What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, also known as the BUS, is a Government-funded initiative that supports the installation of low carbon heating. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions and help households move away from traditional fossil fuel boilers. Grants are available for heat pumps and, in some cases, biomass boilers.

If you qualify, the grant is paid directly to the installer, which reduces the upfront cost of the project.

How Much Funding is Available?

The amount you can claim depends on the heating technology you choose.

• £7,500 for air source heat pumps
• £7,500 for ground source heat pumps
• £5,000 for eligible biomass boiler installations

Heat pumps receive the highest level of support due to their efficiency and long-term running cost savings. Biomass grants apply mainly to rural or off-gas properties where a heat pump may not be suitable.

Who Can Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Most homeowners and small businesses can apply if the property meets the scheme requirements. These include:

• The property must be in England or Wales
• You must own the property
• The system you install must replace a fossil fuel boiler, such as gas or oil
• The building must have a valid EPC without outstanding cavity wall or loft insulation recommendations
• New-builds are not usually eligible unless they are self-build projects

Heat pumps are suitable for many property types, including older homes, although insulation and radiator sizing may need reviewing during the survey.

Why Choose a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps offer an efficient and reliable way to heat your home. They work by extracting heat from the air or ground and converting it into usable heating and hot water. While they use electricity, they can deliver several units of heat for every unit of electricity used, which makes them highly efficient.

Benefits include:

• Lower running costs compared with oil or LPG
• Reduced carbon emissions
• Long-term energy savings
• Suitable for most property types
• Works well with underfloor heating and modern radiators

Because the heat pump grant covers a large portion of the installation cost, many homeowners find the switch more affordable than they expected.

What About Biomass Boilers?

Biomass boilers burn wood pellets or logs to provide heating and hot water. They can be a good option for rural homes, especially where heat pumps are not practical. The £5,000 grant helps offset the cost, although running costs depend on fuel prices and storage space.

Biomass is most suitable for:

• Rural or off-grid properties
• Homes with high heat demand
• Properties with space for fuel storage
• Buildings where a heat pump is not viable due to design or fabric limitations

How the Grant Application Process Works

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been designed to be straightforward. The installer manages the application, so the process is simple for the customer. Here is how it works:

1. Survey and system design:We assess the property and confirm heat pump or biomass suitability.
2. Grant application: We submit the application on your behalf and secure the grant allocation.
3. Installation: Once the grant is approved, the installation can begin. The grant value is deducted from the final invoice.
4. Completion and sign-off: You receive all documentation, including system certificates and handover information.

This process ensures your grant is protected and paid directly towards the installation cost.

What Does the Installation Involve?

Heat pump installations typically involve:

• Removal of the existing boiler
• Fitting the outdoor heat pump unit
• Installing a new hot water cylinder (if required)
• Upgrading radiators if needed for optimum performance
• Adjusting system controls for efficient runningGround source heat pumps require ground loops or boreholes, which involve additional planning.

Ground source heat pumps require ground loops or boreholes, which involve additional planning.

Biomass installations include fitting the boiler, flue system, and fuel storage area.

Every project is designed to suit the property, ensuring the heating system performs efficiently once installed.

Is My Property Suitable for a Heat Pump?

Most homes can have a heat pump, especially if they are well insulated. During the survey we assess:

• Insulation and heat loss
• Radiator sizes
• System layout
• Space for the outdoor unit
• Existing heating controls
• Hot water requirements

If adjustments are needed, we explain them clearly so you understand the options available.

How Long Will the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Be Available?

The grant is available now, but like all Government incentives, it is subject to future review. Schemes can change or be removed depending on funding, policy direction, and budget pressures. Recent changes to other schemes have raised concern within the industry that BUS may not continue long term.

For homeowners considering renewable heating, acting sooner avoids the risk of missing out if funding is reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Request a Heat Pump or Biomass Grant Assessment

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers significant financial support, but the grant may not be available indefinitely. If you are considering a heat pump or biomass system, now is an ideal time to explore your options.

Our renewable energy team can assess your property, design the system, and manage the grant application process for you. This ensures your funding is secured and the installation runs smoothly.