Answers · UK 2025/26
How does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant work in 2026?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants of £7,500 for air source heat pumps, £7,500 for ground source heat pumps, and £7,500 for biomass boilers in rural areas. Your installer claims the voucher directly from Ofgem; you pay the reduced net cost. The scheme runs until 2028.
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**What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?** The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government grant programme run by Ofgem that helps households in England and Wales replace fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives. Installers claim the grant on your behalf, reducing the upfront cost you pay. **2026 grant amounts** | Technology | Grant amount | |---|---| | Air source heat pump | £7,500 | | Ground source heat pump | £7,500 | | Biomass boiler (off gas grid only) | £7,500 | Note: Grant amounts were increased from £5,000–£6,000 to £7,500 in October 2023 and remain at this level for 2026. **How to claim** 1. Find a MCS-certified installer registered on the BUS scheme 2. Get a quote for the heat pump installation 3. Your installer applies for a BUS voucher from Ofgem before work starts 4. Ofgem issues a voucher (valid for three months) 5. Installation is completed; installer redeems the voucher directly from Ofgem 6. You pay the quoted price minus the £7,500 grant **Example: James, replacing a gas boiler** James receives a quote of £14,000 for an air source heat pump installation. His installer secures a BUS voucher. James pays £14,000 − £7,500 = **£6,500** net. Over 10 years, lower running costs (combined with solar and time-of-use tariffs) further improve the economics. **Eligibility** - Property must be in England or Wales (separate scheme in Scotland: Home Energy Scotland) - Must have a valid EPC dated within the last 10 years - The property must not have had a BUS grant for the same technology previously - No income threshold — any homeowner can apply **What the scheme does not cover** The BUS does not cover underfloor heating, hot water cylinders, or radiator upgrades — though these are often needed for a heat pump to work efficiently. Budget accordingly. **Scheme end date** The BUS is confirmed to run until 2028. Applications must be made before the scheme closes.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.