The UK Government is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. To support this and respond to rising energy prices, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced a £295 million budget for the 2025/2026 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) UK. This forms part of the Warm Homes Plan, which aims to help millions of families reduce their energy bills by transitioning to more affordable, low-carbon heating systems.
Learn about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
At SmartStone Energy Solutions Ltd, we bring you the latest government grant information in a clear, easy-to-understand way. With years of experience in the energy efficiency and installation sector, we can guide you through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, explain what funding may be available to you and assess your home to identify the most energy-efficient solutions for your property.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government grant to help homes across England and Wales transition from fossil-fuel-run boilers to clean, low-carbon heating systems by upgrading their current boilers and installing new technologies, including air-source heat pumps.
With the higher upfront cost of switching to one of these new technologies, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides savings to eligible households on the cost of installing low-carbon heating system alternatives, including:
- £7,500 off the cost and installation of air-source or ground-source heat pumps.
To be eligible, certified installers must install the heat pump within 120 days of applying for the grant.
Who is eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is open to eligible homeowners in England and Wales to help cover some of the cost of upgrading their property’s heating systems. Any homeowner can apply to check eligibility, and the grant is not means-tested. There are a few requisites which include:
- You need to own the property, whether you live in it, or if it’s a business, or you own it as a second home.
- This grant applies to those replacing current fossil-fuel heating systems, including gas, oil, electric, or LPG (liquified petroleum gas) boilers.
- The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is not available for new build homes (unless you are building the house yourself) or social housing properties.
- Your home must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) issued within the last 10 years.
What clean heating technologies does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme cover?
If you’ve already replaced your boiler once, are concerned about rising energy bills, or are looking for a more sustainable, fossil-fuel-free heating system but aren’t sure about your options, here’s a brief overview of the main technologies you can apply for under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Air Source Heat Pumps
These convert the thermal energy from the air outside into heating and hot water in your home and are suitable for most homes; they are typically cheaper to install than other types of heat pumps. Our air source heat pump guide gives you the lowdown on an efficient, low-carbon heating system that keeps your home warm in winter and cooler in summer.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
These systems draw heat from the ground. While slightly more expensive to install than air-source heat pumps, they tend to be more energy-efficient and suited to properties with extensive outdoor spaces.
How to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant
At SmartStone, we’ve made it easy for you to check your BUS Grant eligibility and start your journey towards a more efficient heating system.
- Start by completing a short eligibility check form to see if you qualify for funding, and one of our team members will call you.
- After the eligibility check, we will arrange a free home survey (subject to status). During this survey, a qualified heat pump assessor will visit you at home and assess your current heating system, check suitability for a heat pump, and recommend the right heating system for your needs.
- Once you’ve completed the eligibility check, SmartStone will handle the next steps. We will submit the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Voucher application on your behalf to make the process as smooth as possible.
- Once the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is approved, we will arrange installation at a time that is convenient for you.
- The grant voucher can then be redeemed against the total upfront cost once the installation has been completed and Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified.
