How to Qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
It can be costly to heat your house, particularly if you have an older boiler. A lot of people in the UK desire to use more affordable, eco-friendly heating systems for their homes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) may be able to help lower the cost of installing low-carbon heating. It offers grants towards eligible heat pump installations.
But this assistance can be provided to all households. There are some rules that must be fulfilled before applying. Knowing these rules can assist you in preparing your application. It also ensures that you will not face any delay or additional expenses.
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government subsidy for households in England and Wales who have an eligible property. It helps to advance the transition to cleaner home heating. The scheme offers subsidies to install low carbon heating equipment. This makes home use of the heat pump economically more attractive to homeowners.
The following awards may be given to eligible applicants:
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£7,500 towards an air-to-water heat pump. (£9,000 for Oil/LPG properties)
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£5,000 towards an eligible biomass boiler.
The grant goes towards the installation cost. This will be claimed on your behalf by your installer. This means that you will not receive the grant. Rather, the installer takes it out of the overall price of installation.
Who Can Qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Support is not available until the scheme main eligibility criteria are met. The rules are used to find homes and heating systems that are appropriate.
1. You Must Own the Property
The scheme is available to property owners in England and Wales. You can apply for:
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Your main home.
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Second Property.
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A property that you rent out.
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A business property which complies with the terms of the scheme.
This grant is not available for tenants to apply for directly. Landlords may apply for rental houses that meet the eligibility criteria, however.
2. You Must Replace an Existing Heating System
You need to have a heating system on your premises already. The scheme includes the replacement of systems, including through:
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Mains gas
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Heating oil
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LPG
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Electric heating
The grant will help towards making low carbon heating eligible. Does not include replacement of an existing low carbon heating system.
3. Your Property Must Meet the Location Rules
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is for properties in England and Wales. This type of grant is not available for homes in Scotland. There are also separate heating support arrangements for Northern Ireland. So, see what schemes are available in your area.
4. Your Property Must Meet Building Requirements
This grant is not available for most new built properties. But, if you are eligible for a self-build home, it may be eligible. There is also no coverage for social housing. If the property has already received a grant to install a heat pump or biomass boiler, they cannot receive another grant for that heat pump or biomass boiler.
5. You Must Choose an Approved Heating System
The scheme provides support for particular low carbon heating technologies. The technical requirements for the system selected must be satisfied.
Available grants include:
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£7,500: Air-to-water heat pumps.
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£7,500: Ground-source heat pumps.
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£2,500: Air-to-air heat pumps in eligible homes.
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£5,000: Biomass boilers in limited circumstances.
There are off-grid properties that can receive £9,000 for eligible heat pumps. This is a higher figure where oil or LPG heating is being replaced. It will be valid for a period of one year until 31 March 2027. There are additional rules for biomass boilers. The property must be rural and not be connected to the gas grid.
How to Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Most of the process is done for you by your installer, making the application process easy. But it's important to make the right choice of installer first.
For a start, check out the instructions below:
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Check your eligibility: Review the property and heating system requirements.
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Find an MCS-certified installer: Select an installer who is MCS certified to perform the heating upgrade.
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Arrange a property assessment: The installer checks your home and heating needs.
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Compare installation quotes: Review prices, equipment and available grant support.
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Confirm your choice: Accept the quote that suits your requirements.
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Complete the application: Your installer submits the grant application to Ofgem.
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Confirm your consent: Respond when Ofgem contacts you about the application.
Ofgem may also contact you for further checks. Your installer must complete the installation within the required period.
What Should You Know About the Grant Budget?
The grant reduces the installation cost, but it may not cover everything. You must pay any remaining amount yourself.
Before choosing a system, consider these costs:
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The heat pump and installation charges.
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Any extra electrical work.
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Changes to radiators or pipework.
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Additional insulation or heating improvements.
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Future servicing and maintenance.
Ask your installer for a clear price breakdown. This helps you understand the budget for boiler upgrade scheme support and remaining costs.
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Approval?
Good preparation can make the application process easier. Keep these points in mind:
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Choose an MCS-certified installer.
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Provide correct property ownership details.
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Share accurate information about your existing heating.
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Check that your chosen system meets scheme rules.
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Review your installation quote before accepting it.
Never assume that every heat pump qualifies automatically. Your installer must confirm that the equipment meets Ofgem's requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme makes low-carbon heating more affordable for eligible property owners. However, you must meet its property and heating requirements. Start by checking your eligibility and comparing approved installers. Then discuss your heating needs and available grant options.
If you are ready to upgrade, apply for boiler upgrade scheme support through an eligible installer. This can help you reduce upfront costs and enjoy cleaner home heating.
