Boiler Upgrade Scheme BUS
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme helps replace gas, oil, LPG, or electric heating with a heat pump. With rising energy prices and carbon concerns, it’s a simple, direct way to upgrade.
How the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Helps Replace Fossil Heating
Old boilers are expensive headaches, while the “efficient” ones still burn stuff. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme cuts the cord.
Here’s what you actually get:
- Air source heat pump → £9,000
- Ground source heat pump (including water source or shared ground loops) → £9,000
- Biomass boiler → £5,000 (applies only to off-grid rural homes, excluding self-build properties)
Important rules:
- Only one grant per property.
- Hybrid configurations are excluded under the scheme, so the existing boiler cannot be retained as a secondary or backup system.
- Must meet efficiency standards at minimum levels.
- Max capacity: 45kWth for individual systems, 300kWth for shared loops.
You must own the property. It can be your home, a rental, a business property, or even a second home. Landlords can apply too.
Biomass boiler catch: If your home is off-grid and rural, you may qualify. But self-build properties are not eligible for the biomass grant; this is a strict rule from Ofgem.
Even if your home already had insulation funding, you’re still eligible and can combine it.
What does the grant actually do for you?
- It reduces the high upfront cost, bringing heat pumps within reach.
- Forces verified, regulated installs – MCS checks happen.
How the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Application Works
The installer handles all government paperwork, making the process simple for you.
- Fill out a short online form.
- Team checks eligibility within a day.
- Free home energy survey. They check pipe sizes, radiators, and insulation levels.
- You’ll receive a quote with the grant applied, plus optional 0% finance if required.
- Agree on the quote.
- Our accredited team will arrange your installation
Ofgem or MCS may contact you to confirm your installer. The installer claims the grant, so you only pay the remaining cost with no forms needed.
Where Boiler Upgrade Scheme Applies and Restrictions
England and Wales only. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own separate pots.
Straight-up no’s:
- Most new builds – but with a twist (keep reading)
- Social housing (different funding routes exist)
- Any property that already has government funding for a heat pump or biomass boiler
- Replacing an existing low-carbon heating system (that would be double-dipping)
The new build nuance (important):
New builds under construction are not eligible. But once completed, homes with a fossil fuel boiler can apply for the scheme.
Your self-build is eligible for heat pump grants if:
- You built it yourself (or paid a builder)
- It’s never been owned by a business or organisation
- You can prove that title deeds work fine
What You Save With Boiler Upgrade Scheme
What BUS scheme eligibility saves you:
- £9,000 off installation.
- 0% finance on the remaining balance – so you don’t have to raid savings.
- Lower monthly bills – especially if you’re on oil or LPG.
- No flu. No carbon monoxide risk. No gas standing charge if you go fully off-grid.
Heating oil is about 65p per litre, and a typical home uses 2,000 litres a year, costing £1,300. A heat pump can cost around half as much to run.
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Right for Your Property
Honest talk. Not every home is a perfect fit.
It depends on:
- Ownership: You must own the property. Landlords qualify; renters don’t.
- Heating: Biggest savings with oil, LPG, or electric systems; gas savings are smaller.
- Space: Room needed for the outdoor unit and the indoor cylinder.
- Radiators: Older ones may need upgrading.
- Insulation: Good insulation is essential; fix draughts first.
Biomass suits off-grid homes with a £5,000 grant. But heat pumps are simpler, efficient, and work in older homes.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grants Eligibility
Make The Switch While Support Lasts
Costs won’t stay still. Heating shouldn’t feel like a gamble. If your system is ageing, now’s the moment to act. Check eligibility, weigh the numbers, and move toward something steadier, cleaner, and built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
A government grant giving £9,000 toward heat pumps (£5,000 for biomass boilers). Installers claim the money. You pay the rest. 0% finance available.
Homeowners in England or Wales, including second homes and rental properties. Replacing fossil fuel heating (gas, oil, LPG, electric). One grant per property. No hybrids.
£9,000 for air source or ground source heat pumps. £5,000 for biomass boilers but biomass is off-gas-grid, rural, and not for self-builds.
Yes, that’s the main purpose. MCS-certified installer required. They handle the application and Ofgem checks.
Not for properties still being built. But a finished new build with a fossil fuel boiler? Yes. Self-builds? Yes for heat pumps, no for biomass.
