Housing & energy grants

If you live in England or Wales and want to replace your existing gas, oil or electric boiler with a heat pump or biomass boiler, you could get £7,500 towards the cost of doing so.

You should be eligible providing you own the property, though some may need to install insulation before any work is completed on your heating system in order to be eligible (your installer will tell you if you need it).

You don't need to apply to get the scheme, your chosen installer will apply on your behalf – though make sure you choose an installer certified by the Microgeneration Certification Service (MCS).

In Scotland, there's a similar scheme, enabling homeowners to apply for a grant of £7,500 (or up to £9,000 for those living in rural and island homes) to install a heat pump, as well as the option to borrow an interest-free loan for extra funding needed. Find out more from Home Energy Scotland.

Home upgrade grant in England

If you're off the main gas grid, on low income and have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating from D to G, you might be eligible for a home upgrade grant (HUG). This could include energy efficiency measures such as wall, loft and underfloor insulation, installation of heat pumps, solar panels, double glazing, low energy lighting and electric storage heaters.

It's only available to certain postcodes in England, and you need to apply through your local council. Check if you're eligible, and if you are, you'll be redirected to apply through your local council.

Warmer Homes Scheme Scotland

In Scotland, you can apply for a grant of up to £7,500 (or £9,000 if you live in a rural or island area) to help fund energy-efficiency home improvements, including central heating, radiators, heating controls, draught-proofing and insulation. You have to have lived in your property for at least 12 months and be in receipt of certain benefits, or over 75 with no working heating system. More info and how to apply from Warmer Homes Scotland.

The Nest scheme in Wales

The Welsh Government's 'Nest' scheme provides free advice and support to help people in Wales improve the energy efficiency of their home. It also offers free energy efficiency improvements to help reduce your energy bills, such as insulation, solar panels or heat pumps. You'll need to own or privately rent your home, which has an EPC rating of D or less, as well as be on low income, in receipt of a means-tested benefit AND have a chronic respiratory, circulatory or mental health condition. See full details and eligibility criteria.

Affordable Warmth Scheme Northern Ireland

If your annual household income is less than £23,000, you could be eligible for a grant to install a range of improvements, from insulation to heating systems and controls, and even a full conversion from heating oil to gas heating. You can find out more in our Cheap Northern Ireland electricity guide.