If you’re considering swapping your gas, oil or LPG boiler for an air source heat pump, the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) can take a substantial chunk off the cost. Here’s what it actually pays, who qualifies, and how the claim process works.
How much is the grant worth?
As of July 2026, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers:
- £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump for homes currently heated by mains gas or electric heating
- £9,000 for homes currently heated by oil or LPG, reflecting how many off-grid rural properties, including many across the Cotswolds, rely on these fuels
This uplift makes a real difference if you’re currently on oil or LPG and weighing up the switch.
Who qualifies
To be eligible, you generally need to:
- Own a property in England or Wales (Scotland runs its own scheme)
- Be replacing a fossil fuel heating system, such as a gas, oil or LPG boiler, rather than adding a heat pump alongside one you’re keeping
- Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property. You don’t need to have done any insulation work first: the old rule about outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations was dropped in May 2024
- Use an MCS-certified installer for the installation
There’s no cap on your property’s value, and both homeowners and, in most cases, private landlords can apply.
How to claim it
You don’t apply for the grant directly. Your MCS-certified installer applies to Ofgem on your behalf as part of the quoting process, and the grant is deducted from your final invoice, so you never have to find the money upfront and reclaim it later. As an MCS-certified installer, we handle the entire application for you, from paperwork through to the funds being applied to your quote.
Act before you commit to a boiler
If your boiler is on its last legs, it’s worth getting a heat pump survey before you replace it like-for-like. With grant rates recently increased, particularly for oil and LPG homes, the numbers may work out better than you expect.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the grant take to come through?
You never wait for it. Your installer applies on your behalf and the grant is deducted from your invoice, so you pay the balance rather than paying in full and claiming back. Vouchers are time limited, typically three months for an air source heat pump.
Why is the grant £9,000 for some homes and £7,500 for others?
The higher rate applies to properties off the mains gas grid that currently heat with oil or LPG, where the carbon saving from switching is greatest. The uplift runs from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027. Homes on mains gas get £7,500.
Can I use any installer?
No. Only MCS certified installers can apply for the grant, which is the single most important thing to check before you accept a quote. An otherwise excellent installer without MCS certification cannot get you the money.
