The UK has seen its busiest ever January for heat pump installations, with figures showing a sharp rise in uptake as more homeowners and developers turn to low-carbon heating.
According to the latest data from the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), 4,743 heat pumps were installed under the scheme in January 2025 – a 25% increase compared to the same month last year. The MCS is the UK’s main certification body for renewable technologies, meaning these figures represent the majority of heat pump installations nationwide.
The increase in adoption wasn’t limited to existing homes either. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data revealed that 21% of new homes built in January were fitted with a heat pump – up from just 11% in January 2024.
Heat pumps are seen as a crucial part of the UK’s strategy to phase out gas boilers and cut carbon emissions from homes. While they remain more expensive to install than traditional heating systems, a combination of government subsidies and growing awareness has helped drive demand.
The government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers grants to help cover the cost of switching to a heat pump, saw application numbers rise by nearly 80% in January year-on-year.
Irene Omaswa, chair of Ambient – the group behind the data – said, “It is important to remove barriers for those interested in electrified heating systems. The data demonstrates the importance of policy – government schemes have significantly driven up adoption of electrified heating technologies.”
New proposals announced in February could also increase demand further. Under the plans, all private landlords in England and Wales would be required to ensure their properties meet at least EPC Band C by 2030. This could involve upgrades such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, and ultimately, switching to low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps.
David Cowdrey, chief executive of the MCS Foundation, said heat pumps are becoming an “increasingly popular choice” among both home-buyers and developers. “That is no surprise as heat pumps can bring down bills and make a home fit for the future,” he added.
If you’re looking to upgrade your heating system or want to cut your energy bills with energy-efficient improvements, you might qualify for free support through government schemes.
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