Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme right for this property?
Check current scheme eligibility, building heat loss, radiators, hot water, electrics and the customer contribution before an installer-led application or contract proceeds.
The voucher reduces cost. The design determines whether the system works.
A heat pump can be an effective low-carbon heating system, but performance depends on the building’s heat loss, flow temperature, emitters, controls and installation quality. The grant should support a sound design, not replace one.
Heat-loss calculation
Room-by-room heat loss establishes the output needed at design conditions and informs emitter sizing.
Review the fabricRadiators and hot water
Existing emitters, cylinder space and hot-water demand determine what must change and how intrusive the work may be.
Discuss the propertyLocation and noise
The outdoor unit needs suitable airflow, clearances, condensate management and a position that meets planning and neighbour considerations.
MCS heat-pump guidanceEPC and landlord strategy
For some rental properties, a well-designed heat pump can contribute to the future heating metric and may be lower cost than a wider package.
2030 MEES guide
Some smaller properties may have little or no contribution. Others will.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is an upfront grant, not a promise of a free installation. Total cost varies with heat-pump size, cylinders, emitters, electrical work, pipework and the complexity of the installation. Where the eligible grant covers the agreed price, the customer contribution can be low or zero. Larger or more complex systems normally cost more.
- GrantThe installer applies and the voucher is deducted from the eligible installation cost.
- QuoteThe property owner receives the full scope, grant value and contribution before proceeding.
- TermsEligibility, voucher validity and installation requirements must be met.
- ChoiceIf the heat-pump route is not suitable, we explain EPC testing, fabric or customer-paid alternatives.
The grant and the heating design are separate checks.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is installer-led in England and Wales. Ofgem currently lists £7,500 for eligible air-to-water, ground-source and water-source systems, £2,500 for residential air-to-air and £5,000 for biomass. Certain eligible off-gas-grid air-to-water/ground-source installations can receive £9,000 until 31 March 2027.
Before committing, obtain room-by-room design heat loss, proposed flow temperatures, emitter changes, hot-water provision, electrical scope, sound/siting checks and commissioning responsibility. Ask the installer to show the total quotation, confirmed grant and remaining customer contribution separately.
A fabric assessment may change the design. Compare the heating route with the property-specific EPC plan; neither a grant nor a product specification guarantees EPC C or a particular bill saving.
What to establish before committing
- Property eligibility and an appropriately certified installer.
- Design, installation exclusions and customer contribution.
- Commissioning records, warranties and controls explained to the occupier.
Grant values checked 11 September 2026. The installation contract identifies the accredited company responsible for delivery.
A heating project, not an appliance swap.
The best installations start with technical evidence and finish with controls, commissioning and a homeowner or tenant who understands how to use the system.
Assess
Property, heat loss, emitters, electrics, hot water and unit location.
Design
System output, flow temperature, cylinder, controls and installation scope.
Apply
The MCS-certified installer completes the BUS voucher process with consent.
Commission
Test, balance, explain controls and provide the relevant handover documents.
Decisions to make before installation.
These points affect cost, performance, disruption and suitability for a rented or owner-occupied home.
Property owners can use the scheme for eligible properties in England and Wales. The installer confirms the technology and property conditions and obtains owner consent.
Sometimes, particularly for a straightforward smaller property, but not always. The quote must show the total scope, the grant deduction and any customer contribution.
A heat pump can work in many building types, but lower heat loss generally supports lower flow temperatures and smaller emitters. Fabric improvements should be considered through the heat-loss design rather than assumed automatically.
No. The EPC outcome depends on the whole property and the methodology in force. We compare the heating route with specialist EPC evidence and fabric options before recommending it for compliance.
Find out whether the property suits the technology and the grant.
A free initial review can identify obvious constraints and arrange the right technical assessment.