The UK Government has announced important updates to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), making energy-efficient home heating more accessible than ever.
One of the biggest changes is that air to air heat pumps will soon be eligible for a £2,500 grant when installed for space heating. This means more choice, more flexibility and more ways to improve the efficiency and comfort of your home.
Air to air gets its moment
From 2026 the BUS will offer £2,500 towards an air to air system, opening up support for both single room and multi room installations. Air to air heat pumps provide efficient space heating and cooling, making them a flexible option for many homes. Some systems, such as Daikin Multi+, can also provide domestic hot water.
To qualify for the grant, an air to air system must provide space heating. They can also be used alongside other electric heating technologies, including heat batteries or domestic hot water heat pumps, as long as no fossil fuel heating is in place. Only one grant can be claimed per property.
More choice, less complexity
Including air to air in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme means you can choose the solution that best fits your home. Air to water systems remain ideal for whole home heating and hot water, while air to air offers a fast, flexible way to heat and cool your living spaces.
With BUS support:
- It becomes easier to upgrade from older electric or gas heating
- You can choose the technology that fits your home layout
- You can enjoy efficient heating with optional cooling in warmer months
It also makes modern multi-room solutions more accessible, including Daikin’s award-winning Multi+, which combines heating, cooling and hot water in one compact solution.
What stays exactly the same
Alongside the new air to air funding, BUS continues to offer £7,500 for air to water heat pumps. The application process is still managed by your MCS certified installer and the grant is paid directly to them once your system is approved.
The scheme has also been extended until 2030, giving homeowners more time to plan improvements.
More changes coming in 2026 and beyond
The Government has outlined further updates to make the scheme simpler and more accessible:
- Alternative evidence will be accepted if you do not have a valid EPC
- Grants will in future be deducted upfront from installer quotes
- Heat batteries and exhaust air heat pumps will qualify when used for heating
- BUS systems cannot be owned by third parties
These changes are expected from 2026 but are not in place yet.
Where Daikin fits into the picture
Daikin offers both air to air and air to water heat pumps, giving you a full range of options from quick fit comfort to whole home low carbon heating.
Air to air systems provide efficient heating and cooling for your home, keeping you comfortable all year round. Air to water systems provide both heating and hot water, making them a great choice for whole home comfort.
Daikin Multi+ sits slightly differently within air to air technology. It delivers the same heating and cooling benefits as a standard air to air system but can also produce domestic hot water by connecting to a hot water tank. This gives some homes extra flexibility without needing a full air to water system.
Wondering what’s right for your home?
You don’t need to decide immediately, but now is a great time to explore your options. With air to air joining the scheme, low carbon comfort is more accessible than ever.
If you’d like a clearer idea of costs, savings or eligibility, a Daikin installer can help you understand what is possible for your home.
Sustainable Home Centres can help you find a local Daikin installer. Your nearest Centre can put you in touch with trained installers in your area and support you through the next steps of your heat pump journey.
