Breadcrumbs ![The Eco Upgrade Design-Led Homeowners Are Loving](https://media.sheerluxe.com/6njo0q4gKzUG--JSbOwId3j268U=/500x221/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fdepartment-of-energy-hero-new.jpg) ![The Eco Upgrade Design-Led Homeowners Are Loving](https://media.sheerluxe.com/KlFGcqmmOv3wOrVVRg_nWgSbSIY=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fdepartment-of-energy-mobile-thumb.jpg) [Home](/home) / 13 March 2026 # The Eco Upgrade Design-Led Homeowners Are Loving As energy-efficient design becomes the ultimate marker of a future-proof home, heat pumps are quickly becoming the upgrade discerning homeowners are prioritising. Backed by the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers a £7,500 grant towards installation for most homeowners in England and Wales, these low-carbon systems are rapidly shifting from niche eco choice to luxury essential. Here’s everything you need to know… [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50697) Created in partnership with Department of Energy Security ## The New Must-Have For Design-Conscious Homes [Heat pumps](https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/) are gaining traction among architects and renovators for good reason. They’re three times more energy efficient than traditional gas boilers, can cut household carbon emissions by around 70% and maintain a steady, comfortable temperature rather than fluctuating bursts of heat. They also work well even in sub-zero conditions, making them suitable for UK winters. Because they run on electricity rather than fossil fuels, they’ll also continue getting greener as the national grid decarbonises. Pair one with a smart tariff and a smart meter, and households could save roughly £100 per year versus gas heating, plus you're future-proofing your home with clean energy. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/7GLGrRJL25nuvz8tx15b0JBXVZs=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fdepartment-of-energy-landscape-new1.jpg) ](https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/il0luMoUZXpeciUu5oAqdAg81_E=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fdepartment-of-energy-newxx.jpg) ](https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/) ## Case Study: ### An Impressive Approach To Low-Impact Luxury Few places embody this new luxury-meets-sustainability mindset better than coastal retreat [Rooks & Cove](https://www.rooksandcove.com/). Perched discreetly on the Devon coastline, the architect-designed hideaway blends high-end aesthetics with serious environmental credentials – and at its core is a heat pump system quietly redefining luxury comfort. To understand more, we spoke to the owners about building a sustainable property without compromising on design, comfort or guest experience. “We have a heat pump, recommended to us by Total Renewables who supplied it,” says homeowner Ross Travill. “We went with their recommendations as all the brands seemed to be very similar in looks and efficiency. As this provides all the heating and hot water, it was essential to get a reliable and cost-effective system. The fact that it is three times more energy efficient than a traditional gas boiler is amazing. “Being timber framed and timber clad – the cladding coming from local woodlands – I think it is easier to be more sustainable. The main issue came with the foundations and being able to anchor the buildings into the rocky coastal ground. Concrete piles were used for both properties, however, the amount of concrete used is still considerably less than conventional strip footings. “While we don’t have any specific environmental certification, our aim was to build very energy efficient buildings by simply insulating well and using sympathetic materials. The heat pump was a big factor in us winning the Devon Building Control award for excellence which is testament to our sustainability goals as well as the overall aesthetic. “It would be great to add solar PV panels to lessen our electrical demand from the grid, however, the shade from large trees on the site does make this less viable. We’re currently talking to installers to see if there is a solution. If we don’t install panels then we’d like to incorporate a green roof on to Rooks, which would lend itself well to this, adding further scope to create a varied, low maintenance habitat for wildlife, insects and native plants.” [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/6RVADGd92CwRrGEgx-1fAky7w3E=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2F6449397154e757ca89f1e4aeroosknest-luxury-devon-coastal-holiday-4.png) ](https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/) ## Why The Boiler Upgrade Scheme Matters It is part of the government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower and to accelerate adoption, the [UK government](https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/) currently offers homeowners a £7,500 grant through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Crucially, it’s not means-tested and is available to most property owners in England and Wales. The heat pump at the Rooks & Cove epitomises how a heat pump is no longer seen as niche eco-tech, but as a premium home upgrade that delivers comfort, pride and long-term value – particularly for renovators and style-focused homeowners. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Vk8sVWi_fQ0VKLRNBteXeR_n3u8=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fdepartment-of-energy-landscape-newx.jpg) ](https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/) **The Quick Guide To Installing A Heat Pump At Home** **Step 1: Check eligibility** Visit the official government guidance page [here](https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/heat-pump/?utm_campaign=cleanenergy&utm_medium=website&utm_source=homepage&utm_content=heatpump). **Step 2: Book a survey** An accredited MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) installer assesses insulation, radiators and property size to determine system type. Find one [here](https://mcscertified.com/find-an-installer/?utm_campaign=cleanenergy&utm_medium=website&utm_source=heatpumppage&utm_content=mcsbottom). **Step 3: Accept grant & quote** Installers apply for the grant on your behalf and deduct it from your total cost. **Step 4: Installation** Most air-source systems take only a few days to install, however ground source heat pumps may take longer due to pipes being laid in the ground. **Step 5: Enjoy low-carbon comfort** Your home is heated using renewable energy from the air or ground outside. *Visit* [GOV.UK/CLEANENERGY](https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/) *to find out more.* *Images by ThreeSixty.* [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/4feitJqeN2OfsfB063XWWio3xSc=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fdepartment-of-energy-1.jpg) ](https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/) *more from* Home [View All Home](/home) ![See How Parisian Style Came To Life In This London Home](https://media.sheerluxe.com/2SGnLJZDrZN9Wfcf-dhKr4TOgpw=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F12%2Fsl-site-assets-011225-thumbhero-penrose-tilbury-home-tour.jpg) [House Tours](/home/house-tours) / 01 December 2025 [## See How Parisian Style Came To Life In This London Home ](/home/house-tours/see-how-parisian-style-came-to-life-in-this-london-home) ![The Festive Homeware Collections To Discover At NEXT](https://media.sheerluxe.com/QuLoHhT-2zYCxSfpTL5tHg2lRcc=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fnext-home-brands-new-hero.gif) [Accessories & Furniture](/home/accessories-furniture) / 27 November 2025 [## The Festive Homeware Collections To Discover At NEXT ](/home/accessories-furniture/the-festive-homeware-collections-to-discover-at-next) ![How The SL Team Are Decorating Their Christmas Trees ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/r8sV0vzX6u8xpm3ZWisz597x-ss=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-site-assets-261125-hero-moodboards-2.png) [Accessories & Furniture](/home/accessories-furniture) / 26 November 2025 [## How The SL Team Are Decorating Their Christmas Trees ](/home/accessories-furniture/how-the-sl-team-are-decorating-their-christmas-trees) ![Where To Rent Next: East London’s Most Exciting New Opening](https://media.sheerluxe.com/IYmnYPE2LMb9Yjrlv8ikKHqCRnk=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-site-assets-201125-thumb-the-eades-walthamstow-commercial.jpg) [Property](/home/property) / 20 November 2025 [## Where To Rent Next: East London’s Most Exciting New Opening ](/home/property/where-to-rent-next-east-londons-most-exciting-new-opening) Share This Story [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?display=popup&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com&u=https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fhome%2Fthe-eco-upgrade-design-led-homeowners-are-loving&t=The+Eco+Upgrade+Design-Led+Homeowners+Are+Loving) [ Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fhome%2Fthe-eco-upgrade-design-led-homeowners-are-loving&description=The+Eco+Upgrade+Design-Led+Homeowners+Are+Loving&media=) [ E-mail ]() DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. 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