How the Boiler Upgrade Scheme works
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK Government grant that helps homeowners replace a fossil-fuel heating system with a low-carbon heat pump. It's administered by Ofgem and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. This page explains, in plain terms, what you can get and how the money reaches you.
What you can get
The grant amounts are fixed by the scheme — they don't vary by installer or by how much you earn:
| Heating system installed | Grant |
|---|---|
| Air source heat pump (air-to-water) | £7,500 |
| Ground source or water source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Air-to-air heat pump (newly eligible in 2026; heats/cools but gives no hot water) | £2,500 |
| Biomass boiler (rural, off-gas-grid homes only) | £5,000 |
You never touch the government's money
This is the part that surprises most people: the grant is paid directly to your installer, not to you. Your MCS-certified installer takes the grant amount off the price they quote, then claims it back from Ofgem afterwards. You simply pay the reduced figure. There are no government forms for you to fill in and nothing to claim back yourself.
The steps, start to finish
- Survey & design. An MCS-certified installer assesses your home's heat loss and designs a suitable system.
- Grant application. The installer applies to Ofgem on your behalf — approval typically takes a couple of weeks and can run alongside the design.
- Install & commission. The system is fitted (usually 2–5 days), and the grant is deducted from your invoice. The install must be completed within 120 days of the grant application.
How long is it available?
See if you qualify in 2 minutes
Answer a few quick questions and we'll tell you where you stand — then connect you with a vetted MCS-certified installer for a no-obligation quote.
Check my eligibility →Keep reading
Who qualifies for the grant?
The rules on ownership, location and heating — and the EPC requirement that was scrapped in April 2026.
What a heat pump really costs
Illustrative 2026 price ranges, what you might pay after the grant, and running costs.
How heat pumps work — and the myths
Cold weather, noise, radiators, planning permission: the honest answers.
Sources: Ofgem — Boiler Upgrade Scheme; gov.uk — Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme; the £9,000 off-gas oil/LPG uplift (21 July 2026–31 March 2027) and 2026 scheme changes per Ofgem/DESNZ, and the 2030 funding commitment per the Government's Warm Homes Plan. Figures are accurate as of July 2026 but may change — always confirm via gov.uk or an MCS-certified installer before making decisions. UK Heat Pump Grant is a service of GrafterUK Ltd (Co. No. 17303977) and is not affiliated with the UK Government; this page is guidance only.