Homeowners in England and Wales can now apply for a £2,500 government grant to help cover the cost of installing an air-to-air heat pump under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). These devices are different from the more common air-to-water heat pumps, which are typically used to replace traditional gas boilers. Air-to-air heat pumps work by transferring heat directly into a home's air, usually through indoor units mounted on walls, floors, or ceilings. They can provide both heating in winter and cooling in summer by reversing their operation during warmer months, but they do not supply domestic hot water, meaning an alternative method like an immersion heater is needed. The £2,500 grant for air-to-air heat pumps is part of a broader scheme that also includes £7,500 grants for air-to-water and ground source heat pumps. There is also a larger £9,000 grant available for homes that use oil or LPG and are not connected to the gas grid, with this higher grant available until 31 March 2027. Air-to-air heat pumps may be especially suitable for smaller homes and flats since they don’t require a traditional wet central heating system, which can be costly and disruptive to install. The cost of an air-to-air heat pump varies depending on the size and layout of the home. For example, a system that heats a single room might cost around £1,900, while a three-bedroom semi-detached house could cost approximately £3,700. These are estimates, and the final price depends on factors like the number of indoor units needed and the complexity of the installation. To qualify for the grant, the heat pump must be installed by an MCS-certified professional and must replace an existing fossil-fuel or electric heating system—not another low-carbon system. The £2,500 grant is available to eligible residential properties in England and Wales, and the application process is usually handled by the installer, who applies on behalf of the homeowner. For those considering air-to-air heat pumps, Octopus Energy provides access to its Trusted Partner network, which includes vetted independent companies that specialize in air conditioning and air-to-air heat pump installations. These partners are chosen based on their adherence to Octopus's standards for safety, quality, and customer service.