The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
All the information you need to know about the Boiler Upgrade scheme including who is eligible, what’s included and how you can apply.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government grant designed to help households and small businesses in England and Wales switch from fossil-fuel heating to low-carbon systems such as heat pumps. The scheme provides financial support to reduce the upfront cost of installing cleaner, more efficient heating technologies.
The scheme is administered by Ofgem and applies to both domestic properties and qualifying small non-domestic buildings.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers grants to homeowners and landlords who replace their existing fossil-fuel or electric heating system with an eligible low-carbon alternative. The grant is paid directly to your installer, reducing the cost you pay.
The scheme is part of the UK’s wider plan to cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support more affordable renewable heating solutions.
What you can find on this page
Who is eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available for homeowners (including landlords) throughout England and Wales.
In order to qualify, you must be replacing a non-carbon efficient heating source (gas boiler, oil boiler, LPG boiler, electric storage heaters, etc.) you cannot qualify if you already have an air source heat pump.
That’s simply it. Nothing else. No income requirements, no EPC requirements. A simple and hassle-free qualification process.
What's included as part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available for homes in the UK that are upgrading from fossil fuel heating (oil, gas, electric) to a renewable energy heating system.
The benefit is in the form of a voucher towards the cost of the supply and installation of the heating system.
Current grant amounts are:
- £7,500 for an air-source heat pump
- £7,500 for a ground-source heat pump
- £5,000 for a biomass boiler (only in rural, off-grid areas)
The grant covers part of the installation, and the installer applies for and redeems the grant on your behalf, reducing the amount you pay upfront.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air and convert it into usable heating and hot water for your home. They are the most common type of heat pump in the UK and offer:
- Lower running costs compared to gas and oil
- Reduced carbon emissions
- Compatibility with radiators and underfloor heating
- Low maintenance requirements
ASHPs are suitable for most property types, including flats and houses, and are generally quicker and cheaper to install than ground-source systems. They typically produce around 3.5kw worth of heat from 1kw of electricity input.
Air Source Heat Pump: Typical cost before voucher £7,500 to £10,000. Typical cost after voucher £500 to £2,500.
Potential annual savings switching to a standard air source heat pump in an average sized, three-bedroom semi-detached home. Source Energy Saving Trust.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps extract heat from the ground using pipes buried horizontally or vertically. GSHPs offer:
- The highest efficiency of all heat pump systems
- Very stable year-round performance
- Long system lifespan
They are ideal for properties with outdoor space or those undergoing major renovation work. Although installation is more complex, the BUS grant provides a significant reduction in overall cost.
Ground Source Heat Pump: Typical cost before voucher £16,000 to £20,000. Typical cost after voucher £9,500 to £12,500.
Check if you qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Interested to see whether you are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme? Our Energy Advice Helpline grant checker is below. Just click your answers below to see if you are eligible for any current UK energy grant schemes.
