If you are thinking about replacing your existing heating system with a heat pump or biomass boiler, you may be wondering, do I qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme support? The scheme can help reduce the upfront cost of installing eligible low-carbon heating systems, but specific requirements must be met before a grant can be approved.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available for eligible properties in England and Wales and is designed to support the replacement of fossil fuel or electric heating systems with lower-carbon alternatives. Eligibility is assessed through an MCS-certified installer, who applies for the grant on behalf of the property owner.
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government-backed grant designed to help property owners move away from conventional heating systems. Instead of paying the entire installation cost yourself, an eligible grant can be deducted from the price of an approved heating installation.
Current grant amounts include:
- £7,500 for an air-to-water heat pump
- £7,500 for a ground source heat pump
- £5,000 for a biomass boiler
- £2,500 for an air-to-air heat pump
- Up to £9,000 for eligible off-gas-grid properties installing certain air-to-water or ground source heat pumps
The higher £9,000 grant is available for qualifying off-gas-grid properties from 21 July 2026 until 31 March 2027.
Do I Qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme Funding
If you are asking do I qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding, the first thing to check is your property and existing heating system.
Generally, you may qualify if:
- Your property is located in England or Wales
- You are the property owner
- You are replacing an eligible fossil fuel or electric heating system
- You install an eligible low-carbon heating technology
- Your chosen installer is MCS certified
- Your installation meets the required technical standards
- Your property is not excluded under the scheme rules
The scheme can apply to residential and certain non-residential properties, although the eligible technologies and requirements can vary depending on the type of building.
Which Properties Can Qualify
Understanding the property requirements can help you determine do I qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme support before arranging installation.
The scheme is available for eligible properties in England and Wales. However, some properties are excluded.
Properties that may be eligible
These can include:
- Existing residential properties
- Certain non-residential buildings
- Eligible self-build properties
- Properties currently using fossil fuel heating
- Properties using eligible electric heating systems
New-build properties are generally excluded, although certain self-build properties can qualify if they meet the specific self-build requirements.
Properties that may not qualify
You generally cannot receive funding if:
- The property is social housing
- The property is an ineligible new build
- The installation has already received certain government or Energy Company Obligation funding
- The proposed heating system does not meet scheme requirements
- The installation is not carried out under the required certification arrangements
Shared ownership and other excluded property arrangements may also fall outside the scheme.
What Heating Systems Are Eligible
Another important part of determining do I qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme support is checking what you currently use and what you plan to install.
The scheme supports several low-carbon heating technologies, including:
- Air-to-water heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- Water source heat pumps
- Air-to-air heat pumps
- Biomass boilers in eligible circumstances
The replacement system must meet the relevant technical and efficiency requirements. A hybrid system combining a conventional gas boiler with an air source heat pump does not qualify for the grant.
Does My Existing Boiler Affect Eligibility
Your current heating system is an important consideration when checking do I qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding.
The scheme is intended to help replace existing fossil fuel or eligible electric heating systems. Fossil fuel systems can include:
- Gas
- Oil
- LPG
- Coal
- Certain fossil-fuel hybrid systems
For retrofit properties, the existing heating system generally needs to meet the scheme’s requirements before the replacement can receive BUS funding. Your installer will check the existing system and collect the evidence needed for the application.
Can Off Gas Grid Properties Get More Funding
If your property is not connected to the mains gas network, you may be able to receive a higher grant.
From 21 July 2026, eligible off-gas-grid properties can receive up to £9,000 towards an air-to-water or ground source heat pump where the relevant requirements are satisfied.
To qualify for the uplift, the property must meet specific conditions, including being off the gas grid and using an eligible existing heating fuel. A property with a mains gas connection does not qualify for the off-gas-grid uplift simply because the gas supply is not currently being used.
Do I Need an MCS Certified Installer
Yes. Choosing the correct installer is an important part of determining do I qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding.
Your installer needs to be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme for the relevant technology and must meet the scheme’s consumer protection requirements.
The installer normally handles the grant application for you. You receive the approved grant as an upfront deduction from the installation cost rather than applying for the money yourself after completing the work.
How Can I Check If I Qualify
If you are still asking do I qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme support, you can start by checking these key points:
- Is your property in England or Wales?
- Are you the property owner?
- What heating system do you currently use?
- Is the replacement technology eligible?
- Is your property excluded from the scheme?
- Does the property have a suitable EPC where required?
- Is your chosen installer MCS certified?
- Does the proposed installation meet the technical requirements?
Your installer will carry out the detailed eligibility assessment and submit the required information to Ofgem. Reading the eligibility rules alone does not guarantee that an application will be approved.
How Does the Application Process Work
Once you have established that you may qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the application process is relatively straightforward.
1. Find an MCS certified installer
Contact suitable installers and request quotes for your proposed heating system.
2. Check your eligibility
The installer will assess your property, existing heating system and proposed technology.
3. Agree the installation quote
If you decide to proceed, the grant should be shown as a deduction from the amount you need to pay.
4. Let the installer apply
The installer applies for the grant through Ofgem on your behalf.
5. Complete the installation
The installer carries out the work according to the required standards.
The government guidance confirms that the installer applies for the grant and that the value of the grant is deducted from the installation price shown on the quotation and invoice.
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Worth Considering
For homeowners planning to replace an older heating system, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can significantly reduce the upfront cost of moving to low-carbon heating.
However, the grant should not be the only factor in your decision. You should also consider:
- The size and heat demand of your property
- Insulation levels
- Installation costs
- Running costs
- Available outdoor space
- The type of heat emitter system in your home
- Long-term heating requirements
- The suitability of the proposed technology
A qualified installer can assess your property and explain which heating solution is most appropriate.
Final Thoughts
So, do I qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding? You may qualify if your property, existing heating system and proposed low-carbon technology meet the scheme requirements. The scheme is currently available in England and Wales, with grants available for several qualifying heating technologies.
The best way to confirm eligibility is to speak with an MCS-certified installer. They can assess your property, check the relevant requirements and submit the Boiler Upgrade Scheme application to Ofgem on your behalf.
