British Gas installed the system at a five-bed home in the village of Inkpen (3.5 miles southeast of Hungerford) on 31 March – home to Mat and Rachel Salisbury and their son Jasper.

The system – supplied by Daikin – was switched on and registered at 00.01 on 1 April, making the Salisbury household the first to be eligible to receive the £5,000 grant, according to the company. Although heat pumps commissioned from 1 April are eligible for funding, the grant can't be claimed by installers until 23 May when that particular part of the scheme launches.

British Gas and Daikin have recently formed a new partnership designed to increase take-up of renewable home heating technology, and are working together on air source heat pump projects across the UK.

Jana Siber, Managing Director at British Gas said: “Today, Hungerford is at the heart of a key moment for the renewable heating market in the UK, as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme makes heat pumps more accessible to more people.

“We understand that everyone’s homes and individual circumstances differ, but for those who can, now is the time to look at renewable home heating – with support from us, and from Daikin.”

Henk van den Berg, Strategic Business Manager – Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, said: “Installing a heat pump is a hugely positive change to make that will last for generations to come. Heat pumps are economical and eco-friendly, and make your home as comfortable – or even more comfortable – than a gas or oil boiler.

“The Salisburys are setting a fantastic example. We hope they spread the word in Hungerford and beyond as they enjoy the comfort benefits and cost savings delivered by their new system.”