R290 Propane Refrigerant Heat Pumps Are Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2026
Homeowners considering a heat pump in 2026 will encounter models using R290 propane refrigerant. This natural refrigerant is increasingly common in UK heat pump models. The question is straightforward: can you get the government grant for one.
Yes. R290 propane heat pumps are fully eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) in 2026, and the grant amount is £7,500 (GOV.UK, Boiler Upgrade Scheme guidance, 2026). This is the same grant available for any MCS-certified air source or ground source heat pump, regardless of refrigerant type.
To qualify for the BUS grant, your property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation. The installer must be registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and TrustMark. You must own the property or have written landlord consent if you are a tenant.
R290 Propane Refrigerant Is a Lower-GWP Alternative to R32 and R410A
R290 (propane) has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3, compared to R32 (GWP 675) and R410A (GWP 2,088) (DESNZ, F-Gas Regulation phase-down data, 2026). This makes it one of the lowest-GWP refrigerants available for domestic heat pumps. GWP is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere relative to carbon dioxide, so a lower GWP means less climate impact per kilogram of refrigerant.
R290 is a natural refrigerant classified as A3 under safety standards, meaning it is flammable. This affects where and how the heat pump can be installed. Indoor units must meet strict refrigerant charge limits: a maximum of 1.5 kg for indoor installations under BS EN 378 (BRE, BS EN 378 guidance, 2026). Outdoor units have higher limits.
UK heat pump models using R290 include brands such as Vaillant, Daikin, and Samsung, as listed in the MCS Product Database (MCS Product Database, 2026). Propane heat pumps typically operate at higher flow temperatures than older refrigerants, making them more suitable for existing radiator systems without requiring extensive pipework upgrades.
R290 Propane Heat Pumps Are Eligible for the Clean Heat Market Mechanism
The Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) is a policy that requires boiler manufacturers to ensure a rising percentage of their sales are heat pumps. R290 models count toward these manufacturer targets (DESNZ, Clean Heat Market Mechanism policy paper, 2026).
Homeowners who install an R290 heat pump are not directly penalised or rewarded by the CHMM. The mechanism applies to manufacturers, not to households. It does not affect BUS grant eligibility, installer requirements, or the cost you pay for the heat pump. The CHMM is a supply-side policy built to increase heat pump availability and competition, which may indirectly affect prices over time.
Quick Numbers R290 Heat Pump Performance and Cost Ranges
| Metric | Typical Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of Performance (COP) at 7°C outdoor / 35°C flow | 3.5–4.5 | MCS Heat Pump Installer Standard MIS 3005, 2026 |
| Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) for average UK climate | 3.0–4.0 | Energy Saving Trust, Heat Pump Performance Data, 2026 |
| Installation cost (after BUS grant) | £4,000–£8,000 | Energy Saving Trust, Heat Pump Cost Report, 2026 |
| Annual running cost for a 3-bed semi-detached home | £500–£800 | Energy Saving Trust, Running Cost Calculator, 2026 |
| Refrigerant charge limit for indoor installation | 1.5 kg | BS EN 378, 2026 |
Who Qualifies for an R290 Heat Pump Grant Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Homeowners in England and Wales can apply for the £7,500 BUS grant for an R290 heat pump if the property has a valid EPC (GOV.UK, BUS eligibility page, 2026). The property must not have an existing fossil fuel heating system that is less than 15 years old, unless you are replacing a failed system that cannot be repaired.
Landlords and social housing providers are eligible, but the grant is capped at one per property. Off-gas-grid homes (e.g., oil or LPG heating) qualify. On-gas-grid homes also qualify if the heat pump replaces a gas boiler. There is no requirement to be off-grid. Compare heat pump running costs vs gas boiler
The key caveat is insulation. If your EPC lists loft or cavity wall insulation as outstanding recommendations, you must complete those measures before applying. The BUS does not require you to install them, but the EPC must show they are done or not recommended.
How to Verify an MCS-Certified R290 Heat Pump Installer
The installer must be registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). You can check the MCS Installer Database at mcs.org.uk (MCS Installer Database, 2026). The installer must also hold TrustMark registration for consumer protection.
For R290 specifically, the installer must have completed R290 refrigerant handling training under F-Gas Regulation Category 1 or 2, plus a propane-specific module. This is because R290 is flammable and requires additional safety knowledge. Use the MCS website to filter by “heat pump” and “R290” refrigerant type. Confirm the installer is listed for your postcode before proceeding. TrustMark registered installer checklist
R290 Heat Pumps Are a Direct Answer to the Keyword “R290 Propane Heat Pump UK”
An R290 propane heat pump is a heat pump that uses propane (R290) as the refrigerant. It is available in the UK as air source or ground source models. It is eligible for the same BUS grant as other heat pumps, with a £7,500 award in 2026.
The key difference from R32 or R410A models is lower GWP and slightly higher flow temperatures. This can improve compatibility with existing radiators, which is a common concern for homeowners switching from gas boilers. Installation requires MCS certification and specific refrigerant handling training due to flammability. The cost after grant is typically £4,000 to £8,000, and annual running costs for a 3-bed semi-detached home range from £500 to £800.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, R290 propane heat pumps are fully eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2026, offering a £7,500 grant. This applies to any MCS-certified heat pump, regardless of refrigerant type, per GOV.UK guidance.
R290 (propane) has a Global Warming Potential of 3, according to DESNZ F-Gas Regulation data. This is significantly lower than R32 (GWP 675) and R410A (GWP 2,088), making it one of the most eco-friendly options.
Yes, R290 is classified as A3 under safety standards, meaning it is flammable. Indoor installations are limited to a maximum of 1.5 kg refrigerant charge under BS EN 378, as detailed by BRE guidance.
UK models using R290 include Vaillant, Daikin, and Samsung, as listed in the MCS Product Database. These propane heat pumps typically operate efficiently in various climates.
Your EPC must have no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation to qualify for the BUS grant. You also need to own the property or have written landlord consent.
