The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has changed. From 21 July 2026, eligible off-gas homes in England and Wales heated by oil or LPG could receive a £9,000 grant towards an air source or ground source heat pump. Discover who qualifies, what the changes mean, and how Alto Energy can help homeowners and installers navigate the process.
Can an air source heat pump cool a house? Yes, some systems can provide cooling as well as heating. However, for most UK homes, cooling with an air source heat pump introduces unnecessary complexity, including condensation risks, additional equipment and installation compromises. In this blog post, we explain how heat pump cooling works, why we recommend against it, and the alternative that usually delivers better comfort and value.
Alto Energy has partnered with Mitsubishi Electric as its official MCS umbrella scheme provider. Find out what the partnership means for heat pump installers, why MCS compliance matters more than ever, and how Alto Energy supports installers from design through to certification.
The new MCS standards have raised the bar for MCS umbrella schemes. Find out how Alto Energy achieved certification under the redeveloped MCS scheme with zero non-conformities and what it means for installers looking for a trusted compliance partner.
Can you get an MCS certificate for a heat pump after installation? Unfortunately, no. An MCS certification must be issued at the time of installation by a certified installer. For housebuilders and developers, planning for MCS from the start ensures compliance with Building Regulations, improves SAP and EPC ratings, supports warranties, and provides homeowners with reliable post-installation support. Learn how to achieve full MCS compliance while using your existing plumbing team.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has changed. From 21 July 2026, eligible off-gas homes in England and Wales heated by oil or LPG could receive a £9,000 grant towards an air source or ground source heat pump. Discover who qualifies, what the changes mean, and how Alto Energy can help homeowners and installers navigate the process.
Can an air source heat pump cool a house? Yes, some systems can provide cooling as well as heating. However, for most UK homes, cooling with an air source heat pump introduces unnecessary complexity, including condensation risks, additional equipment and installation compromises. In this blog post, we explain how heat pump cooling works, why we recommend against it, and the alternative that usually delivers better comfort and value.
Upgrading an aging ground source heat pump doesn't mean replacing everything. In most cases, the original ground loop can be reused, making replacement faster and more cost-effective than a full installation. Learn what's involved in the process, when it's time to replace your system, and how modern heat pumps can improve efficiency and performance.
Can you get an MCS certificate for a heat pump after installation? Unfortunately, no. An MCS certification must be issued at the time of installation by a certified installer. For housebuilders and developers, planning for MCS from the start ensures compliance with Building Regulations, improves SAP and EPC ratings, supports warranties, and provides homeowners with reliable post-installation support. Learn how to achieve full MCS compliance while using your existing plumbing team.
Heat pumps in old houses can work surprisingly well, even in solid wall homes with limited insulation. The key is understanding heat loss, sizing radiators correctly, and designing the system around your property. See how careful planning transformed Aaron G’s home, cutting daily electricity costs and keeping every room warm.
The UK heat pump market surged in 2025, with 125,037 units sold, a 27% increase on 2024. For installers, this growth brings huge opportunity, but also the challenge of meeting rising demand for skilled professionals. Free training and MCS umbrella schemes from Alto Energy give engineers the tools and confidence to enter the low-carbon heating market, close skill gaps, and access government incentives.
