The air source heat pump gives a more efficient and much more eco-friendly means of heating your house. But such installations cost in the region of between £10,000 and £14,000. Prices like these are unreachable, standing, for most house owners. It is here that the Air Source Heat Pump Grant becomes highly relevant.
Under the ECO4 scheme, most qualifying households are in a position to install an air source heat pump wholly free of charge. In other words, the program will green up their heating without requiring them to pay in advance. Below is a guide on how the grant works, who qualified, and how you could apply for a fully funded heat pump under ECO4.
What is an Air-Source Heat Pump?
The air-source heat pump is a form of renewable system that serves the principle of transferring the heat from the outside to your home. Therefore, it is heating not only the water but also the home itself.
Even in cold conditions, ASHPs draw heat from the air. It is, therefore, considered an energy-efficient alternative to conventional heating systems that include either gas or oil boilers.
Working on the principle of absorbing heat from the outside into a fluid, the fluid which has been compressed to raise its temperature thereafter, gives that heat to the heating system of your house.
Basically, there are two types of air-source heat pumps:
Air-water heat pumps:
These are the most common types of all, and air-water heat pumps are finding their way into both central heating and hot water systems. They could be connected either to traditional radiators or with under-floor heating.
Air-to-Air Heat Pumps:
They fall into the category of heating and cooling air directly. And, as a result, becomes quite suitable for properties without any central heating systems.
Air Source Heat Pump Grant: What’s That?
The air source heat pump grants are in favour of heating with renewable technologies. It is a grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in the United Kingdom. Thus financial support is usually given by the government to those house owners or occupiers who switch from old non-efficient boilers to heat pumps.
This system implies that under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, grant funding of up to £7,500 against the cost will be provided for an eligible owner for the installment of an Air Source Heat Pump in his house.
Air Source Heat Pump Grant under ECO4 Scheme
The ECO4 Scheme provides free air source heat pump grants to eligible households in the UK. The government, under this scheme, allows low-income families and those vulnerable to fuel poverty to switch to energy-efficient heating methods in the UK.
ECO4 has made life much easier for householders to replace some ancient, inefficient heating systems with a modern heat pump that will both lower energy bills and cut carbon emissions. All at no installation cost. Your home has got to be inefficient and has a low EPC rating below D, E, F, or G for you to get an air source heat pump for free.
Who Is Eligible for the Air Source Heat Pump Grant?
Some of the key things considered eligible under the air source heat pump grant include:
- Ownership of Property: Available to property owner and private tenant. Social Housing and new-build cannot normally be helped unless the new-build is ‘self built’.
- Insulation: The home in which the heat pump has to operate, must be sufficiently insulated. In all probability, you would require Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation.
- Replacement of Fossil Fuel System: This includes the grant that is available for the replacement of the previous systems that included either gas, oil, or electric boilers. If your home already has an installed renewable heating system, then you will not be eligible for it.
- Income Eligibility: The applicant must have a low income and be in receipt of benefits provided by the government. Which include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit.
- Location: This scheme is available in England, Wales and Scotland. In Northern Ireland, you might want to try the gov site to see what grants are relevant.
- Installer Certification: The heat pump shall be installed by a contractor listed on the MCS register.
What Are the Benefits of an Air Source Heat Pump?
There are several advantages associated with switching over to an air-source heat pump – from you and your home to the outside environment. Some of the benefits are:
Savings Due to Lower Energy Bills:
Air-source heat pumps are remarkably efficient, converting each unit of electricity into three units of heat. If it replaces a particularly uneconomic heating system, then this may result in reasonably big savings on energy bills.
Carbon Emission Reduction:
Basically, air-source heat pumps are renewable resources. Therefore, they emit a very negligible percentage of greenhouse gases compared to heating systems that rely on fossil fuels.
Year-Round Comfort:
Most ASHPs heat up, and cool. They guarantee comfort for the house in every season.
Increased Property Value:
Energy-efficient heating systems raise the value of property and therefore make them more attractive to buyers.
Things to Remember Before the Installation of an Air Source Heat Pump
Air source heat pumps have loads of advantages, but there are a few things to consider before making the switch:
- Insulation: Actually, the heat pump needs a home that is well insulated to efficiently give you the much-needed warmth; consider upgrading if need be.
- Space Requirements: Air source heat pumps do use outdoor space for their unit and do not have small property areas.
- Noise Levels: Admittedly, modern heat pumps are much quieter; however, a little noise generated by the outdoor unit would mean it would be installed in an adequate location.
- Compatibility: Radiators and heating system compatibility will depend on the need to install an air source heat pump because this affects how it should work for performance.
How to Apply for an Air Source Heat Pump Grant
The application process for an air source heat pump grant is relatively easy. Here’s a step-by-step process:
- Research and Choose an MCS-Accredited Installer: Find one that can inspect the property and suggest the best heat pump for their requirements.
- Application Submission: The installer submits the grant application on behalf of the consumer.
- Approve Grant: After the application’s approval, one can get a new air source heat pump grant free of charge. Also, it covers 100% of the installation cost.
- Installation: You will be assigned an installer who then carries out the installation to leave you free to enjoy the renewable heating technology.
The Bottom Line
The ECO4 scheme fully funds an air source heat pump installation that will be made available for low-income households. If eligible, you get to have fitted a modern energy-efficient heat pump instead of your old heating system without having to pay one penny. Helps lower energy bills and carbon emissions while making homes warmer and greener.
Think you might be eligible? Don’t let this opportunity get away; an ECO4 grant is available today to help one get started on economising on heat.
