New data shows household demand for heat pumps is rising sharply, with applications to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme up by more than half compared to last year. Government figures reveal 22,344 applications were submitted in the first six months of 2025 – a 53% increase year-on-year. Since the scheme launched, more than 87,000 households have applied, with air source heat pumps making up almost all requests.
Setting achievable goals
According to the CEO of Swedish clean energy company Aria, the numbers indicate that national targets for low-carbon heating are becoming more realistic. The Government aims for 600,000 installations per year by 2028, which requires sustained annual growth of around 50%. Industry momentum was already strong, with applications rising by 69% between 2023 and 2024, and sales approaching 100,000 units last year.
Raising public awareness
Initiatives like the Future Fit Home project aim to promote the benefits of heat pump technology. An example of its success is the increase in installations of air source heat pump Cheltenham – one of the towns included in the project – where local experts like https://gsmlimited.com/services/air-source-heat-pumps/cheltenham/ are helping householders to make this crucial transition.
Relaxing planning regulations
Commentators agree that the easing of planning rules has boosted uptake, reducing the numbers needing permission from around 40% to under 10%. However, concerns remain over costs, with polls showing only a small minority of households willing to pay average installation prices. Experts argue that reforms to electricity pricing and new funding approaches will be essential for the UK to progress from being Europe’s smallest heat pump market.
