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Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2025 worth it for UK homeowners?

Yes, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) in 2025 provides a realistic route for UK homeowners looking to replace a fossil fuel boiler with a cleaner and more efficient heating system. The grant of up to £7,500 helps with upfront costs, and the scheme now includes a wider range of systems. If your home is reasonably well insulated and you currently rely on gas, oil or LPG, switching to a heat pump or biomass boiler could lead to lower running costs, reduced carbon emissions and improved energy efficiency. It is especially relevant for properties with a poor EPC rating looking to improve long-term value and comfort.

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme was introduced in 2022 and has been revised in 2025 to cover a broader selection of heating systems and improve accessibility. It supports the installation of low carbon heating technologies by offering financial assistance for qualifying homes and small commercial properties in England and Wales.

Heating systems covered by the scheme

  • Air source heat pump systems
  • Ground source and water source heat pumps
  • Biomass boilers for homes not connected to the gas grid
  • Air to air heat pumps and heat battery systems added in 2025

Grant values

  • £7,500 for eligible heat pump installations
  • £5,000 for eligible biomass boilers

The value is deducted directly from the quote provided by an MCS certified installer.

Pro Tip: Before applying, check your property’s EPC online and address any outstanding insulation recommendations to avoid application delays.

What has changed in 2025?

The 2025 update brings several important changes. These aim to increase take-up, reduce financial barriers and support a wider range of homes.

Key changes include:

  • Air to air heat pumps and battery storage systems now included
  • Leasing and hire purchase options available to spread the cost
  • Higher grant limits for more complex systems and properties

These changes are part of the UK government’s plan to decarbonise domestic heating while making upgrades achievable for more households.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

You can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant if:

  • You own the property, whether residential or small non-domestic
  • The current system uses gas, oil, LPG or direct electric heating
  • Your property has a valid EPC rating with no major outstanding insulation recommendations
  • You use an installer registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
  • You live in a rural area off the gas grid if applying for a biomass boiler

It is important to confirm your EPC status before proceeding. If you need to upgrade your insulation first, consider options available through the Great British Insulation Scheme.

Pro Tip: If your home has limited outdoor space, ask your installer if a high wall-mounted air to air unit or compact unit may be suitable under 2025 BUS updates.

How do heat pumps compare to gas boilers?

System Type

Net Cost After Grant

Seasonal Efficiency Ratio

Estimated Annual CO2 Output

    

Modern Gas Boiler

£2,000 to £3,500

90 percent

Around 2.7 tonnes

Air source heat pump

£5,000 to £8,000

250 to 300 percent

Roughly 1.0 tonne

Ground Source Heat Pump

£10,000 to £15,000

Up to 400 percent

Often below 1.0 tonne

Heat pumps work by extracting heat from outside air or the ground and converting it into usable energy for space and water heating. While the installation cost is higher, their higher coefficient of performance means you get more heat output for every unit of electricity used. This leads to lower lifetime costs and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

What do UK homeowners think about the scheme?

Feedback from the Great British Home Heating Survey reveals mixed views:

  • More than half of respondents said they would not apply, mainly due to affordability and uncertainty
  • Around 37 percent were willing to invest up to £3,000 to improve their heating system
  • A third said they would not spend anything without more government support

Despite these reservations, many expressed strong interest in reducing their carbon footprint and improving their home’s EPC rating. The introduction of more flexible payment options and technologies in 2025 aims to address the barriers raised in the survey.

Is my property suitable for a heat pump?

Installing a heat pump depends on several technical factors. Not all homes are ideal candidates, but many can be made suitable with minor adjustments.

Consider the following:

  • Do you have enough outdoor space for the external unit?
  • Is your home already insulated to a reasonable standard?
  • Do you have large radiators or underfloor heating compatible with low flow temperature?
  • Does your EPC indicate no need for further major insulation work?

If you’re unsure, arranging a suitability assessment with an MCS certified installer is the best next step.

If you’re still deciding, you can read more about RightAir’s full air conditioning services including installation, maintenance and free system advice at RightAir’s Air Conditioning Services.

How do you apply for the BUS grant?

The process is managed by your installer, making it easier for you. Here is how it works:

  1. Contact an MCS certified installer and request a survey
  2. The installer will assess your home and suggest the best system
  3. You will receive a quote with the grant value deducted
  4. The installer applies for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant and completes the installation

To ensure eligibility and system performance, always choose an installer listed on the MCS official directory.

Larger systems benefit from energy audits. These can highlight wasted energy, suggest upgrades, and help businesses adopt smart zoning and timed controls that reduce unnecessary cooling.

