Energy Checker

Heat pump grants for off-gas-grid homes

Homes currently heated by oil, LPG or electric storage heaters may be eligible for a government grant towards an air source or ground source heat pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Check if your property may qualify

Answer a few quick questions about your property, location and current heating.

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What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government grant scheme in England and Wales that provides upfront vouchers to help homeowners and small landlords replace existing heating systems with low-carbon alternatives. The scheme is administered by Ofgem and is available to MCS-certified installers.

Current voucher values (as of 2025):

  • Air source heat pump: up to £7,500
  • Ground source heat pump: up to £7,500

Are off-gas-grid homes prioritised?

While the BUS is not exclusively for off-gas-grid properties, homes currently using oil or LPG boilers may be particularly well suited to switching to a heat pump. Running costs for oil and LPG heating have risen sharply, and a well-specified heat pump can significantly reduce bills for eligible properties.

Off-gas-grid homes also tend to have a clearer case for carbon reduction, which underpins the scheme's purpose.

BUS eligibility requirements

Property must be in England or Wales
You must be the owner-occupier or landlord
Property must have an existing heating system being replaced (not a new build)
A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is usually required
The installer must be MCS-certified for the specific technology
A property survey must confirm the heat pump is appropriately sized for the building fabric

Suitability: is my oil-heated home right for a heat pump?

Heat pumps work most efficiently in well-insulated homes with low-temperature heat distribution (underfloor heating or large radiators). Key factors to discuss with an installer:

  • Level of insulation in walls, loft and floor
  • Current radiator sizing and hot water cylinder capacity
  • Outdoor space for an air source unit or land/water source for ground source
  • Whether your existing EPC flags any recommended improvements first

Do not cancel your oil or LPG contract yet

BUS vouchers must be confirmed before installation begins. Allow time for an installer survey and MCS certification. Speak to an MCS-certified installer before making any changes to your existing system.

See if you may qualify for BUS or other support

Use the free checker to explore heat pump funding routes for your property.

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Other support that may be available

Depending on your circumstances, income and property, additional schemes may apply alongside or instead of BUS:

  • ECO4 — for lower-income households with benefits or local authority referrals (running until December 2026)
  • Warm Homes: Local Grant — for lower-income households in England via local authorities
  • Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan — for Scottish properties (different scheme)
  • Nest scheme — for Welsh properties meeting income criteria

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Boiler Upgrade Scheme (gov.uk/guidance/boiler-upgrade-scheme)
  • Ofgem: BUS guidance for homeowners
  • Energy Saving Trust: Heat pumps
  • MCS: Find an MCS-certified installer (mcscertified.com)

Last reviewed: July 2026. This page is guidance only and does not guarantee eligibility.