What is the connected for warmth programme?
The Connected for Warmth programme is a government-backed scheme, funded by National Grid and administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions offering fully-funded air source heat pumps to eligible households across England and Wales. It’s designed to help households that need it most by providing low-carbon heating systems and improving energy efficiency. If you’re eligible, it covers the full cost of the heat pump, installation, and any necessary property upgrades, with nothing to pay as the homeowner.
The goal is to help households reduce their energy bills, move away from fossil fuel heating, and cut carbon emissions. If you meet the criteria, you could receive a brand new, energy-efficient heat pump system at no cost to you.
Our engineer completes the handover of a Samsung heat pump to a customer, as part of the Connected for Warmth programme.
connected for warmth eligibility
You may qualify for a free air source heat pump if both you and your property meet the scheme’s requirements. To qualify for support, you’ll need to meet all three of the following criteria.
- Income based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (PGGC)
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Housing Benefit
- Child Benefit
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Child Benefit with income and household composition within the following limits
OR
Your total household income from all sources is under £31,000You meet a combination of these criteria:
- Live in a Low Super Output Area (LSOA) or a Data Zone 1–3 (England, Wales, Scotland)
- Your household receives a Council Tax reduction (low income)
- Your household is vulnerable to living in a cold home as identified in the NICE guidance
- A child in your household receives free school meals due to low income
- Your household was referred under a Local Authority run scheme
- Your household was referred for support by your energy supplier or Citizens Advice
Please note: combination 1 & 3 cannot be used together
OR
You have an NHS referral confirming someone in your household has a severe and/or long-term health condition that could be severely impacted by living in a cold home. This may include:
- A cardiovascular condition
- A respiratory disease
- Limited mobility
- Immunosuppression
At least one of the following must apply to your household:
- A person living in the home has a chronic health condition
- There is a child in school years 3 to 7 in the household who receives free school meals
- At least one resident in the property is aged 70 or more
- You either own and live in your property, or you privately rent it with your landlord’s approval to apply.
- If renting privately, your property must not have a gas boiler or air source heat pump now or at any time in the past.
- Your property has an electric credit meter or smart meter, or you agree to have one installed.
- Before installation, the property should have an EPC with a rating of D, E, F, or G.
Trusted by homeowners across the UK
Alto Energy is proud to be a delivery partner for the Connect for Warmth scheme, managing the full installation process from assessment to commissioning. When you choose Alto Energy to install your heat pump through the programme, you're in safe hands. We’ve been delivering installations under this scheme since the pilot launched in 2022, so we know exactly what’s needed to make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Our team is here to take care of the whole process for you. We’ll check your eligibility, carry out detailed surveys and make sure your new heat pump is perfectly matched to your home. Every system we install is designed to work efficiently and reliably, and meets all the standards set out by the scheme.
We’re fully MCS-certified, so you can trust that your heat pump installation meets the highest industry standards. Plus, our support continues long after your system is up and running, ensuring your heating system stays efficient and reliable. As part of the Connected for Warmth scheme, your first service is completely free and is carried out by one of our experienced Alto Energy engineers. We’ll also contact you to schedule the service at a convenient time.
Connected for Warmth Frequently Asked Questions
What is a heat pump system?
A heat pump system is an energy-efficient way to heat your home. It works by capturing heat from the air outside and using it to warm your home and hot water. Even in cold weather, it can provide reliable heating while using far less energy than traditional systems like gas boilers. Heat pumps are low-carbon and can help reduce your energy bills over time.
What is the connected for warmth scheme?
Connected for Warmth is a fully funded, government-backed scheme that provides free energy efficiency upgrades to eligible households. It offers low-carbon heating systems, such as air source heat pumps, along with any required property improvements to ensure the system runs efficiently. The scheme is administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions and supported by National Grid, with no cost to the homeowner if eligible.
Is Connected for Warmth Legitimate?
Yes, Connected for Warmth is a legitimate scheme backed by the UK government and National Grid. It is administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions, a trusted organisation that has helped thousands of households across the UK improve their energy efficiency. All installations are carried out by certified professionals, and there’s no cost to eligible homeowners.
Check if you qualify for the Connected for Warmth scheme
Want to know if you're eligible for a free heat pump system through the Connected for Warmth programme? Simply complete the form below.