Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government programme that offers grants towards the cost of replacing fossil-fuel heating systems with eligible low-carbon alternatives. It is administered by Ofgem and applies in England and Wales.

The scheme primarily supports the installation of heat pumps (air-to-water, ground-source, water-source, and air-to-air) and, in some cases, biomass boilers. The grant is applied as a discount on the installation cost, reducing the amount paid by the property owner.

Property owners do not apply directly. Instead, an MCS-certified installer carries out an assessment, provides a quote, and applies for the voucher on the customer’s behalf.

Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme still open?

Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is currently open and accepting applications. The scheme was originally launched in April 2022 and has been extended. Grant values, eligible technologies, and detailed rules may be updated periodically by government, so applicants should confirm the latest position before committing.

Who can use the scheme?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available to property owners in England and Wales who are replacing an existing fossil-fuel heating system with an eligible low-carbon alternative. Key points:

• Owner-occupiers of domestic properties in England and Wales
• Landlords who own eligible domestic or small non-domestic properties
• The property must generally be replacing an existing fossil-fuel heating system
• The installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer
• The scheme is not means-tested — no benefits requirement
• Some properties, technologies and existing systems may not qualify

What heating systems may be supported?

The scheme covers specific categories of low-carbon heating systems. The main technologies currently eligible are:

• Air-to-water heat pumps
• Ground-source heat pumps
• Water-source heat pumps
• Air-to-air heat pumps (residential properties)
• Biomass boilers (where eligible)

Not all products within each category will be eligible. The system must be certified and the installer must be MCS-accredited for the relevant technology.

Air-source heat pump grants

Air-to-water heat pumps are the most commonly installed technology under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. They extract heat from outside air and transfer it to a wet central heating system. The grant is currently set at up to £7,500 towards the installation cost.

An air-to-water heat pump replaces a traditional gas or oil boiler and works with radiators or underfloor heating. Properties must be adequately insulated for the system to perform efficiently — your MCS installer will assess this during the quotation process.

Ground-source and water-source heat pump grants

Ground-source and water-source heat pumps extract heat from the ground or a body of water. They tend to be more efficient than air-source systems but involve higher upfront costs and more complex installation (ground loops or boreholes).

The grant is currently set at up to £7,500 for eligible systems. These are often most suitable for larger properties with adequate outdoor space for ground collectors. See our ground source heat pump grants guide for more detail.

Air-to-air heat pump support

Air-to-air heat pumps are now eligible for a grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for residential properties, at a currently published value of up to £2,500. Air-to-air systems provide space heating through warm air rather than a wet radiator system. They may be suitable for some property types but are not appropriate in all situations. An MCS-certified installer can advise on suitability.

Biomass boiler grants

Eligible biomass boilers may attract a grant of up to £5,000 under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Biomass eligibility is more restricted than for heat pumps and the detailed rules should be confirmed with Ofgem. Not all biomass installations or property types will qualify, and the government has indicated that biomass support may be further restricted in future.

Property eligibility requirements

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has specific property requirements:

• The property must be in England or Wales
• It must be a domestic or small non-domestic property
• The property should have an existing fossil-fuel heating system being replaced
• A valid EPC must generally have been issued for the property
• The property must have adequate insulation (loft and cavity where applicable) or a plan to install it
• An MCS-certified installer must carry out the installation

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee that a voucher will be issued. The installer and Ofgem confirm eligibility through the application process.

Do you need to receive benefits?

No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is not means-tested. You do not need to receive any benefits or meet income thresholds to qualify. The scheme is based on property eligibility, the type of heating system being installed, and whether an MCS-certified installer is carrying out the work. This contrasts with ECO4, which is specifically targeted at lower-income and vulnerable households.

Can landlords and businesses qualify?

Finding an MCS-certified installer

Only MCS-certified installers can apply for Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers. MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is an industry quality mark that ensures installers meet technical and consumer protection standards.

You can search for certified installers in your area through the official MCS website. It is advisable to obtain multiple quotes, check references, and confirm the installer is certified for the specific technology you are considering.

What costs are not covered?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is a contribution towards the installation cost, not a guarantee of zero cost. Costs that may fall outside the grant include:

• Any installation cost above the grant value
• Preparatory work such as upgrading insulation or radiators
• Electrical upgrades needed to support the new system
• Planning permission costs where required
• Ongoing maintenance and servicing
• Any additional work needed to make the property suitable

Your installer should provide a clear breakdown of the total cost before you commit, showing how the grant is applied.

How long does the process take?

Timescales vary depending on installer availability, the complexity of the installation, and Ofgem processing times. From initial enquiry to completed installation, the process typically takes several weeks to a few months. Factors affecting timing include site survey scheduling, voucher application processing, equipment supply, and the installation itself. Your installer should provide an indicative timeline during the quotation stage.

How to check your eligibility

Use the free eligibility checker on this page to get an initial indication of whether the Boiler Upgrade Scheme may apply to your property. The checker considers your location, property type, current heating system, and other factors.

An eligibility check does not guarantee that a voucher will be issued. Final eligibility is determined through the official scheme process, involving an MCS-certified installer assessment and Ofgem’s voucher approval.

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