Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The UK Government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers up to £7,500 towards replacing your fossil fuel heating with a heat pump. Extended to 2028 and available to all homeowners in England and Wales — regardless of income.
Check your eligibility
Answer 5 quick questions to see if you qualify for up to £7,500
What type of property do you live in?
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK Government programme administered by Ofgem that provides grants to help homeowners in England and Wales replace fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives. Originally launched in April 2022, the scheme has been extended to run until 2028.
Unlike means-tested schemes, the BUS is available to all homeowners regardless of income. The grant amount was increased from £5,000 to £7,500 for heat pumps in October 2023, reflecting the Government's commitment to heat pump adoption. Uptake has accelerated significantly — over 40,000 vouchers were issued in 2024–25 alone.
How much can you get?
The grant is applied as a discount at the point of installation — you don't receive the money directly. Your MCS-certified installer applies for the voucher on your behalf through Ofgem's portal.
- £7,500 towards an air source heat pump (ASHP)
- £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump (including water source and shared ground loops)
- £5,000 towards a biomass boiler
- One grant per property — cannot be combined with other BUS grants for the same measure
- Cannot be used for hybrid systems (e.g. gas boiler + heat pump combination)
- Net cost after grant: typically £2,500–£10,500 for a full ASHP installation
Am I eligible?
Eligibility is based on your property and existing heating system — not your income. The BUS is one of the most accessible energy grants available because there are no means-testing requirements.
Your property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) no older than 10 years, with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation.
- You own the property (homeowners and landlords both qualify)
- The property is in England or Wales
- You have a valid EPC with no outstanding insulation recommendations
- You're replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system (gas, oil, LPG, or electric)
- You're not replacing an existing low-carbon heating system
- The installation is carried out by an MCS-certified installer
- The property is an existing building (new builds are not eligible)
How does the application work?
You don't apply directly — your MCS-certified installer handles the application through Ofgem's online portal. The process is straightforward and typically takes just a few days for voucher approval.
- Get quotes from MCS-certified installers (we recommend at least two)
- Your chosen installer applies for the BUS voucher via Ofgem
- Ofgem reviews and issues the voucher (usually within a few working days)
- Installation takes place within the voucher validity period (3–6 months)
- Your installer claims the grant directly from Ofgem — the discount appears on your final bill
Can I combine BUS with solar panels?
Yes — and it's one of the smartest combinations available. A heat pump runs on electricity, so pairing it with solar panels can dramatically reduce your running costs. During daylight hours, your solar panels can power the heat pump directly, and a battery can store excess generation for use in the evening.
The BUS grant covers the heat pump installation. Solar panels and battery storage are separate purchases, but together they create a fully integrated renewable energy system — potentially cutting your energy bills by 60–80%.
Important things to know
Before proceeding, be aware of these key points to avoid delays or issues with your application:
- The grant cannot be combined with ECO4 funding for the same heat pump measure
- Your EPC insulation requirements must be met before the voucher is issued
- Vouchers are valid for 3–6 months — installation must be completed within this period
- Only MCS-certified installers can apply for BUS vouchers on your behalf
- The scheme applies to existing properties only — new builds are not eligible
- Always get multiple quotes and verify your installer's MCS certification at mcscertified.com
- Heat pump running costs are typically £500–£1,200/year — often comparable to or lower than gas
Related pages
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Information verified against gov.uk guidance (March 2026). Always check the official Boiler Upgrade Scheme page for the latest eligibility rules.