A consultation to expand the boiler upgrade scheme for households has been launched by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.  

The department says: “Changes to the scheme could see families potentially access air-to-air heat pumps and electric heating technologies such as heat batteries, which are currently not eligible for grants under the scheme, alongside new purchase and ownership models which could spread the cost of a heat pump over several years, or give households the opportunity to lease one for a monthly fee instead.” 

It adds that the current boiler upgrade scheme – which offers up to £7,500 off the cost, enjoyed its best month since opening, with 4,028 applications received in March 2025, up 88% on the same month last year. 

Heat pumps can save families around £100 on their average energy bills when used with a smart tariff.    

The department has also awarded a £4.6m grant to Copeland in Northern Ireland to expand its manufacturing of heating compression technology – a key component of heat pumps. 

The moves are part of the government’s warm homes plan. 

The energy department adds that it is pushing ahead with its scheme to train up to 18,000 more home retrofitters, to install heat pumps, insulation, solar panels and heat networks. 

Minister for energy consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh says: “Our warm homes plan will mean lower bills and warmer homes for millions of families – helping drive better living standards as part of the plan for change.    

“Following a record-breaking month for applications to our boiler upgrade scheme, we are now proposing to give working families more choice and flexibility to pick the low-carbon upgrades that work best for them.” 

The department also reminds landlords that there are three days to go until its consultation on introducing higher minimum energy efficiency standards in private rented sector homes closes. 

Under its proposals, all private landlords will be required to meet a higher standard of energy performance certificate C, or equivalent, in their properties – up from the current level of EPC E, by 2030.