Air conditioning could soon be covered by government heat pump grants
Could you soon get £7,500 off the cost of your air con installation?(Image credit: Antonio_Diaz on Getty Images)
The UK government is considering expanding its Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include air-to-air heat pumps that offer both heating and cooling.
A consultation launched in July 2025 seeks views on whether these systems should be eligible for the £7,500 grant currently available for other types of heat pumps.
The proposal comes amid growing concerns over rising summer temperatures and the need for homes to adapt.
Government explores adding cooling to grant scheme
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has opened a consultation to assess whether air-to-air heat pumps should be eligible for support through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
These systems, which provide both heating and cooling, are not currently included in the heat pump grant scheme.
A government spokesperson said: “With extreme heat becoming more frequent, it’s right to consider how future-ready technologies can be supported alongside existing clean heat options.”
The department indicated that the change could be made using existing Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding, with no expected increase to overall costs.
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Installers and manufacturers call for broader eligibility
Franklin, whose business is backed by Lord Sugar, says customer demand has shifted: “Consumers want systems that work all year round - not just heating in winter.”
Several manufacturers, such as Daikin, NIBE and Baxi Heating, have also indicated that wider eligibility could help reduce costs through scale, supporting both affordability and adoption.
Dean Franklin
Dean Franklin is the founder of ADL Air Conditioning, a London- and Essex-based company specialising in domestic and commercial air conditioning installations.
Consultation signals wider shift in home energy policy
The consultation also includes proposals to allow more flexible ownership and leasing models for air source heat pumps, and to support emerging technologies like heat batteries.
Experts say expanding the scheme to include cooling reflects a broader shift in policy toward climate adaptation.
Ed Miliband confirmed last month in Parliament: “In my Department, as we drive forward our plan to upgrade millions of homes, we have consulted on expanding the boiler upgrade scheme to include air-to-air heat pumps, which can offer cooling as well as heating.”
A decision on the consultation is expected later in 2025, with implementation possible in 2026.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
