What the Boiler Upgrade Scheme change means
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been expanded to include air conditioning, as ACR Journal reports. This is a significant shift. Previously the scheme focused solely on heat pumps and biomass boilers for heating. Now homeowners can claim grants for efficient cooling systems too. The move reflects rising summer temperatures and demand for air conditioning in UK homes.
Who qualifies and how much you can get
Grants of up to £7,500 are available for eligible air conditioning installations, according to the same ACR Journal article. To qualify, the system must meet efficiency standards and be installed by an MCS-certified installer. The property must also have adequate insulation. This is similar to heat pump grants. For a typical 3-bed semi, this could cover a significant portion of the installation cost, which ranges from £3,000 to £6,000 for a single-room unit.
How this affects your EPC rating
Adding air conditioning can improve your Energy Performance Certificate rating. Efficient cooling systems reduce overall energy use compared to portable units. This change aligns with the government’s net-zero targets. The scheme is part of the wider Heat and Buildings Strategy. Homeowners should note that the grant is for air-to-air heat pumps, which provide both heating and cooling. This makes them a versatile upgrade.
A real-world retrofit story
A separate ACR Journal feature highlights a heat pump retrofit that transformed a home’s comfort. The owners reported lower energy bills and better temperature control. This shows the practical benefits of such upgrades. With the new air conditioning eligibility, more households can replicate this success.
Next steps for homeowners
Check your eligibility now. You need a valid EPC and a quote from an MCS-certified installer. Apply through the Ofgem portal. The grant is available until 2028. Consider combining with other schemes like ECO4 for insulation. Act quickly as demand may rise. For a typical 3-bed semi, the upfront cost after grant could be as low as £1,500 for a single room. This makes it a viable option for many.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme now covers air conditioning, offering grants of up to £7,500 for eligible installations. You need an MCS-certified installer, a valid EPC, and adequate insulation to qualify.
For a typical 3-bed semi, a single-room air conditioning unit costs between £3,000 and £6,000. After a £7,500 grant, your upfront cost could be as low as £1,500. That makes it affordable for many UK homeowners.
Yes, installing efficient air conditioning, such as air-to-air heat pumps, can improve your Energy Performance Certificate rating. It reduces overall energy use compared to portable units, aligning with UK net-zero targets.
You need a valid EPC, a quote from an MCS-certified installer, and your property must have adequate insulation. The system must meet efficiency standards, and the grant is available until 2028 through the Ofgem portal.
Yes, you can combine it with schemes like ECO4 for insulation upgrades. This can further reduce costs and improve your home's energy efficiency, especially for a typical 3-bed semi.
