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.
Yesterday Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a raft of policy changes regarding the UK’s approach to achieving net zero. The majority of the announcement related to pushing back the timeframes for bans on fossil fuel vehicles and boilers. However, the Prime Minister also announced a very welcome boost to the heat pump sector, with the news that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant will be increasing to £7,500 for all technologies.
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.
As the UK seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and switch to renewable energy sources, the use of heat pumps as an alternative to gas boilers is progressing. However, recent studies have shown that there is a skills gap in the installation of heat pumps, and many engineers are not equipped to install them. This article explores the results from the recent study, the need for upskilling engineers and the services we provide to help fill the gap.
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 Telegraph recently published an article stating UK National targets for replacing gas boilers with heat pumps are based on unrealistic assumptions about the number of installers required to undertake such a transformation. The Energy and Utilities Alliance estimates that almost 3 times as many installers are required if the Government wants to achieve their heat pump installation targets.
The UK, like many other countries, is striving to decarbonise all sectors of the economy to meet net zero targets. This goal, along with the on-going issues with energy prices means that there is a growing demand for products that will make homes energy efficient. Whilst many new builds are being developed with energy efficiency in mind, it’s important to remember that the biggest benefit will be seen by retrofitting most of the UK’s homes with products that will reduce energy consumption.
Last month, Santander released a new report stating that UK House Buyers were willing to pay a premium for energy efficient properties. The study which surveyed 2,300 buyers found that energy efficiency was one of the most desirable features of a home, ranking higher than a large garden or a home office. Right now, buyers are placing a 9.4% premium on green properties, which is great news for anyone who has installed or is intending to install a heat pump at their property. On average, buyers were willing to pay £26,600 more for a green property which is considerably more than the cost of installing a heat pump.
