Carrier Solutions UK has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to extend the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) to include air-to-air heat pumps, recognizing the policy update as a major catalyst for a residential air-conditioning market in the UK. Carrier Solutions UK Ltd (formerly Toshiba Carrier UK Ltd) is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, global pioneer in intelligent climate and energy solutions.
For the first time, households will be able to access grant support for air-to-air heat pumps, a technology widely adopted outside the UK for efficient year-round comfort. The announcement represents a significant shift in how these systems are viewed in the UK, acknowledging them as high-performance heating appliances rather than cooling-only units.
New residential air-conditioning market
“This update has the potential to kick-start a new residential air-conditioning market in the UK,” said David Dunn, Managing Director, UK & Ireland for Carrier CSE-R Europe, adding, “Air-to-air systems have often been seen as specialist products chosen for summer cooling, but they also provide efficient heating and therefore year-round comfort. Recognizing them under BUS brings greater choice for homeowners and supports the UK’s direction of travel towards decarbonization.”
The expansion is particularly significant for properties that have historically struggled to adopt traditional air-to-water heat pumps, such as apartments and flats. Many of these homes rely on older direct-electric or storage heating with lower efficiency. Multi-split systems, which allow one outdoor unit to serve multiple rooms, offer a practical upgrade path.
Flexibility and efficiency
“Much of the UK housing stock needs solutions beyond conventional heat-pump configurations,” added Dunn. “Air-to-air systems, along with emerging electric technologies, offer flexibility and efficiency where other approaches may not be suitable. Seeing the Government recognize this range of solutions is very positive for the industry.”
Carrier Solutions UK distributes the Toshiba air-conditioning range, including single-split and multi-split systems designed for domestic and light commercial applications. “Toshiba has a long heritage in the home and that brand familiarity matters,” said Dunn. “As this market grows, aesthetics, smart controls and flexibility will become major decision-makers for homeowners.”
Carrier Solutions UK is preparing for expected changes to product listing requirements and certification, including the move toward MCS as the single route for clean-heat schemes. The company will continue supporting installers through its network of training centers, including London Colney and Stockport.