Is there a heat pump grant in Northern Ireland?
Yes, the 2026/27 NISEP list includes targeted heat-pump support such as Green Heat NI. Eligibility, a property assessment and available funding apply. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not cover Northern Ireland.
Does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme apply in Northern Ireland?
No. It covers England and Wales only. Those areas offer £7,500 for eligible air-to-water or ground-source heat pumps, with an additional £1,500 until March 2027 for oil/LPG properties without a mains gas connection. Air-to-air heat pumps receive £2,500. Scotland and the Republic of Ireland have separate schemes.
When will wider Northern Ireland heat-pump support open?
The Department for the Economy is developing wider residential low-carbon heating support. Its January 2026 announcement sets out scheme design and financial-option work in 2026 and legislation in 2027 before launch. It does not confirm a launch date, grant amount or final eligibility rules. The Department for Communities plans the Warm Healthy Homes Fund to replace Affordable Warmth from April 2027. It targets lower-income private-sector households and a whole-house, fabric-first approach. The timetable is planned; final scheme rules and any heat-pump coverage need confirmation. This is separate from DfE’s low-carbon heating proposals.
What heating help can I check in Northern Ireland now?
Check the current NISEP list and its scheme managers, Affordable Warmth through NIHE, and VAT relief on eligible installations. A listing does not guarantee that a scheme has funding remaining.
Who qualifies for the Affordable Warmth Scheme?
For owner-occupiers using the property as their main home and private tenants with assessed gross annual household income below £23,000. Grants can cover prioritised insulation and heating measures up to £7,500, or £10,000 for solid-wall measures. Some disability and caring benefits are excluded from the income calculation. Heating work has additional criteria; this is not a general heat-pump grant. Private tenants need landlord agreement. Ask NI Energy Advice on 0800 111 4455 about the current rules and application. The Warm Healthy Homes Fund is planned to replace it from April 2027.
Is there VAT on heat pumps in Northern Ireland?
Eligible installation of heat pumps in residential accommodation is zero-rated until 31 March 2027, including equipment supplied by the installer. Equipment bought separately from a retailer is normally standard-rated. Other building work can have different VAT treatment. Under current rules eligible installations revert to 5% from 1 April 2027; ask your installer to confirm the treatment of your quote.
Should I wait for a grant before getting a heat pump?
Check the relevant scheme’s approval and work-start rules before ordering or starting work. Do not assume funding will cover work already begun. If your heating has failed, contact NI Energy Advice and get professional advice on immediate options; future support is not guaranteed.
Is this a government website?
No. Heat Pump Grants NI is an independent information service. We are not part of the NI Executive, the Department for the Economy, NIHE or any scheme manager.