Updates to Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The government has expanded the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to include air-to-air heat pumps, recognising their role in cutting energy use and carbon emissions in off-gas and all-electric homes.

Air-to-air heat pumps distribute heat via indoor fan units, with refrigerant carried in pipework between the indoor and outdoor units. This means installations must be carried out by F-gas-qualified engineers.

Air-to-air systems typically do not produce domestic hot water and cannot be installed in kitchens or bathrooms without ducting, but they offer a highly efficient alternative to electric storage heaters and direct-electric systems. Their lower installation cost is reflected in the £2,500 BUS grant, compared with £7,500 for air-to-water heat pumps.

Kevin Lowe, technical manager at the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council, said: “Air-to-air heat pumps won’t replace air-to-water systems in homes with radiators, but they provide a much better use of electricity in all-electric, off-gas homes. Including air-to-air in the BUS widens access to efficient, low-carbon heating and opens up new opportunities for installers with F-gas qualifications.”