The UK’s push for greener heating – and why you don’t want to miss the moment
If you’ve been hearing more about air-source heat pumps lately, you’re not alone — and it’s no coincidence. The UK government has made it clear: gas boilers are on their way out, and heat pumps are the low-carbon heating system of the future. With major incentives on offer and policy changes just around the corner, 2025 is shaping up to be the smartest time to make the switch.
So if you’re looking for a heat pump installation in Cheshire, now’s the time to act.
Heat pumps are the government’s top pick
Home heating is one of the UK’s biggest sources of carbon emissions — mainly thanks to the millions of gas boilers still in use. That’s why the government has set a target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028. From 2026, all new homes will be built with low-carbon heating systems as standard, and starting April 2025, boiler manufacturers will be required to sell more heat pumps under a new law called the Clean Heat Market Mechanism.
In short: the heat pump rollout is not just encouraged — it’s being written into law.
Big money grants make it more affordable than ever
If the upfront cost of switching has put you off, here’s the good news. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) currently offers a £7,500 grant to help cover the cost of installing a heat pump — one of the most generous schemes in Europe. Add to that the current 0% VAT on installation (until 2027), and it’s easy to see why more homeowners are jumping in.
And it doesn’t stop there. More funding is on the way through the Warm Homes Plan, which also includes help for insulation and energy upgrades. But as demand rises, these grants won’t last forever — and delays could mean missing out.
Cheaper to run and future-proof
Modern heat pumps are incredibly efficient — they can deliver three to four times more heat than the electricity they use. That makes them a solid long-term investment, especially as electricity prices are expected to stay more stable than gas in the years ahead.
They’re also a smart move if you want to boost your property’s energy rating, make your home greener, or stay ahead of future regulations (the government plans to phase out new gas boilers by 2035).
Why 2025 is the sweet spot
Right now, everything is lining up in your favour. Generous grants are available, VAT is at 0%, planning rules are being simplified, and more installers are being trained every day. But these incentives won’t last forever. The 0% VAT rate ends in 2027, and as more people apply for grants, funding could dry up sooner than you think.
If you wait too long, you could face higher prices, longer wait times, and miss out on the financial help currently on the table.
So, if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your heating system, now’s the time to act. Whether you want to reduce your bills, your carbon footprint, or simply future-proof your home, investing in a heat pump in 2025 makes more sense than ever.