Boiler Upgrade Scheme: A Complete Guide for UK Households
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The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers households in England and Wales financial incentives to move towards greener energy systems. In this guide, we will explain what the scheme is, its benefits for UK residents, who can apply, and how to make the most of the support available.
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
From April 2025, the UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government heat pump grant programme designed to support the decarbonisation of homes and small non-domestic buildings in England and Wales.
Home heating is a major source of pollution, roughly 18% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions come from heating the country's 28 million homes. The scheme is part of the government's wider plan to cut those emissions.
Through BUS, property owners can receive financial support to replace systems like gas, oil, LPG boilers, or inefficient electric heating. The funding can be used to install air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, and, in some rural cases, biomass boilers, provided they meet strict sustainability rules.
What Can You Get? Grant Details
You can get one grant per property under the Boiler Upgrade Schem based on Ofgem.
Grants are available for installing certain low-carbon heating systems, provided that the installer is certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
Heating System Type | Grant Amount Available |
Air source heat pump (ASHP) | £7,500 |
Ground source or water source heat pump (including shared ground loops) | £7,500 |
Biomass boiler | £5,000 |
During installation, many homeowners also consider pairing their heating upgrade with additional energy solutions, such as a portable power station, which can provide extra resilience during power cuts or peak energy demand.
Who Is Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Understanding the details of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility makes the process clearer for homeowners and landlords alike. Here are the requirements for eligibility under the government grant:
Own the property (home, second home, rental, small business) in England or Wales.
You must replace an existing fossil fuel heating system (gas, oil, LPG) or non-heat-pump electric heating.
Valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), issued within the last 10 years.
The system must not exceed 45 kWth for individual installations; shared ground loop systems may be up to 300 kWth.
For biomass boilers: property must be off the gas grid, in a rural area, and boiler must have emissions certificate.
Not eligible if:
It's a (still under construction) new build in most cases.
You've already received government funding/support for a heat pump or biomass boiler.
The installer must apply properly within 120 days of the commissioning date.
*Scheme deadline: applications must be submitted before 31 December 2027
Although not a requirement, pairing your low-carbon heating upgrade with a backup power solution, such as the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station, which can be expanded up to 12 kWh, can further enhance overall efficiency and reliability.
How to Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Applying for the grant is designed to be simple, with most of the work handled by your installer. Using the Boiler Upgrade Scheme login system, accredited installers manage applications on your behalf, ensuring everything is submitted correctly and on time. Here are the simple steps you must follow:
1. Contact an MCS-Certified Installer
Find an installer who is MCS-certified and approved to take part in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Ask for quotes and discuss suitable low-carbon heating options (such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, or biomass boilers).
2. Check Your Eligibility
Together with your installer, confirm that:
You own the property (or are a co-owner/landlord).
Your property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). EPCs last for 10 years, so as long as yours has not expired, it is valid. If it has expired, you'll need to get a new EPC before applying.
You are replacing a fossil fuel heating system (gas, oil, LPG, or direct electric).
The property is in England or Wales.
You haven't already received public funding for the same type of low-carbon heating system.
For biomass boilers: the property must be off the gas grid and in a rural area, with emissions certification.
3. Agree On a Quote
The installer provides a full quote that includes the grant amount deducted upfront. You pay the reduced balance.
4. Installer Applies to Ofgem
The installer submits a voucher application through Ofgem's installer portal. Ofgem will then email you, asking for your consent to allow the installer to apply on your behalf. You normally have 14 days to respond.
5. Voucher Issued and Installation Begins
Once approved, the installer receives a voucher. They must complete the installation and issue an MCS certificate within:
3 months for air source heat pumps or biomass boilers
6 months for ground source heat pumps
After this, the installer redeems the voucher from Ofgem.
6. Verification and Checks
Ofgem may carry out checks, including phone/email audits or site visits. Homeowners and installers may be asked to provide documents such as EPCs, proof of ownership, or MCS certificates.
Alongside government support for low-carbon boilers and heat pumps, some homeowners also seek extra ways to cut heating costs. One option is pairing devices like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Power Station with solar panels.
With this best home backup generator that provides up to 4000 W solar input and expandable storage to 30 kWh, households can generate renewable energy to help power heat pumps or other systems, thus reducing heating expenses.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Power Station
When & How You'll Get Paid Under the BUS
Once your new heat pump or biomass boiler system is fully installed:
Commission & Certify: Your installer completes the install, including all emitters, and tests everything to meet MCS and manufacturer standards. Once that's done, you receive the MCS installation certificate.
Apply to Redeem the Voucher: With the certificate in hand, your installer submits a voucher redemption application to Ofgem.
Final Eligibility Checks: Ofgem reviews the application, including checking the MCS certificate and verifying the installation meets all scheme rules.
Payment: Once approved, payment is processed on the next scheduled payment day. Payments are made weekly. For most successful applications, that means payment will be made within about five working days after approval. There sometimes may be short delays, mainly due to bank processing or public holidays.
Conclusion
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a valuable opportunity for UK households to transition to greener, more sustainable heating systems while cutting long-term energy costs. By understanding the eligibility requirements and working with certified installers, homeowners can make the most of government support.
Pairing low-carbon heating with innovative solutions like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Power Station further enhances energy resilience and efficiency. Acting early ensures households benefit from financial incentives while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
FAQs
Is the boiler upgrade scheme worth it?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) can be well worth it for many homeowners. In England and Wales, it provides grants of up to £7,500 for installing air-source or ground-source heat pumps, and £5,000 for eligible biomass boilers, helping reduce the upfront cost significantly.
Beyond saving energy bills over time, switching to a low-carbon heating system also lowers carbon emissions, improves property efficiency, and future-proofs your home as regulations tighten on fossil fuel heating. While savings depend on property type, insulation, and fuel costs, many people see payback over several years.
Is there a government scheme to replace old boilers?
Yes, the UK government offers the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to replace old boilers. Homeowners can receive financial support when switching from oil, gas, electric, or LPG systems to greener options such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, or biomass boilers, making low-carbon heating more accessible and cost-effective.
What is the boiler upgrade scheme April 2025?
In April 2025, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme continues to provide grants for low-carbon heating installations in England and Wales. It supports the installation of air source, ground source heat pumps, and biomass boilers in eligible rural properties, helping homeowners replace fossil fuel systems efficiently and make a long-term energy-saving choice.
Will I have to replace my gas boiler after 2025?
There is no legal requirement to replace gas boilers after 2025. However, homeowners are encouraged to consider upgrading to low-carbon heating using Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants. Replacing gas boilers with heat pumps or biomass boilers can help reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency, and benefit from financial support for greener technology.