The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a scheme by the UK government to support the decarbonisation of homes and small to medium-sized non-domestic buildings. It provides upfront grants of up to £7,500 to encourage property owners to replace existing fossil-fuel heating with more efficient, low-carbon heating systems, such as air-source and ground-source heat pumps.
As an MSC-certified installer, Heat Pump Tech are proud to be part of this scheme, giving our customers the opportunity to switch their heating habits and join the thousands of customers moving towards a greener, cleaner, and more reliable alternative, without breaking the bank.
To discuss your eligibility and organise your heat pump installation, please contact our team.
What is the purpose of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme UK?
This scheme aims to help boost the adoption of heat pumps across England and Wales. It’s part of a wider movement to:
- Increase awareness, training, and support for the industry.
- Reduce the cost of heat pumps for homeowners
- Make these systems more commonplace.
The ultimate goal is to tip the balance away from less efficient systems, such as traditional gas boilers, toward renewable alternatives that reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Why are heat pumps more efficient than traditional boilers?
Heat pumps are considered renewable technologies because Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) extract heat from outdoor air, and Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) use heat stored in the ground to warm your home.
The adoption of heat pumps is gaining momentum in the UK, and this grant is part of a national push to accelerate that growth and help us catch up with some of our European counterparts, where heat pumps are more popular.
Who is eligible for a ground or air source heat pump grant?
According to the GOV.UK website, boiler upgrade scheme eligibility depends on the following criteria:
- Your property must be a home or a small to medium non-domestic building located in England or Wales.
- The maximum installation capacity is 45 kWth, covering most eligible properties. For any shared ground loop system, the total system capacity cannot exceed 300 kWth.
- Your property needs to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
- If a low-carbon heating system has already been installed before submitting a voucher application, the installer must ensure the application is submitted (or will be submitted) within 120 days of the commissioning data stated on the MSC certificate.
- Biomass boilers are only eligible in properties that are both rural and not connected to the gas grid, whereas heat pumps don’t have these restrictions.
- Funding is only available when replacing an existing fossil fuel or electric heating system, not for replacing existing low-carbon heat systems.
- You are not eligible if you have already received funding or support for a heat pump or biomass boiler.
- You can apply if you have received separate funding for energy-efficient improvements, such as insulation, doors, or windows.
- New-build and social housing are not eligible, but self-build properties can apply.
How to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The BUS is installer-led, meaning the installer must apply for heat pump grants on the property owner’s behalf. Installers must be registered with the scheme, and only those certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MSC) can participate.
Call us on 01757 616 636 to learn more about applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
What is the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MSC)?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MSC) is a nationally recognised standards organisation that assures you of the quality of your product and the competence of your installer. It also guarantees that your installer meets high consumer protection standards.
Heat Pump Tech is proud to be MSC certified.
How do government grants for heat pumps work?
This is an easy step-by-step guide to getting a new heat pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- Find an MCS-Certified Installer (like Heat Pump Tech!). You can search for certified installers online.
- Contact the installers to discuss your property, heating needs, and eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
- The installer may visit to take a look at your current set-up and recommend the most suitable heat pump for your home.
- Once you choose a system, your installer will submit the grant application to Ofgem on your behalf and provide them with your details.
- You will then receive an email from Ofgem asking you to confirm your consent for the installer to apply on your behalf.
- After this, the installer will generally handle all further communications with Ofgem on scheme-related matters.
- The installer will complete the installation in accordance with industry standards and scheme requirements.
- The grant will be applied as a discount directly on your invoice. After installation and commissioning are complete, the installer will redeem the voucher and receive the grant.
Heat Pump Tech & The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
At Heat Pump Tech, we’re passionate about the benefits of heat pumps and proud to be part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, helping make low-carbon heating more accessible, affordable, and easier to adopt for the masses.
This government-backed scheme won’t be around forever, so don’t miss out. Get in touch with Heat Pump Tech to join the heating revolution today!
