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Ground source heat pumps extract renewable heat from the ground to warm your home efficiently. Grants of up to £9,000 are now available for eligible off-gas-grid properties replacing oil or LPG heating.
Standard BUS grants of £7,500 remain available for on-gas-grid properties. Use the free checker below to see which tier your home may qualify for.
Answer 5 quick questions about your home to see if you may qualify for ground source heat pump grants and other energy efficiency support.
Start Free CheckNo payment required. Takes under 60 seconds.
A ground source heat pump (GSHP) extracts low-grade heat from the ground using a network of buried pipes (ground loops) and concentrates it to provide heating and hot water for your home. The ground maintains a relatively constant temperature throughout the year, making this an efficient and reliable renewable heating solution.
Ground source systems are among the most efficient heat pumps available, typically achieving a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.5 to 4.5 — meaning for every 1kW of electricity used, they produce 3.5 to 4.5kW of heat. They are quieter than air source alternatives and well-suited to UK climates.
Yes. Two main routes currently exist for ground source heat pump funding in the UK:
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government-funded programme offering upfront grants to help property owners replace existing fossil-fuel or electric heating with low-carbon alternatives. Ground source heat pumps receive £7,500, or £9,000 where the temporary off-gas-grid uplift applies.
To qualify for BUS funding, you must:
The grant is applied automatically by your installer, reducing your upfront cost. You do not need to apply separately.
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for eligible households. While more commonly associated with insulation and boiler replacements, ECO4 can include ground source heat pumps where they form part of a suitable package of measures.
ECO4 eligibility typically requires receiving qualifying benefits (such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support) or meeting local authority flexible eligibility criteria. Your property usually needs an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. ECO4-funded measures may cover a greater proportion of installation costs than BUS alone.
Eligibility depends on which scheme you apply through. You may be considered if:
| Scheme | Maximum funding | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | £7,500 or £9,000 off-gas uplift | Eligible replacement, MCS installer |
| ECO4 | Varies (may cover full cost) | Qualifying benefits or LA Flex |
| Local authority schemes | Varies by area | Location and scheme-specific |
A typical ground source heat pump system costs between £15,000 and £35,000 depending on property size, ground conditions, and system design. After current BUS support, the remaining balance could be roughly £6,000–£27,500; quotes and necessary enabling work vary widely.
High efficiency
COP of 3.5–4.5, outperforming most heating systems
Lower running costs
Typically cheaper than oil, LPG, or direct electric heating
Long lifespan
Ground loops last 50+ years; pump units 20–25 years
Low maintenance
Few moving parts and minimal servicing requirements
Quiet operation
Near-silent compared to air source alternatives
Consistent performance
Ground temperature is stable year-round regardless of weather
Reduced emissions
Significantly lower carbon footprint than fossil fuel heating
Cooling capability
Many systems can provide passive cooling in summer
Ground source heat pumps work best for certain property types. You may be particularly suitable if your home matches one or more of these criteria:
Detached properties
Homes with surrounding land for horizontal ground loop trenches or vertical boreholes.
Larger gardens or land availability
Properties with sufficient outdoor space (typically 200m²+ for trenches or access for borehole drilling).
Rural homes
Properties in rural areas where ground conditions are suitable and mains gas is not available.
Off-grid properties
Homes currently using oil, LPG, or electric heating that could benefit most from switching to ground source.
Properties with limited outdoor space may be better suited to air source heat pumps or vertical borehole systems (which require less surface area but cost more to install). An MCS-certified installer can advise on the best option for your property.
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Eligibility for government-backed schemes is subject to current programme rules and assessment by approved installers. This checker provides guidance only and does not guarantee qualification. Energy Checker is an independent guidance website. We are not a government body and do not approve grant applications.
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides £7,500 for eligible ground source heat pump installations, rising to £9,000 for eligible off-gas-grid properties until 31 March 2027. ECO4 may also fund suitable installations in some circumstances.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides £7,500 per eligible property, or £9,000 under the temporary off-gas-grid uplift. ECO4 may cover a different proportion for qualifying households as part of a whole-house approach.
For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the property must be in England or Wales and the new system must replace existing fossil-fuel or electric heating, not an existing low-carbon system. An MCS installer must also confirm the property and system are suitable.
Ground source heat pumps typically cost between £15,000 and £35,000 before grants, depending on system size and ground conditions. Current BUS funding can reduce the eligible installation cost by £7,500 or £9,000.
Use the free eligibility checker on this page. Answer a few questions about your property type, EPC rating, heating system, and household circumstances. The checker will indicate which schemes may be worth exploring. Final eligibility is always confirmed by an MCS-certified installer and the scheme provider.
Use our free checker to see which funding routes may be available for your home and circumstances.
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