Current Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant table
Last checked for this page content: 2026-04-28.
These values match the current GOV.UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant page at time of review.
| Technology | Grant amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | £7,500 | Installer-led BUS grant |
| Ground source heat pump | £7,500 | Includes water source where eligible |
| Air-to-air heat pump | £2,500 | Eligible technology in current GOV.UK guidance |
| Biomass boiler | £5,000 | Eligibility restrictions apply |
Eligibility summary
The scheme is open in England and Wales and can support eligible owner-occupied homes, second homes, landlord-owned rental homes, and some non-domestic buildings.
You must be replacing a fossil fuel or electric heating system. Most new builds and social housing are not eligible. Eligible self-builds can qualify subject to current rules.
Biomass has extra restrictions (for example off-gas-grid and rural location requirements), so confirm those details before quote approval.
MCS-certified installer requirement
Boiler Upgrade Scheme applications are installer-led. The installer business must be MCS certified for the relevant technology.
Use this as a hard filter when shortlisting quotes, and ask the installer to confirm they can submit a BUS application before you proceed.
How the process works
1) Check eligibility.
2) Choose an MCS-certified installer.
3) Installer applies on the homeowner's behalf.
4) Homeowner confirms consent.
5) Grant is deducted from quote upfront.
6) Installation is completed.
7) Installer claims grant from Ofgem.
Installer-led application and homeowner consent
Homeowners do not usually submit the BUS application themselves. The installer applies through Ofgem on the property owner's behalf.
Ofgem then contacts the property owner to confirm consent and key eligibility details before voucher issue.
Your quote and invoice should show the BUS grant as an upfront deduction rather than a later rebate.
Installation and claim flow
After consent and checks, Ofgem issues a voucher to the installer.
Current published timing: installation is normally completed within 3 months of voucher issue, or 6 months for ground source heat pumps.
After commissioning and MCS certificate generation, the installer redeems the voucher with Ofgem.
EPC and insulation notes (current position)
GOV.UK and Ofgem currently state installers may need to provide a valid EPC number, or alternative evidence where no valid EPC exists.
Historic loft/cavity recommendation barriers have changed over time. Do not rely on old blog posts—use current Ofgem guidance and your installer's eligibility checks.
Time limits and practical deadlines
Current published scheme rules include a 120-day timing condition linked to application and installation commissioning.
Voucher validity is currently 3 months for most installs and 6 months for ground source, with re-application possible if timing is missed.
Because timing rules can change, confirm dates in writing with your installer before signing.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming homeowners apply directly instead of the installer-led process.
Accepting a quote that does not clearly show the BUS grant deduction.
Choosing an installer first on price only, without checking MCS certification and BUS application capability.
Using outdated eligibility summaries that do not match current GOV.UK or Ofgem guidance.
Treating the grant as a guarantee of lower bills without checking heat loss, system design, flow temperatures, and tariff.
GOV.UK, Ofgem, and MCS references
Ofgem Boiler Upgrade Scheme property owner guidance.
GOV.UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Ofgem Boiler Upgrade Scheme installers page (process and timing details).
MCS installer standards and MCS-certified installer directory.
Also see: UK heat pump cost calculator, calculator methodology, UK heat pump grants guide, Heat pump vs gas boiler UK, and related BUS blog articles.