Refurbishment

Boiler Upgrade Scheme: the complete grant guide for 2026

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government grant programme that pays up to £7,500 toward the cost of replacing a fossil-fuel heating system with a low-carbon alternative such as an air source or ground source heat pump. The scheme runs in England and Wales until March 2028. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you can get, and how the application process works.

Last reviewed 5 July 2026

In short

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 toward an air source or ground source heat pump, or £5,000 toward a biomass boiler, in England and Wales. To qualify you must own the property, have a valid EPC with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation, and use an MCS-certified installer. The installer applies for the grant voucher on your behalf and deducts it directly from your invoice — you do not pay the money upfront and claim back. The scheme is funded until March 2028.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant amounts by technology

The table below shows the current grant values, which technology they apply to, and any key eligibility conditions for each.

TechnologyGrant amountKey conditions
Air source heat pump (ASHP)£7,500MCS-certified, replaces fossil-fuel or direct electric heating
Ground source heat pump (GSHP)£7,500MCS-certified, includes water source heat pumps
Biomass boiler£5,000Only in areas not connected to, or without potential to connect to, the gas grid
Geothermal heat pump£7,500As per ground source; specialist applications

Grant values are correct as of July 2026. One grant per property. The scheme runs until 31 March 2028.

Who is eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

You must meet all of the following criteria to receive a grant:

  • You own the property in England or Wales (homeowners and eligible landlords can apply).
  • The property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) issued within the last 10 years.
  • The EPC must not contain an outstanding recommendation for loft insulation or cavity wall insulation — unless those measures are not technically suitable for the property.
  • The heating system being replaced uses fossil fuels (gas, oil, LPG) or direct electric heating.
  • You use an MCS-certified installer — the installer must be certified to install the specific technology.
  • The property must be a domestic premises (houses, flats, bungalows, and some park homes).
  • New-build properties are not eligible.
  • You can only receive one grant per property.

How to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The process is managed through your installer — homeowners do not apply directly to Ofgem.

  1. Check your EPC

    Look up your property on the EPC register at gov.uk. If your EPC shows outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation, you will need to address these (or get a surveyor to confirm they are unsuitable) before applying.

  2. Find an MCS-certified installer

    Use the MCS installer finder at mcscertified.com to find accredited heat pump installers in your area. Get at least three quotes.

  3. Installer applies for a voucher

    Once you choose an installer and agree a contract, the installer applies to Ofgem for a grant voucher on your behalf. This must happen before installation begins.

  4. Ofgem issues the voucher

    Ofgem typically issues a voucher within a few days. The voucher is valid for three months, within which the installation must be completed.

  5. Installation and redemption

    After installation, your installer redeems the voucher with Ofgem. The grant is paid directly to the installer, who deducts it from your invoice. You pay only the net amount.

What the grant does and does not cover

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant applies to the cost of the heat pump or biomass boiler unit and its installation. It does not cover associated works such as radiator upgrades, underfloor heating installation, new hot water cylinders (though these are often bundled into the installer quote), electrical upgrades, or insulation improvements.

If your property needs significant additional work — such as larger radiators or improved insulation — these costs sit outside the grant. Budget separately for them. A good installer will include all associated works in their quote so you know the full project cost before committing.

Landlords can apply for the grant, but the property must be domestically let and meet the EPC condition. Social housing and new builds are excluded.

Scotland has its own scheme — the Home Energy Scotland grant — which provides separate funding toward heat pumps and insulation measures. Contact Energy Saving Trust Scotland for details.

Do not install before the voucher is issued

A common mistake is beginning installation before the grant voucher has been formally issued by Ofgem. If work starts first, the application will be rejected and you will lose the grant entirely. Always confirm the voucher reference number with your installer before any work begins on site.

EPC insulation recommendations: what disqualifies you?

The EPC condition is the most common reason applications fail. Use this table to understand what triggers a disqualification and what does not.

EPC recommendationDisqualifies you?What to do
Loft insulation recommendedYes, if technically feasibleInstall loft insulation first, then get a new EPC
Cavity wall insulation recommendedYes, if technically feasibleInstall cavity wall insulation, then get a new EPC
Solid wall insulation recommendedNoNot a disqualifying recommendation
Solar panels or other measuresNoThese do not affect eligibility
Loft/cavity recommended but surveyor confirms not suitableNoGet written confirmation from a qualified surveyor

Always check the current Ofgem guidance as eligibility rules can be updated.

Factor the grant into your home-buying budget

If you are buying a property with an old gas boiler, our home-buying planner lets you model the net cost of switching to a heat pump after the grant, helping you set a realistic refurbishment reserve before you make an offer.

Common questions

How much is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?

The grant is £7,500 for an air source or ground source heat pump, and £5,000 for a biomass boiler. The money is paid directly to your MCS-certified installer and deducted from your invoice.

Who can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Homeowners and private landlords in England and Wales who own domestic properties. The property must have a valid EPC without outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation (unless those measures are not technically feasible). New builds are excluded.

How do I apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

You do not apply directly. Your MCS-certified installer applies to Ofgem for a voucher on your behalf before installation starts. The installer then redeems the voucher after installation and the grant is deducted from your bill.

When does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme end?

The scheme is currently funded until 31 March 2028. After that date the government may extend, replace, or discontinue it. Applications must be submitted and installations completed before the deadline.

Does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme cover Scotland?

No. Scotland has its own separate Home Energy Scotland grant scheme, administered by Energy Saving Trust Scotland, which offers different amounts and conditions. Contact 0808 808 2282 or energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland for details.

Can I get the grant if my EPC has insulation recommendations?

Not usually. If your EPC lists outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation, you must either complete those improvements and get a new EPC, or have a qualified surveyor confirm the measures are not technically suitable for your property before applying.

Can a landlord use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Yes, private landlords can apply for the grant for domestic rental properties, provided the property meets all EPC and eligibility conditions. Social housing and new builds are excluded.

Sources

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