If you live in a rural home heated by oil or LPG, recent energy price spikes may have left you wondering whether now is the right time to switch to a heat pump. The good news is that the government is planning to increase financial support for households making the move away from fossil fuel heating.

In our recent article about rural properties being hit by sudden increases in oil and LPG prices, we highlighted that heat pumps offer a more stable and energy-efficient alternative. Now, new changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) could make switching even more affordable.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant Increasing to £9,000

The government has announced plans to increase the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant from £7,500 to £9,000 for homeowners in England and Wales replacing oil boilers or LPG boilers with an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump.

The increased grant is aimed specifically at rural and off-grid households, which are often more exposed to volatile fuel prices because they do not benefit from the energy price cap.

Applications will continue to be made through your installer, with the increased funding expected to become available from July 2026.

Could a Heat Pump Reduce Your Heating Costs?

A well-designed and properly installed heat pump can be incredibly efficient. Heat pumps can typically produce at least 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used, meaning a heat pump could be four to five times as efficient as your current heating system.

According to the Energy Saving Trust:

• an average home switching from an A-rated LPG boiler to a heat pump could save around £270 per year
• households replacing an older LPG heating system could save as much as £700 annually
  

Actual savings will depend on:

• insulation levels
• energy prices
• heating system design
• how the home is used

Heat Pumps Work Best in Energy-Efficient Homes

Any heating system will perform better if your house is good at holding onto heat.

Measures such as:

• loft insulation
• draught-proofing
• improved glazing
• upgraded radiators
• underfloor heating

Can all help a heat pump run more efficiently and improve comfort levels.

Looking for a Local Heat Pump Installer?

If you’re considering a heat pump and want to find a trusted local installer, visit the MEA Installer Directory.

Need Independent Advice About Heat Pumps?

For free and independent advice about:

• heat pumps
• insulation
• reducing heating costs
• home energy efficiency

Contact Marches Energy Advice on 0800 677 1307.