PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2026 26 HeatPumps


Could this be a new era for rural heat?


As the Boiler Upgrade Scheme continues to accelerate heat pump adoption in rural and off -grid areas, installers are facing a growing wave of opportunity. David Relihan from Purmo Group UK & Ireland explores what this shift means in practice for the heating industry.


T


he Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is quietly reshaping the heating landscape, moving heat pumps


from a niche, early-adopter technology into a mainstream alternative for households across the UK. While, at the time of writing, there is some uncertainty around the long-term direction of the scheme due to potential policy changes, its current impact on the market is unmistakable. Nowhere is this shift more


visible than in rural and off -grid areas, where oil and LPG have long dominated. With grant levels rising to £9,000 for eligible properties in this demographic, installers are now seeing a new wave of enquiries from homeowners who, until recently, assumed low-carbon heating simply wasn’t for them. For heating installers, this


growth isn’t just a policy milestone – it’s a market shift that’s already changing the types of jobs being requested, the skills required on site, and the expectations of customers.


A new phase Rural households have historically faced a double challenge: higher heating costs and fewer alternatives. With no access to the gas grid, many rely on ageing oil boilers, expensive LPG systems, or electric resistance heating. The


David Relihan Vice president for Purmo Group UK & Ireland, which includes Vogel Noot Solutions UK


long-term volatility of oil and LPG market prices. Additionally, many rural oil


boilers are now well beyond their expected lifespan. When property owners face a major repair or replacement, a BUS-supported heat pump becomes a compelling alternative. However, while this means


more opportunities for installers, it also means more responsibility to ensure systems are designed and installed correctly for the unique characteristics of rural housing stock.


When property owners face a major repair or replace- ment, a BUS-


supported heat pump becomes a compelling alternative


BUS grant uplift has levelled the playing fi eld. For many off -grid homes, a heat pump is now not only cleaner and more effi cient but also fi nancially competitive with replacing an oil boiler, especially when factoring in running cost savings and the


Expertise matters Heat pumps are not a like-for- like boiler swap. They demand a more holistic approach to system design, and rural properties often present additional complexities, such as solid walls, limited insulation, larger heat losses and diverse emitter systems. So while the BUS may be accelerating uptake, it’s also raising the stakes for getting installations right. For example, while accurate


heat loss assessments are always essential, they take on a special focus in older rural homes where assumptions can lead to undersized systems. Detailed surveys that incorporate room- by-room calculations and fabric assessments will ensure systems perform optimally – and reduce the need for potentially costly site returns. The BUS has also opened the


door to a wider range of heat pump models, including high- temperature units designed for retrofi t. Installers who understand the nuances of diff erent product specifi cations – from noise levels to control options – can better match products to property types. The customer has the ultimate


say on the products installed in their home, so installers also have an important role to play in helping customers understand the pros and cons of the technology. Rural homes in particular often still rely on small radiators sized for high-temperature oil boilers. Helping customers understand why emitter upgrades matter – and how they improve comfort and effi ciency – can therefore make the diff erence between an optimised system and a system that struggles.


MCS accreditation As demand grows, so does the need for qualifi ed installers, opening up key opportunities for businesses willing to invest in capability. Some installers are expanding their teams, bringing in new trainees or upskilling existing staff to meet rising demand. Others are carving out a niche by becoming known locally for high-quality heat pump design and installation. In any case, homeowners want


reassurance that their installer is competent, experienced,


and able to navigate BUS requirements smoothly. Keeping teams up-to-date with evolving product ranges, new refrigerants, smart controls, and hybrid confi gurations helps companies stand out. It also supports smoother installations, fewer callbacks, and stronger customer satisfaction – all of which contribute directly to business growth.


Driving demand Unitherm, part of the VN Solutions family, is a dedicated heat pump specialist that supports installers with everything from full system design and product supply to hands-on technical advice. MD Andy Hooper comments: “In short, the BUS is not only driving demand for heat pumps, it’s reshaping the installer landscape. Companies that invest in skills, capacity and continuous learning are well placed to grow, diff erentiate themselves, and build long-term resilience as the heating market – rural or otherwise – continues to shift. “Heat pumps are no longer


a future technology; they are a practical, funded, and increasingly familiar option for households of all demographics. Installers who embrace this shift, invest in training, and focus on high-quality design and installation will be the ones to benefi t from this swiftly expanding market.”


Learn more about VN Solutions and its brands by using the online reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1126/36


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