Boiler Upgrade
Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme incentivises people to install low-carbon heating systems as they replace their old boilers over the next decade.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme looks to reduce the cost of low carbon heating technologies, such as heat pumps, so that they are more affordable for consumers to buy and run. Working with industry, Government wants to ensure that in the future low carbon heating technologies are no more expensive than fossil fuel boilers.
The Scheme applies to homes and small non-domestic properties in England and Wales with an installation capacity of up to 45kWth. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will provide financial support for the installation of air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and, in limited circumstances, biomass boilers.
Please note, biomass boilers will only be supported in rural locations and in properties that are not connected to the gas grid.
What is available for consumers through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is designed to help households benefit from Government grants. The following grants are available:
- £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
- £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump (including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops)
- £5,000 towards a biomass boiler (in certain circumstances)
Key dates
The Scheme became available from April 2022 and is expected to run until 2028.
What does Government set out to achieve with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is designed to help work toward Government’s ambition of all new heating systems installed in UK homes from 2035 to be low carbon heating. It will support low carbon heat technologies in homes and buildings across England and Wales.
How do you apply to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Installers
- Create an installer account via the Ofgem website
- Submit required document when signing up such as company details, MCS number, business address, home address (including proof), bank account details (including proof), date of birth and proof of identity.
- Once your account is set up, you are able to make applications. The voucher application consists of 2 stages.
- Stage 1 – submit voucher application. Installers must submit a voucher application, Ofgem will assess the application and seek confirmation of property owner consent. Next, if successful, the BUS voucher is issued. ASHPs and Biomass Boilers have a 3 month voucher validity. GSHPs have a 6 month voucher validity.
- Stage 2 – voucher redemption application. Installers must submit a voucher redemption application following the commissioning of the heating system and within the voucher validity. Next the installer will receive payment.
Consumers
- Contact MCS certified installers, such as a HIES installer, to get quotes for the work.
- Confirm your eligibility (your installer will be able to tell you this).
- Agree a quote with your chosen installer.
- The installer will then apply on your behalf on the Ofgem website.
- The value of the grant will be taken off the amount you pay for the installation.
Installer requirements
Installers who wish to apply to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme must meet certain requirements, such as:
- The installer must be MCS certified
- The installer must be a member of a Consumer Code (such as HIES)
Ofgem has released a guidance document to help installers who wish to take part in the BUS scheme understand the requirements. You can access this by clicking here.
Please note information around the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can change therefore we recommend you visit Ofgem website for the latest information.
Want to get involved with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Consumers can find a reputable installer for air source heat pumps, biomass boilers and ground source heat pumps through HIES’s find a member tool.
find a hies memberInstallers must be a member of a Consumer Code (such as HIES) to install under the Scheme. Installers can enquire about HIES membership here.
Enquire about HIES membershipMembership Enquiry
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