What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

The Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme was launched in April 2022. It will provide a boiler upgrade grant to help owners of domestic and small non-domestic properties in England or Wales with the upfront cost of installing low carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps. It will run from 2022 to 2025.

 

Your installer must be MCS certified for the work to be eligible for the BUS grant. Your installer will apply for the grant on your behalf and then take the value of the grant off the price you pay. We recommend you get quotes from more than one installer to make sure you're getting the best value for money. 

 

The scheme will provide:

 

  • £7,500 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
  • £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler
  • £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump

 

The grant will only cover biomass boilers in rural locations and in properties that are not connected to the gas grid.

 

Am I eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

 

You may be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if you:

 

  • Live in England or Wales
  • Own your property (whether this is a home or a small non-domestic property)

 

The property will need to have:

 

  • An installation capacity up to 45kWth (this covers most homes)
  • A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no understanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation (unless you have an insulation exemption).

 

New build properties will not normally be eligible. The only exception is if you're building your own home.

 

To be eligible for the scheme, the commissioning date of the heating system must be on or after 1st April 2022. Your installer will advise whether a low carbon heating system is suitable for your property.

 

You can still apply for BUS even if you have received separate funding for energy efficiency upgrades, such as insulation, doors or windows. 

 

You are not eligible for BUS to replace an existing low carbon heating system. Funding is only available if you are fully replacing an existing fossil fuel system such as oil, gas or direct electric.

 

Find out more about the scheme on the government website.

Related FAQs

Why should I have a filter fitted?

Many boiler breakdowns occur due to sludge in the heating system. A magnetic filter is an effective way of preventing this sludge from accumulating, and may prevent costly breakdowns at a later stage.

Can I run a bath and shower at the same time?

Depending on whether you have a hot water cylinder, you can normally run a bath and a shower at the same time. A system boiler and storage cylinder may be more suitable for properties that have a higher demand.

What are the different types of boilers?

The main types of boiler are combi, system, heat only, and electric boilers. The one that you choose for your property will depend on your specific needs and aspects of your home.

What temperature should my boiler be set at?

Typically, your boiler should be set to at least 65 degrees Celsius to prevent bacteria growing in the water and maintaining comfort.

Why is my boiler leaking?

Checking for damp surfaces on or around your boiler, pipe corrosion, and water dripping beneath it can help identify if there is a leak.

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