Am I Eligible For The Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

More UK homeowners are looking to move away from fossil fuel heating, but the upfront cost can be a barrier. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is designed to make that switch more affordable by offering grants towards low-carbon systems like heat pumps and biomass boilers.

If you currently rely on oil, LPG, gas, or electric heating, you may be able to claim support. Eligibility depends on your property, your existing system, and whether your home is suitable for a low-carbon upgrade.

This guide breaks down who qualifies, how to check, and how to secure funding.

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Key Takeaways

• The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers up to £7,500, rising to £9,000 from July 2026, for off-gas-grid homes, helping reduce the upfront cost of switching to low-carbon heating.
• Off-grid homes (oil and LPG) are often prioritised, but many properties on gas or electric heating can still qualify, depending on suitability.
• You do not apply yourself. An MCS-certified installer assesses your home and submits the application.
• Eligibility is usually straightforward, and most issues come from missed steps or poor planning rather than strict rules.

Basic Eligibility Requirements For The BUS Grant

Understanding whether you qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the first step toward upgrading your heating system. The scheme is designed to help homeowners and landlords replace high-carbon systems with low-carbon alternatives, but eligibility depends on your property, current setup, and installation plans.

Property Ownership Rules

The scheme is open to homeowners and private landlords across England and Wales. You must have legal authority to approve the installation, whether that’s as an owner-occupier or landlord.

While an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) has traditionally been required, recent updates are relaxing this requirement. However, your property still needs to be suitable for a low-carbon system, particularly in terms of insulation and overall efficiency.

Eligible Heating Systems (Oil, LPG, Electric)

To qualify, you must be replacing an existing high-carbon heating system. This typically includes:

• Oil boilers
• LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) systems
• Direct electric heating (such as storage heaters)

These homes, especially those off the gas grid, are prioritised because they face higher energy costs and carbon emissions. Switching to a heat pump or biomass system delivers both environmental and financial benefits over time.

Exclusions For New Builds And Social Housing

The scheme is focused on upgrading existing homes, not new developments. New-build properties are expected to meet modern efficiency standards from the outset, so they don’t qualify.

Social housing is also excluded from the standard scheme, as it is typically supported through separate government funding programmes. Additionally, if your property has already received funding for the same upgrade under this scheme or similar initiatives, you may not be eligible again.

Differences Between Oil, Gas And LPG Homes

Your current heating system plays a major role in how much support you can access under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Not all homes are treated equally, eligibility and funding priority are heavily influenced by whether you’re on or off the gas grid, and how carbon-intensive your existing system is.

Understanding where your home sits makes it much easier to decide whether switching to a heat pump or biomass system is the right move.

Why Oil Homes Are Strong Candidates

Homes with oil boilers are among the strongest candidates for support. These properties are typically off-grid, rely on expensive fuel deliveries, and produce higher carbon emissions.

Because of this, they are a key focus for the scheme, with higher grants (up to £9,000 from 2026) helping offset installation costs. For many homeowners, switching from oil to a heat pump delivers immediate savings, improved efficiency, and long-term price stability.

Gas Boiler Limitations

Homes connected to the mains gas network face more limitations. While heat pumps are still supported, gas systems are generally cheaper to run than oil or LPG, so they’re not prioritised in the same way.

This means the financial case can be less compelling upfront, and system suitability becomes more important. Factors like insulation, radiator size, and overall efficiency will heavily influence whether upgrading makes sense.

LPG And Other Off-Grid Systems

LPG and direct electric heating systems sit in a similar position to oil, particularly when off-grid. These homes often face high running costs and greater exposure to energy price volatility.

As a result, they are strong candidates for low-carbon upgrades. Switching to a heat pump or biomass system can significantly reduce ongoing costs while improving overall efficiency and sustainability.

At-A-Glance Comparison

The table below highlights how different heating systems are treated in terms of eligibility and support priority:

Who Can And Cannot Apply For The Grant

Eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme depends on the scheme and your property type. Most grants aim to support low-carbon heating, such as heat pumps.

Owner-Occupiers vs Landlords

Both homeowners and private landlords can apply for schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Grants are available for low-carbon systems (not gas boilers), and installations must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer. You cannot receive funding more than once for the same installation.

Rental Properties

Private rental properties can qualify if they meet requirements such as having a valid EPC. Rules vary depending on the scheme. Social housing is not eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme but may qualify under other programmes like the Energy Company Obligation.

Multiple Properties and Second Homes

You can usually apply for one grant per property, provided each meets the criteria. Ownership of multiple properties does not automatically disqualify you.

Additional Considerations

Being on the gas grid does not automatically prevent you from qualifying. However, you cannot combine multiple grants for the same upgrade, and eligibility rules may differ between schemes.