At RightAir Solutions, we guide homeowners through system selection, installation, and optimisation to ensure cost savings and performance all year round.

Why is it important to choose an MCS certified installer?

MCS certification ensures the installer follows national standards for quality and performance.

Key reasons to choose an MCS certified installer:

  • You can claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant
  • Installation quality is independently verified
  • Installers must be members of RECC or HIES consumer protection schemes
  • You receive system warranties and aftercare support

What impact can you make on emissions?

Switching to a heat pump significantly reduces household greenhouse gas emissions. Gas boilers are responsible for a substantial share of domestic emissions in the UK.

  • Gas boiler: 2.7 tonnes of CO2 per year on average
  • Air source heat pump: around 1.0 tonne CO2
  • Ground source heat pump: even lower depending on site specifics

Replacing an older boiler with a low carbon heating system can reduce your heating emissions by more than half.

How will it affect your heating bills?

Although installing a heat pump involves a higher upfront cost than replacing a gas boiler, the efficiency gains mean you can save over time.

Long term benefits:

  • Heating bills could fall by up to 40 percent depending on your current system
  • Protection from future increases in gas prices
  • Improved EPC rating, which supports long term property value
  • May be combined with other schemes like ECO4

These financial and energy improvements often appeal to homeowners planning to stay in their property long enough to realise the full return.

Are there equivalent grants in Scotland and Northern Ireland?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme only covers properties in England and Wales. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, there are different schemes available.

Scotland

  • The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan can provide up to £15,000 for heat pump installation

Northern Ireland

  • Advice and guidance are available through NI Energy Advice on regional programmes

What if you are unsure about committing?

If you’re not sure the scheme is right for you, or if your budget is limited, there are still options worth considering:

  • Look into leasing or finance arrangements offered through your installer
  • Air to air heat pumps now provide a simpler and cheaper option for smaller homes
  • Use the BUS installer search tool to check installer availability in your area

Case study: What was Matthew’s experience with the scheme?

Matthew Bell, OBE, used the scheme to install an air source heat pump in 2023. He reported lower energy bills, better home comfort and a smooth installation process handled by an experienced installer. His EPC rating improved significantly, and he highlighted the long term savings as a key reason for recommending the switch.

Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2025 worth applying for?

If you live in a property with reasonable insulation, are using a gas or oil boiler and plan to stay in your home for several more years, then the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a sensible option. The upfront help reduces the cost of moving to low carbon heating, and the long term benefits include lower bills, fewer emissions and a better rated home.

If you would like advice or help finding a qualified installer, contact RightAir Solutions. We support homeowners across the UK to make the switch with confidence.

Additional Scheme Information

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is also available to non-domestic buildings, including small businesses. If you own a commercial unit that uses fossil fuel heating, you could qualify for support to install a low carbon system.

The scheme specifically targets homes and businesses in England and Wales. In Scotland, residents may be eligible for grants and loans via Home Energy Scotland, while in Northern Ireland the Boiler Replacement Scheme is now closed. However, other energy saving support may be available through regional programmes.

Heating systems that qualify for replacement under BUS include:

  • Gas boilers
  • Oil boilers
  • LPG systems
  • Electric heating systems that are not heat pumps

Your installer must apply for the grant on your behalf. This is a key part of the scheme’s design, ensuring technical compliance and reducing the paperwork burden for property owners.

BUS forms part of the wider Help to Heat collection of UK government schemes, including ECO4 and the Warm Home Discount. Households can often benefit from more than one scheme to improve home energy efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can landlords apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Yes. Landlords can apply as long as the property meets the eligibility criteria, including being in England or Wales and having a qualifying heating system.

What types of buildings are included in the scheme?

The scheme is open to both residential and non-domestic buildings, such as small business properties.

Who applies for the grant?

Your MCS certified installer must apply for the grant on your behalf. This ensures proper assessment and eligibility.

Can I combine BUS with other energy schemes?

Yes. BUS can be combined with other initiatives such as the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4, but not with previous heat pump or biomass boiler funding.

Does the scheme include electric heating replacements?

Yes. Homes with direct electric systems (not heat pumps) are eligible to apply and switch to a more efficient heat pump system.

Is BUS part of a larger government plan?

Yes. BUS is one of several initiatives under the UK Government’s Help to Heat programme aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty.

Can businesses apply?

Yes. Small business properties are eligible, as long as they meet technical and geographical criteria.

What support is there in Northern Ireland?

While BUS is not available in Northern Ireland, homeowners there can check for local grants via NI Energy Advice.

If you need help assessing your eligibility or finding a certified installer, contact RightAir Solutions for trusted guidance.

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