If your property is located near a suitable river, lake, canal or other body of water, you may be able to install a water source heat pump with help from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides government grants towards eligible water source heat pump installations in England and Wales, helping property owners switch from fossil fuel heating to lower-carbon alternatives.
Eligible applicants can currently receive a grant of up to £7,500 towards a qualifying water source heat pump installation.
What Is a Water Source Heat Pump Grant?
A water source heat pump grant helps reduce the cost of installing an eligible heating system that extracts heat from a nearby water source.
The grant is available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and is applied for by an MCS-certified installer on your behalf.
How Much Can You Get?
Eligible installations can currently receive:
- Up to £7,500 towards the installation of a qualifying water source heat pump.
The grant is deducted from the installation cost, reducing the amount you pay.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify if:
- Your property is located in England or Wales.
- You satisfy the Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility requirements.
- Your property is suitable for a water source heat pump installation.
- An MCS-certified installer completes the installation.
How Do Water Source Heat Pumps Work?
Water source heat pumps extract natural heat from a nearby body of water and use it to provide heating and hot water for your property.
They operate in a similar way to air source and ground source heat pumps but require access to a suitable water source and any necessary permissions.
Because of these requirements, water source heat pumps are generally less common than other heat pump systems.
How Do You Apply?
The application follows the standard Boiler Upgrade Scheme process.
- Contact an MCS-certified installer.
- Arrange a property assessment.
- Your installer confirms whether a water source heat pump is suitable.
- The installer submits the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application.
- Ofgem assesses the application.
- The installation is completed and the grant is deducted from your invoice.
Read more in How To Apply For The Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Are Water Source Heat Pumps Worth It?
Water source heat pumps can be highly efficient where a suitable water source is available.
However, they are not suitable for every property and may require additional permissions depending on the installation location.
An experienced MCS-certified installer can advise whether your property is suitable.
What If the Installation Goes Wrong?
If your installer fails to carry out the work with reasonable care and skill, you may have rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
You may also have additional protection depending on how you paid for the installation.
People Also Asked
Can every property have a water source heat pump?
No. Your property must have access to a suitable water source and meet the technical requirements for installation.
Who applies for the grant?
Your MCS-certified installer submits the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application on your behalf.
Is the grant paid directly to me?
No. The grant is deducted from your installation costs.
Additional Reading
Sources
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