The Government has launched its £15 billion Warm Homes Plan, aiming to cut energy bills and lift up to a million families out of fuel poverty by 2030 through heat pumps, solar panels, batteries, and insulation. The plan supports all households, with targeted interventions for low-income families, social housing upgrades, and new protections for renters, while providing long-term certainty for the heat pump industry through schemes like the extended Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is set to continue supporting heat pump installations, with expanded funding, new technologies, and relaxed EPC requirements. Alto Energy explains what these changes mean for homeowners and installers alike, and how they make switching to low-carbon heating even easier.
The latest UK Budget brings major developments for the heat pump industry, including an extended Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the end of ECO4, and changes that will lower electricity prices. We break down what these updates mean for installers, homeowners, and the future of low-carbon heating in the UK.
Recent MCS investigations highlight the risks when shortcuts are taken. Some certified installers signed off on work they didn’t complete, submitting government funding claims on behalf of non-certified companies. This puts both homeowners and installers at risk, damages the reputation of heat pumps, and can lead to rejected applications or unsafe systems.
Many plumbers and heating engineers are exploring how to become a heat pump installer as the UK moves towards net zero. With hands-on training, practical guidance, and access to Alto Energy’s installer network, you can start installing air source and ground source heat pumps confidently while benefiting from support with MCS compliance and technical design.
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.
The ECO4 market has had its ups and downs, but installation volumes are starting to recover. If you're an installer, now is the time to explore available grants and funding. Many ECO4 schemes require MCS certification, but if you prefer not to go through the process yourself, you can subcontract to us. We offer MCS-compliant design, supply, and installation support, making it easier for you to get started.
Scotland's drive towards low-carbon heating is facing challenges, with heat pump installations falling behind targets due to a shortage of MCS-accredited installers. To help bridge this gap, McDonald Water Storage is offering free plumber training courses, along with access to Alto Energy’s MCS umbrella scheme. This initiative provides installers with the necessary support, accreditation, and training to meet growing demand and accelerate the transition to sustainable heating solutions.
The BBC has reported that the Climate Change Committee wants half of UK homes to have heat pumps by 2040 to help meet net zero targets. With record heat pump sales in 2024 and government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the shift to low-carbon heating is already underway. But what does this mean for homeowners and the future of home heating?
As we all know, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a fantastic government initiative designed to help homeowners in England and Wales make the switch to eco-friendly heating systems. With grants of up to £7,500, it's a real game-changer when it comes to installing heat pumps!
