UK heat pump statistics 2026
Citation-ready data for journalists, bloggers, researchers and homeowners. Refreshed quarterly. All figures sourced and dated.
Last refresh: · Methodology: see /methodology · Press use: see /press
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Boiler Upgrade Scheme — uptake
Ofgem voucher-issuance and installation completion rates.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum grant per air source heat pump install | £7,500 | GOV.UK BUS scheme rules |
| Total scheme budget through March 2028 | £450 million | Department for Energy Security & Net Zero |
| BUS vouchers issued to date (since 2022 launch) | 75,000+ | Ofgem monthly statistics, March 2026 |
| Typical voucher-to-install window once approved | 14 days | Ofgem published median, Q1 2026 |
| Application acceptance rate (eligible homes) | 92% | Ofgem, FOI response Q4 2025 |
| Median time from enquiry to install completion | 11 weeks | Internal data, n=180 completed installs Q1 2026 |
Installed costs — UK 2026
Median installed cost (before BUS grant) by property type, derived from a 420-quote pool collected Oct 2025–Mar 2026.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Flat / small terrace (4–6 kW) | £8,000 – £11,000 | Internal quote pool n=58 |
| Semi-detached (6–10 kW) — most common UK install | £9,500 – £13,500 | Internal quote pool n=204 |
| Detached / 4+ bed (8–14 kW) | £11,000 – £16,000 | Internal quote pool n=88 |
| Bungalow (5–9 kW) | £9,000 – £12,500 | Internal quote pool n=42 |
| Average net cost after £7,500 grant (semi-detached) | £3,700 | Internal calculation, Q1 2026 median |
Running cost & efficiency
Annual running-cost savings for a typical UK semi-detached, by current fuel, on a heat-pump-friendly tariff (Octopus Cosy or equivalent).
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Switching from mains gas — annual saving | £100–£400 | Internal calculation; Ofgem price-cap data April 2026 |
| Switching from oil heating — annual saving | £600–£1,200 | Internal calculation; ONS oil prices Q1 2026 |
| Switching from LPG — annual saving | £700–£1,300 | Internal calculation; ONS LPG prices Q1 2026 |
| Switching from electric / storage heaters — annual saving | £900–£1,800 | Internal calculation; Ofgem price-cap |
| Average UK air source SCOP (real-world) | 2.8 – 3.4 | Energy Saving Trust UK heat-pump trial 2024 |
| Heat pump efficiency vs 90% combi boiler | ~3× more efficient | Energy Saving Trust 2024 trial |
Equipment & lifetime
Comparison of heat pump and gas boiler over a 25-year homeownership window.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Typical air source heat pump lifespan | 20+ years | MCS-published manufacturer warranty data |
| Typical gas combi boiler lifespan | 10–15 years | Worcester Bosch, Vaillant published lifetime data |
| Boiler replacements avoided across heat-pump lifetime | 1–2 | Calculation from above |
| Heat pump indoor noise (cylinder + control) | Silent | Manufacturer testing |
| Heat pump outdoor unit noise at 1m | 40–48 dB(A) | MCS noise-emissions register |
| Lifetime carbon saving vs boiler (typical home, 25 yrs) | ~22 tCO₂e | Climate Change Committee net-zero modelling, 2024 |
For journalists
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