How To Check Your Eligibility

Checking if you qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is fairly straightforward, but it’s worth getting it right early to avoid delays.

Start with GOV.UK Guidance

There isn’t a full eligibility checker, but the GOV.UK website outlines the key requirements. These include things like property type, existing heating system, and whether the installation meets low-carbon standards.

This gives you a good starting point, but it won’t confirm eligibility on its own.

Speak to an MCS-Certified Installer

The most reliable way to check eligibility is by speaking to an MCS-certified installer. They’ll assess your home and confirm whether a heat pump or biomass system is suitable.

They’ll also:

• Carry out a home survey
• Recommend the right system
• Handle the grant application on your behalf

In most cases, the installer actually applies for the grant for you.

What You’ll Need

You won’t need much upfront, but having the following ready can help speed things up:

• Property details – to confirm ownership and suitability
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – not mandatory, but useful (and insulation recommendations may need to be addressed)
• Access for a home survey – so the installer can assess your property properly

Your installer will handle technical documents like the MCS certificate after installation.

How Long Will the Scheme Be Available

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales is currently funded until March 2028, giving homeowners a clear window to apply for support. At present, the scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 towards the cost of installing low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps.

From July 2026, the maximum grant is set to increase to £9,000 for off-gas-grid homes, such as those using oil or LPG, to further encourage the transition to low-carbon heating in harder-to-upgrade properties.

While there are wider plans to continue supporting heat pump adoption beyond 2028, any extension of the scheme has not yet been formally confirmed.

How Upvolt Helps Homeowners Confirm And Secure Eligibility

Switching to a heat pump can feel complicated, but it does not have to be. Upvolt supports you from the first eligibility check through to installation, helping you move away from fossil fuel heating with confidence.

We simplify every step of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme so you can avoid delays, confusion, or missed funding.

Clear Eligibility Checks from the Start

Before anything begins, we assess your property to confirm it is suitable for a heat pump or biomass system.

We review your EPC, where available, and highlight any recommended insulation improvements that could affect your application. This gives you a clear understanding of your position from the beginning.

Spotting Issues Before They Become Problems

Many applications run into issues because of small oversights. We check everything early, including:

• Your current heating system
• Property type and eligibility
• Any missing insulation or requirements

Identifying these early helps prevent delays or rejected applications.

We Handle the Application for You

The process can be confusing, but you will not need to manage it alone. Your installer submits the application on your behalf, and we make sure all details meet scheme requirements. You stay informed without needing to deal with the paperwork.

Fully MCS-Compliant Installation

To qualify for the grant, your system must be installed by an MCS-certified professional. We work with trusted installers to ensure your system meets all required standards. After installation, you receive your MCS certificate to confirm compliance and release your grant.

Let’s Recap

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme makes it easier to replace high-carbon heating with a more efficient, low-carbon system. While eligibility is fairly broad, the key factors are your property type, your current heating system, and whether your home is suitable for installation.

Off-grid homes using oil or LPG are often the strongest candidates, but many gas and electrically heated properties can still qualify. The most important step is confirming eligibility early with a qualified installer, as they will guide the process and submit the application on your behalf.

With funding available until at least 2028, and increased support planned for certain homes from 2026, acting sooner can help you avoid delays and secure the best outcome.

About Upvolt

Upvolt helps homeowners navigate the switch to low-carbon heating from start to finish. From initial eligibility checks to installation, we simplify the process and remove the guesswork.

Our team works with trusted MCS-certified installers to assess your property, identify any requirements, and ensure your application meets scheme criteria. We focus on getting things right the first time, so you can avoid delays and move forward with confidence.

Ready to see if you qualify? Get in touch with Upvolt today to check your eligibility and start your application with confidence. 

FAQ

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and how does it work?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a UK government scheme that provides grants to help homeowners and landlords install low-carbon heating systems. An MCS-certified installer applies for the grant on your behalf and deducts it from the total installation cost. This reduces the amount you pay upfront.

Which heating systems can I install using the BUS grant?

The scheme supports low-carbon systems such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and, in some cases, biomass boilers. It does not fund gas boilers or other fossil fuel systems. Your installer will recommend the most suitable option for your property.

Can I get a free boiler through this scheme?

No, the scheme does not provide free boilers. It offers a contribution towards the cost of installing a low-carbon system like a heat pump. You will need to cover any remaining balance after the grant is applied.

How do I find an MCS-certified installer and start my application?

You can find an installer through the official MCS register or by working with a provider like Upvolt. The installer will assess your home, confirm eligibility, and submit the application for you. This makes the process more straightforward and reduces the risk of errors.

Are new build properties eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Most new-build properties are not eligible for the scheme. It is primarily designed to support upgrades in existing homes rather than new developments. Some limited exceptions may apply, but they are uncommon.

Alex Lomax

CEO & Co-Founder

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