Heat pumps for new builds are fast becoming the default choice as Building Regulations tighten and the Future Homes Standard approaches. Here's what developers and self builders need to know about choosing the right system, designing it properly, and how Alto Energy can help.
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.
Heat pump sales across Europe rose 17% in early 2026, driven by higher energy prices and supply disruptions. France, Germany and Poland saw strong growth, while Austria declined after subsidy cuts. Around 575,000 units were sold, highlighting a growing shift toward efficient, low-carbon heating solutions despite uneven policy support.
Now is the perfect time for heating installers to experience a heat pump first-hand. Alto Energy’s Start At Home scheme provides a free heat pump and all the key equipment, full training, MCS certification, ongoing technical support, and up to £1,000 cashback. Gain real-life experience, understand running costs, and build confidence for the growing heat pump market.
Climate change is already reshaping life in the UK, and home heating is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. This article explains why heat pumps are central to tackling climate change in homes, drawing on BBC reporting and government data to show how low-carbon heating can significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality, and support the UK’s net zero goals.
While your customers might be thinking about staying cool, now’s the ideal time to prepare for the colder months ahead. Our free heat pump training course is built for independent plumbers and heating engineers who want a straightforward route into low-carbon heating, without the need for full MCS accreditation. Get trained, get supported, and get ready to meet growing demand before the heating season kicks in.
With solar panels set to become mandatory on all new build homes, the case for pairing them with heat pumps is stronger than ever. Under the government’s Future Homes Standard, new properties must be low-carbon and “net zero ready” — a move that rules out fossil fuel heating. For developers and self-builders, this is a unique opportunity to future-proof homes with efficient, compliant technology that cuts emissions and energy bills. Heat pumps, especially when powered by on-site solar, offer a powerful, cost-effective solution that aligns with both regulation and buyer expectations.
Regular servicing is often overlooked but plays a vital role in keeping air source heat pumps running smoothly. From improved efficiency and reduced running costs to fewer breakdowns in cold weather, the benefits are clear. This blog shares real insights from years in the field, including one costly example where a lack of maintenance led to major system failure. We also explain what’s typically included in a service and how planned maintenance helps extend your system’s lifespan.
Not all MCS umbrella schemes offer the same level of service or accountability. At Alto Energy, we take full ownership of every project we support, from heat loss calculations through to final commissioning. With zero non-conformities in our recent NICEIC audit, our approach proves that doing it right every time delivers results for installers and peace of mind for homeowners.
