The Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2026

Thinking about upgrading your home heating? The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) could be your ticket to a more energy-efficient future. This government scheme offers significant financial support for UK property owners looking to switch from traditional fossil fuel boilers to cleaner, low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps1. It's a crucial part of the UK's plan to reduce carbon emissions and make homes greener. This guide will walk you through what the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is, who can get a grant, how to apply, and how to get the most out of your new system.

Considering a heat pump with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme? With Fuse Energy, you get clear pricing, real-time usage data, 24/7 human customer support, and a modern energy experience designed around you. Switching takes as little as 3 minutes, so you can take control of your bills from day one. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and start saving.

What is the boiler upgrade scheme?

Understanding the government's initiative for UK property owners

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government initiative designed to help property owners in England and Wales make the switch to low-carbon heating. Launched on 23 May 2022, the scheme provides a one-off grant to reduce the upfront cost of installing an air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, or, in some rural areas, a biomass boiler. It's not a free boiler upgrade scheme, but a substantial grant to make sustainable heating more accessible. The goal is simple: encourage more homes to adopt renewable heating technologies, cut carbon emissions, and help the UK reach its net-zero targets. Ofgem administers the scheme, processing voucher applications and making payments to installers. The scheme is currently funded until 31 December 2027.

Boiler upgrade scheme eligibility: can you get a grant?

Key requirements for property owners in England and Wales

To qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, you'll need to meet specific criteria. The scheme is open to property owners in England and Wales, including landlords. Here are the key requirements for boiler upgrade scheme eligibility:

• Property type: Your property must be an existing domestic or small non-domestic building. New builds and social housing are generally excluded, except for self-builds.
• Ownership: You must own the property you're applying for.
• Valid EPC: Your home needs a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) issued within the last 10 years. As of 8 May 2024, there are no minimum insulation requirements for applications made after this date.
• Existing heating system: The grant is for replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system (like a gas, oil, LPG, or electric boiler). It cannot be used to replace an existing low-carbon heating system.
• Installer: Your chosen low-carbon heating system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer.

The scheme does not apply to properties in Scotland, as they have their own support programmes.

How to apply for the boiler upgrade scheme grant

Your step-by-step application process

Applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is simpler than you might think, as your installer handles most of the heavy lifting. Here's how to apply for boiler upgrade scheme support:

1. Check your eligibility: First, confirm your property and existing heating system meet the criteria.
2. Get quotes: Contact several MCS-certified installers for quotes on installing a heat pump or biomass boiler. They will assess your home's suitability and recommend the best system.
3. Installer application: Once you accept a quote, your chosen installer will apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant on your behalf. They will deduct the grant amount from your total installation cost, so you only pay the difference.
4. Installation: The installer will then proceed with the installation of your new low-carbon heating system.
5. Grant paid: Ofgem pays the grant directly to your installer after the installation is complete and confirmed.

The current grant values are £7,500 for air source heat pumps, £7,500 for ground source heat pumps, £5,000 for biomass boilers, and £2,500 for air-to-air systems2. These grant levels were increased in October 2023.

Maximising your heat pump investment: energy management with Fuse Energy

Transparent billing and detailed consumption insights for heat pump owners

Installing a heat pump with the help of the UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a fantastic step towards a greener home. Fuse Energy is certified to provide the BUS grant and offers Vaillant aroTHERM plus heat pump installations, handling everything from planning approvals to final checks. Once your heat pump is installed, how do you ensure you're getting the most out of your investment? This is where understanding and managing your energy consumption becomes key.

Heat pumps change your energy consumption patterns, often leading to higher electricity usage compared to a traditional gas boiler. Fuse Energy provides transparent billing on a calendar-month basis, giving you a clear, itemised breakdown of every charge. This means you can easily see the running costs of your heat pump and compare them to your previous heating bills. Our detailed consumption insights, including hourly usage data, allow you to pinpoint exactly when and how much energy your heat pump is using.

Optimising your heat pump's energy use and bills

With Fuse Energy, you're not just getting a bill - you're getting a roadmap to optimisation. By analysing the detailed data we provide, you can:

• Identify usage patterns: Understand your heat pump's energy demands throughout the day and across seasons.
• Fine-tune settings: Experiment with different flow temperatures and scheduling to find the most efficient settings for your home, seeing the impact directly reflected in your Fuse bill.
• Budget effectively: With clear, regular statements, you can manage your payments proactively, using our Direct Debit or Wallet Top-Up options to stay on top of your energy expenditure.

By leveraging Fuse Energy's tools, you can ensure your Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant translates into long-term energy savings and a truly optimised low-carbon heating experience.

Take the stress out of managing your energy. With Fuse Energy, you get clear pricing, real-time usage data, 24/7 human customer support, and a modern energy experience designed around you. Switching takes as little as 3 minutes, so you can take control of your bills from day one. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today and start saving. Find out about our mission by clicking here.

References

1. Ofgem. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
2. Eon. Changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant could give you access to air-to-air heat pump funding