Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

A government initiative in England and Wales to help households replace fossil-fuel heating with low-carbon technologies, including air source heat pumps, through installer-led grants.

What it is

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a fixed grant toward the cost of installing an eligible low-carbon heating system in place of an oil, gas, or other fossil-fuel boiler (subject to property and technology rules). The process is usually handled by your MCS-certified installer, who applies for a voucher on your behalf and redeems it after the work is completed to your satisfaction.

At a glance (England & Wales)

  • Air source heat pumps have commonly been supported with up to £7,500 toward eligible costs, amounts and rules are set by government and can change.
  • Your property and installation must meet scheme criteria (building, capacity, and technology eligibility).
  • Scotland and Northern Ireland run different support programmes; this page focuses on BUS in England and Wales.

Grant amounts, caps, and eligibility are decided by the UK government and Ofgem’s scheme rules, not by Energy Badger. We summarise BUS here to help you understand the landscape; always confirm current terms with your installer and on GOV.UK before you commit.

Typical steps

1

Survey & design

Heat loss, emitters, and hot water are assessed so the system is sized correctly, BUS is about eligible kit installed to standard, not a generic online price.

2

Quote & voucher

An MCS-registered installer quotes the job and, if you proceed, applies for a BUS voucher for your eligible installation within scheme limits.

3

Install & redeem

After commissioning and certification, the installer redeems the voucher; the grant reduces what you pay compared with the same job without BUS.

How Energy Badger fits in

We explain whether a heat pump suits your home, what upgrades might be needed, and how grants like BUS could affect your quote, then we handle clear proposals and honest timelines. We’ll tell you what evidence and registrations matter so you’re not surprised at voucher stage.

Customer satisfaction

We want the whole journey to feel fair

Clear replies when you reach out, no scripted hard sell, and installers expected to meet the consumer standards UK homeowners should rely on. If something is unclear or slower than it should be, tell us, as it helps us improve for everyone. Ready to start? Register your interest when it suits you.

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