The government has confirmed a significant uplift in funding for low-carbon heating, doubling the Warm Homes Plan budget to £13.2bn. This renewed commitment will accelerate heat pump adoption across the UK, with direct support for homeowners, housing providers and local authorities.
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.
We are delighted and encouraged by the government's ongoing commitment to incentivise heat pump adoption. The decision to extend the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) until 2028 (initially scheduled to end in 2025) represents a welcome step forward by the government. This extension will expedite the shift from conventional fossil fuel boilers to sustainable heating systems.
A coalition of energy, fuel poverty, and environmental groups recently called on the UK Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, to invest billions in upgrading homes with insulation and heat pumps. The group argued that investing in greener homes would make economic sense and create warmer homes with lower bills while improving living conditions.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme officially launched on 23rd May, and since then we’ve been busy making applications on our customer’s behalf for their heat pump installations. Throughout June we started to receive pay-outs from Ofgem under the scheme, which provides either £5,000 or £6,000 towards the cost of installing an air source or ground source heat pump.
In an exciting day for the heat pump industry, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is now open and accepting new grant applications. As an MCS certified contractor, as well as part of our Alto Assured Installer Scheme, Alto Energy is registered with Ofgem to administer BUS grant applications for our customers.
