HomeHeat Pump

Understanding Heat Pump Financing and Loan Options for UK Homeowners

Heat pumps are growing in popularity as households look for cleaner, more efficient ways to heat their homes. While they can lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, the upfront costs can be high. Financing can spread costs over time. This page explains common ways homeowners fund heat pumps.

Understanding Heat Pump Financing and Loan Options for UK Homeowners

What Is Heat Pump Financing and How Does It Work?

Heat pump financing allows homeowners to install an air-source or ground-source system now and pay it off gradually. Instead of covering the full cost upfront, you can divide the expense into monthly instalments.
  • Note: All financing is subject to status. Lenders carry out affordability checks and eligibility assessments before approving loan applications.
What Is Heat Pump Financing and How Does It Work?

Common Challenges of Paying for a Heat Pump Installation Upfront

Buying and installing a heat pump requires a significant investment, which financing can help spread out over time. Homeowners often face challenges such as:

  • High upfront costs
  • Property upgrades
  • Long payback period

How Much Does a Heat Pump Typically Cost in the UK?

The installation cost of a heat pump system depends on the type you choose and the size of your property.

  • Air-source heat pumps: Installation generally costs between £7,000 and £15,000, with most households paying around £10,000 to £12,000.
  • Ground-source heat pumps: These are more expensive due to excavation and groundwork, typically ranging from £20,000 to over £40,000, with horizontal loop systems at the lower end and borehole systems at the higher end.
  • Hybrid systems: Combining a heat pump with a traditional boiler can cost around £10,000 to £17,000, depending on the complexity of the system and property requirements.

Eligible homeowners in England and Wales can reduce upfront costs with a grant through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, available for both air-source and ground-source heat pumps. Note: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not support hybrid heat pumps.

Ways to Pay for a Heat Pump

Personal Loans

Personal loans provide flexibility with fixed monthly repayments. Typically, the loan term is one to seven years, though lenders may offer longer terms.

Secured Home Improvement Loans

Tied to your property, these loans may allow higher borrowing limits and longer terms; rates and total cost vary. However, they carry more risk. Secured loans use your home as security, and your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a debt secured on it.

Green Energy Loans

Specialist lenders may offer reduced rates or longer repayment terms for eco-friendly upgrades.

Installer or Manufacturer Financing

Some installers and manufacturers partner with finance providers to offer structured repayment plans.

Benefits of Financing a Heat Pump System

Financing your heat pump installation can provide multiple advantages.

Spread Out the Cost

Turn a large upfront payment into smaller monthly instalments.

Access Government Grants (for Eligible Applicants)

Secure a grant and use financing to cover the remaining balance.

Improve Energy Efficiency

A heat pump can lower bills depending on tariffs, property fabric, and system design.

Preserve Your Savings

Leave your emergency fund or savings intact while still upgrading your home heating.

Could Enhance Buyer Appeal

Energy-efficient homes are often more attractive to buyers, and a heat pump can be a strong selling point. However, while the upgrade may make the dwelling more attractive to some buyers, it is not guaranteed.

Check Other Home Renovation Loan Options

FAQ

Yes. Financing options include personal loans, secured loans, and manufacturer financing. In addition, grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme help reduce upfront costs. Interest bearing loans will increase the amount you pay compared with paying upfront.

The BUS provides a grant of £7,500 to eligible homeowners in England and Wales installing air-source or ground-source heat pumps. This significantly reduces upfront costs.

Heat pumps in the UK cost anywhere from £7,000 to £27,500. For example, air-source heat pumps usually cost between £7,000 and £13,000, while ground-source systems may range from £20,000 to over £40,000, depending on depth and geology.

System type (air-source vs ground-source), property size, required insulation or radiator upgrades, and groundworks all play a role in determining the final cost.

It can be, depending on your home, tariffs, and design. Many households see lower carbon and competitive running costs when systems are well specified and installed.

Renovate Dot UK Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 15890785 at 15-17 Jockeys Field, London, WC1R 4BW. The company is also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office under registration number ZB822152.
Website disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Renovate Dot UK Limited and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

(All content, including text, images, logos, and other materials, is the intellectual property of Renovate Dot UK Limited unless otherwise stated. You may not reproduce, distribute, or otherwise use the content for commercial purposes without prior written consent)

Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, Renovate Dot UK Limited takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.

This disclaimer and all matters relating to your use of this website are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Disclosure
Nothing contained in this website should be construed as a solicitation, offer or recommendation to buy or sell any financial product. By providing the information on this website, we are not determining the suitability of any financial product for any consumer. Nor does the information on this website constitute financial advice. You should obtain relevant professional advice before making any financial decisions.