Fed up with sticky summers that feel more Majorca than Manchester? You’re not the only one. With UK heatwaves getting hotter, more homeowners are eyeing up air conditioning as the ultimate escape plan.
And it’s not just about cooling anymore. Modern AC units can pull double duty - keeping you warm in winter and even scrubbing the air with built-in purification tech.
But here’s the million-quid question: can you actually bag a government grant to help pay for it?
Don’t start planning your free ride to frosty bliss just yet. The truth is a bit more complicated.
Let’s dive in…
Key Points:
No grants for standard AC – Government schemes (ECO4, BUS) fund heating and insulation, not cooling.
0% VAT perk – Some dual-function AC/heat pumps qualify for tax relief on install costs.
Heat pump loophole – Air-to-air heat pumps may unlock up to £7,500 via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if used as the main heating system.
Medical/discretionary support – Rare council funding possible for health-related cooling needs.
Why AC still makes sense – Hotter summers, dual heating/cooling efficiency, and long-term comfort.
Future outlook – No grants yet, but rising heat could push for incentives on combined heating/cooling systems.
Myth-Busting: No, There Aren’t (Easy) Grants for Traditional AC
Let’s clear this up: the UK government isn’t exactly lining up cash grants for run-of-the-mill AC units.
Massive schemes like ECO4 or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme are focused tightly on energy efficiency - insulation, heat pumps, solar, etc.
Air conditioning more often lands in the “luxury comfort” category rather than “essential for emissions cuts,” so it doesn’t tend to get the same treatment.
However, here’s where it gets interesting. Since April 2022, there’s been a 0% VAT scheme for energy-saving materials and qualifying heating equipment, which may include some AC units - especially those that double as air source heat pumps (i.e. units that can heat and cool).
What that means in practice:
If your AC system qualifies (dual-function, meets efficiency criteria, permanently fixed, etc.), you might avoid VAT on both the supply + installation.
BUT: that does not equal a full “grant.” It means less tax to pay - it lowers cost - but you’re still responsible for the purchase & installation.
So the reality? If you’re thinking “grant for a standard AC on the wall” - chances are, that’s still off the table.
But if you go for something more advanced/renewable-friendly, there is some tax relief and incentives.
🎥 Prefer video? Check out our YouTube video explaining the situation with air con grants below:
Why the Focus Is on Heating, Not Cooling
UK energy policy is built around slashing carbon and hitting net-zero targets. Heating eats up the lion’s share of our energy use, so that’s where the government throws its weight.
Air conditioning? Lovely when you’re melting in July, but it guzzles electricity like a teenager demolishing a takeaway. Subsidising it would run against the grain of cutting demand and emissions.
Instead, funding goes towards the “big three” - heat pumps, insulation, and solar panels. These either save energy outright or swap fossil fuels for greener options.
Cooling simply doesn’t score high on the priority list when, for most of the year, Brits are still battling draughty windows and huddling under blankets.
That said, the game is changing. The UK’s “mild climate” excuse is getting harder to swallow when we’re seeing 35°C+ heatwaves more regularly.
For homeowners, that sweaty reality is putting AC higher on the wish list - even if policy hasn’t quite caught up.
And here’s the twist: some modern AC systems that double as heat pumps do qualify for VAT-free installation.
That’s a subtle nod from policymakers that if cooling tech also helps with efficient heating, it might just have a role in the UK’s low-carbon future. It’s not a grant, but it’s proof that the tide is slowly turning.
Loopholes: Where AC Overlaps with Renewable Heating
Now here’s the juicy bit. Standard AC might get snubbed, but air-to-air heat pumps sneak through the policy net.
These clever units pull double duty: warming your home in winter and cooling it in summer, all while sipping far less energy than old-school electric heaters.
Because of that efficiency, they’re classed as renewable heating tech - and in some cases, they can qualify for schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which dishes out up to £7,500 towards installation.
But - and it’s a big but - the scheme is designed for heating. To get the grant, your system needs to be sized and specified as your primary heat source. If you’re just eyeing it up as a swanky cooling fix, the government won’t play ball.
Still, if you fancy kit that keeps you cosy in January and chilled in July, it’s one of the smartest (and most grant-friendly) ways to go.
Factor in the 0% VAT perk on qualifying installs, and suddenly the numbers start to look a lot friendlier.
Other Possible Support Routes
Grants for standard AC? Still a dead end. But there are a few edge cases where help might be on the table.
Some local councils and housing associations have been known to step in where cooling is a genuine health necessity - think vulnerable tenants, people with disabilities, or medical conditions that make heat downright dangerous.
Don’t expect it to be easy. You’ll need solid evidence, usually from a GP or health professional, and even then, support is rare and discretionary. Basically, it’s down to whether your council thinks your case is urgent enough to cough up.
Private landlords, heads up: if a tenant has a documented medical need, you could sometimes unlock funding through social services or council-backed grants.
It’s far from guaranteed, but if the mercury’s rising and someone’s health is on the line, it’s worth asking the question.
Why AC Can Still Make Sense
No grants? No problem. Air conditioning - especially air-to-air heat pumps - can still be a smart investment. Here’s why:
Hotter summers: The UK isn’t the land of mild drizzle anymore. With 30°C+ days becoming more common, AC is shifting from “luxury” to “basic survival kit.”
Dual-purpose efficiency: Modern systems don’t just cool - they heat too. And they do it far more efficiently than old-school electric heaters, meaning you could shave serious cash off your winter bills.
Future-proof comfort: Even if you’re footing the bill yourself, the right system adds long-term comfort, efficiency, and year-round versatility.
So yes, it’s an upfront outlay - but one that pays you back in both comfort and lower running costs.
Looking Ahead: Could AC Grants Happen?
With UK summers getting hotter (and voters getting sweatier), it’s not a stretch to imagine the government eventually rethinking its “no cooling” stance.
If heat pumps and other low-carbon tech keep gaining traction, incentives for systems that combine heating and cooling could well appear down the line.
For now? Don’t hold your breath - or your fan. Keep tabs on schemes like ECO4 or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and if you’re feeling bold, drop your MP a cheeky email to remind them that overheating homes are just as much a problem as underheating ones.
The Bottom Line
Let’s cut through it: there are no UK grants for standard air conditioning. The cash is still flowing into heating and insulation, not keeping you cool in August. But if you’re clever, you can:
Leverage grants for air-to-air heat pumps (if sized as your main heating source).
Benefit from 0% VAT on qualifying installs.
Tap rare medical/discretionary support in special cases.
Either way, AC is still worth serious thought. Our summers are getting hotter, and the right system can keep you cool in July and warm in January - without draining your wallet on running costs.
Next Steps For Your AC Journey:
When planning to install air conditioning for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos.
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