You are likely eligible if you own your home (England and Wales only), your property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), your current system is fossil fuel-based, and your home meets basic insulation requirements. You are not eligible if you are replacing an existing low-carbon system, your property is a new build, or you don't have an EPC.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026: What UK Homeowners Need to Know

Skylar Holland

Apr 4

3 min read

If you own a home in the UK and your heating system is starting to feel like it belongs in a museum, 2026 might be your year.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) isn’t new- but it’s becoming more relevant than ever. Energy prices are still unpredictable. Regulations are tightening. And homeowners are increasingly asking one question:

“If I have to upgrade… can I get help paying for it?”

The answer is yes. But - as always - the devil is in the detail.

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

In plain English, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government grant designed to help homeowners switch from fossil fuel heating (like gas or oil boilers) to low-carbon alternatives.

Think:

Air Source Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Biomass boilers (in certain cases)

The goal is simple: reduce carbon emissions from homes—without making the upfront cost unbearable.

How much is the grant in 2026?

As of 2026, the scheme continues to offer:

£7,500 towards Air Source Heat Pumps
£7,500 towards Ground Source Heat Pumps
£5,000 towards Biomass Boilers (only in rural, off-gas areas)

Now, pause for a second.

That’s not a discount. It’s not a voucher. It’s a direct grant applied upfront—meaning you don’t have to pay the full amount and claim it back later.

And that matters.

Because the biggest barrier to upgrading heating systems isn’t desire - it’s cash flow.

Who is eligible?

This is where most people get tripped up.

You are likely eligible if:

You own your home (England and Wales only)
Your property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Your current system is fossil fuel-based (gas, oil, LPG, or electric resistance heating)
Your home meets basic insulation requirements (or can reasonably be upgraded)

You are not eligible if:

You’re replacing an existing low-carbon system
Your property is a new build (with a few exceptions)
You don’t have an EPC

Simple enough - but always worth checking the fine print.

How do you apply?

Here’s the part most people misunderstand:

You don’t apply for the grant yourself.

Instead:

You choose an MCS-certified installer
They assess your property and recommend a suitable system
They apply for the grant on your behalf
The grant is deducted from your quote

No forms. No chasing. No bureaucracy on your end.

Which is exactly how it should be.

What should you expect?

Let’s be honest.

Upgrading your heating system is not like buying a new kettle.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. A proper home assessment

Not a quick glance. A real evaluation of your property, insulation, and heat loss.

2. System design

Heat pumps, in particular, require correct sizing. Too small? Cold house. Too big? Inefficient system.

3. Installation

This can take a few days depending on complexity. Pipework, radiators, and hot water systems may need adjustment.

4. A different way of heating

This is important.

Low-carbon systems don’t behave like traditional boilers. They run longer, steadier, and at lower temperatures.

Once you understand that, everything clicks.

Is it worth it?

That depends on what you value.

If you want:

Lower carbon emissions
Future-proofed heating
Reduced reliance on gas

Then yes—it’s worth serious consideration.

If you’re expecting:

Instant savings from day one
A “plug-and-play” replacement

Then you need to adjust expectations.

This is a long-term decision, not a quick win.

The opportunity most people miss

Here’s something interesting.

Many homeowners wait.

They assume grants will increase… or that technology will improve… or that prices will drop.

Sometimes they do.

Sometimes they don’t.

But what does happen is this:

Demand increases
Installers get booked up
Lead times stretch

And suddenly, what looked like a future decision becomes an urgent one.

Final thought

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme isn’t perfect.

But it’s one of the most practical steps the government has taken to help homeowners transition to low-carbon heating—without carrying the full financial burden alone.

And if you’re already thinking about replacing your heating system…

It’s not a question of if you’ll upgrade.

It’s a question of when—and how much support you’ll get when you do.

If you found this useful, share it with someone who’s still putting off their heating upgrade.