. The exact position is chosen after considering noise, pipe runs, appearance, drainage, boundaries and planning requirements.

Many domestic air-source heat-pump installations in England fall under permitted development, but only when all relevant limits and conditions are met, including the applicable MCS planning standard. Listed buildings, conservation areas, flats and some locations may need additional approval. EPC checks the proposed position and flags when planning advice or permission is required.

Qualifying installations of air-source, ground-source and water-source heat pumps in residential accommodation are currently zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. EPC will confirm the VAT treatment that applies to the final installation.

There is no reliable single figure for every home. The final customer contribution depends on the required heat-pump output, cylinder, controls, radiators or underfloor heating, pipework, electrical work and access. EPC’s quotation should show the complete project price, any approved grant deduction and the remaining amount clearly.

The heating system being replaced makes a major difference. Using April–June 2026 government modelling for a medium-energy-use household and a well-designed heat pump achieving SPF 3.9, the indicative annual saving is £148 against a modern gas boiler, £359–£604 against heating oil, £909 against LPG, £887 against Economy 7 storage heating and £1,793 against direct electric heating. For a higher-energy-use household, the corresponding figures are £168, £531–£893, £1,344, £1,312 and £2,651. These are illustrative comparisons rather than guaranteed household savings.

Not necessarily. Savings against a modern gas boiler may be modest, particularly if the gas connection is retained or the heat pump performs poorly. A well-designed system, suitable flow temperatures, correct controls and an appropriate electricity tariff all affect the outcome. EPC compares the current heating information with the proposed system performance rather than promising a universal saving.

Usually, yes. Financial savings and carbon savings are different outcomes. A correctly designed heat pump moves heat efficiently rather than burning fuel in the home and can deliver around three to four units of heat for each unit of electricity used. UK Government guidance says a standard air-source heat pump can produce up to 70% less carbon dioxide over 15 years than a gas boiler. The actual result depends on system performance, the electricity supply and the heating system being replaced.

Heat pumps operate most efficiently when they can heat the property using lower water temperatures. Accurate room-by-room heat-loss calculations, correct equipment sizing, suitable radiators or underfloor heating, effective controls and proper commissioning all affect how much electricity the system uses. A poorly designed system may provide little or no saving even when the equipment itself is high quality.

Seasonal Performance Factor measures the useful heat produced for each unit of electricity used across a complete year. An SPF of 3.9 means the system supplies approximately 3.9 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. EPC calculates the expected seasonal performance for the proposed system and property before the final recommendation.

Most air-to-water heat-pump systems need a compatible hot-water cylinder. Some homes already have a suitable cylinder, while others need a new one or a different location. EPC checks household hot-water demand and available space during the survey.

The duration depends on the property and agreed scope, including cylinder, radiator, pipework and electrical changes. EPC confirms the planned programme before work begins and coordinates removal, installation, commissioning and handover to minimise disruption.

Warranty length and conditions depend on the selected manufacturer and installed components. EPC registers the agreed warranties, explains the controls at handover and can confirm the servicing and ongoing support options included or available for the final package.

Not always. EPC checks the existing electrical supply, consumer equipment and proposed heat-pump demand. Where a supply or electrical upgrade is needed, this should be identified and explained before the final installation is agreed.

EPC supports heat-pump projects across the UK. Survey and installation availability can vary by postcode and current team capacity, so enter the property postcode and EPC will confirm the appropriate next step.

Finance options may be available for eligible customers and suitable packages. Credit is subject to age, status, affordability and lender terms. EPC Improvements Ltd acts as a credit broker rather than a lender, and the approved illustration must be reviewed before entering an agreement.