This highly informative and detailed guide offers you a complete breakdown of boiler upgrade scheme eligibility by focusing on both the homeowners and installers responsibilities which are outlined by the latest official guidance from Ofgem and the DESNZ.

What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

To encourage greener living, the UK government introduced the BUS. It is a scheme that aims to support the transition to low-carbon heating for homes in England and Wales:

• £7,500 for air source heat pumps (ASHPs)
• £7,500 for ground source heat pumps (GSHPs)
• £5,000 for eligible biomass boiler installations (in specific rural scenarios)

Funds are not transferred to the applicant directly. Instead, the grant amount is subtracted from the total installation cost by the certified installer which makes this process seamless and upfront for property owners.

Also Read: Air Source Heat Pump Grant Eligibility: Things You Need to Know in 2025

Who Is Eligible? Key Criteria for Property Owners

Eligibility is based on a mix of factors, including property type, existing heating systems, and compliance with installation standards.

To qualify, your property must:

• Be located in England or Wales
• Be a domestic or small non-domestic property
• Applicants must have a current EPC that was issued within the previous 10 years.
• Not be social housing or a newly built development unless self-built
• Be replacing a system that uses fossil fuels or traditional electric heating (excluding existing heat pumps)

If your home has been renovated or converted, you may still qualify either as an existing property or as a self-build if it was not previously used as a dwelling.

Understanding System Eligibility: What Equipment Qualifies?

The scheme is designed to promote systems that meaningfully reduce carbon emissions and operate efficiently. Eligible technologies include:

1. Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)

Only air-to-water systems are supported, as they integrate with central heating and hot water systems. Air-to-air models, despite their growing popularity, are not currently funded, although ongoing consultations suggest this may change in the near future.

2. Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs)

These systems draw warmth from underground through ground loops. Shared loop configurations are allowed under specific criteria, provided that all connected systems are compliant and registered.

Installer Requirements: Why MCS Certification Matters

A key requirement of the scheme is that only MCS-certified installers (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) can manage applications and complete installations.

The installer is responsible for:

• Confirming your property’s eligibility
• Submitting the application
• Redeeming the grant after successful installation
• Maintaining documentation for six years
• Ensuring the installation complies with the current BUS regulations

Installers cannot submit an application with an MCS certificate or apply retroactively for a system commissioned over 120 days ago.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Overview

Although the process is installer-led, property owners must play an active role in confirming eligibility and granting consent. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Find an MCS Installer

Infinity is an MCS certified company, eligible to apply on your behalf.

Step 2: Site Visit and Quote

Your installer will assess the property, recommend a suitable system, and issue a quote showing the grant deduction.

Step 3: Installer Submits Application

If all requirements are met, your installer will submit the application through the official BUS portal.

Step 4: Confirm Your Consent

You’ll receive a consent request from Ofgem. Your response is essential for voucher issuance.

Step 5: Installation and Redemption

Once the system is installed, the installer submits proof, and Ofgem processes the grant redemption.

Voucher validity:

• 3 months for ASHPs and biomass boilers
• 6 months for GSHPs

Recent Developments in 2025: What’s New?

Several key updates have expanded access and simplified processes:

• Increased funding: Budget extended to £295 million for 2025/26, with Ofgem authorised to over-allocate vouchers up to £280 million to meet demand
• Third-party ownership: Proposals are being reviewed to allow models like heat-as-a-service or lease agreements, reducing upfront costs for consumers
• Simplification plans: There’s active consultation to streamline eligibility rules, particularly for properties with standalone layouts or hybrid systems

These updates are designed to enhance uptake and broaden appeal to a wider range of households and businesses.

Infinity: Helping You Navigate Every Step of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility

Infinity understands that navigating the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can be overwhelming — especially with technical requirements, documentation, and deadlines involved. That’s why we take a hands-on approach, guiding you through every stage of the process. As a fully MCS-certified installer, we handle eligibility checks, property assessments, system recommendations, and all application submissions to Ofgem, ensuring everything aligns with the latest scheme regulations.

Our role doesn’t end with paperwork. We deliver high-quality installations that meet current energy standards and help you maximise your grant without delays or hidden costs. With a proven track record and deep knowledge of low-carbon heating technologies, Infinity is your trusted partner for a smooth, compliant, and efficient transition to a more sustainable home heating system.

Conclusion

Adopting a low-carbon heating system is now easier, more affordable, and more rewarding than ever. With government grants available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, understanding whether your property qualifies and ensuring the application is done right, homeowners now have real financial support to invest in long-term energy efficiency.

Connect with Infinity now and embrace a smarter, cleaner way to heat your home. Let’s shape a sustainable future, together.

Discover What the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Offers

You can get £7,500 for air- and ground-source heat pumps and £5,000 for biomass boilers, but hybrid systems are not included. The aim is to lower upfront installation costs, boost the clean energy sector, and support the UK’s Net Zero goals.

Grants are available for one installation per property, with limits on capacity set at 45 kWth for individual systems and 300 kWth for shared ground loops. The grant cannot be used to replace an existing low-carbon system, and hybrid systems are excluded. Installations must comply with specific efficiency criteria, and only systems fitted by MCS-certified installers are eligible.

Checking If You Qualify for the Scheme

To be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you must:

• Be the owner of the property, whether as a homeowner, landlord, business owner, or second home owner.
  
• Replace your current fossil fuel system, like oil, gas, LPG, or electric, with an approved qualifying system.
  
• Making sure your property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate.
  
• Installers must ensure that the voucher application has been or will be, properly made within 120 days of the commissioning date stated on the MCS certificate.

Most new builds, social housing, and properties that have already received similar government funding are not eligible. Self-build homes might still qualify if they have never been owned by a business.

Applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

1. Start with an expert: Infinity is MCS certified, so you can trust us to carry out your installation to the highest industry standards. Always choose an installer who’s MCS certified to ensure quality, compliance, and access to relevant incentives.
   
2. Check your eligibility: The installer will guide you through this step.
   
3. Settle the details: Discuss and finalise the installation cost with your chosen installer.
   
4. Installer applies: They will handle the application process through the Ofgem website.
   
5. Grant deduction: The value of the grant is subtracted from your installation cost.

Ofgem will get in touch with you to confirm the details once your installer submits your application. In some cases, they may also conduct site visits. MCS may also perform checks to maintain quality assurance.

Recent Changes and Future Plans for the Scheme

A 2025 consultation is exploring changes to boost uptake and streamline processes within the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Key proposals include allowing third-party ownership options such as hire purchase and conditional sale, expanding support to cover air-to-air heat pumps, and simplifying installation journeys by revising EPC requirements.

Additionally, this scheme is also aiming to ensure grant deductions are made upfront to reduce consumer risk. These adjustments are designed to increase access for more consumers, especially those who may struggle with upfront costs when transitioning to low-carbon heating systems.

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Recent changes to planning rules in England have expanded who can qualify for and install an air source heat pump (ASHP). These updates, announced by the UK government, are designed to make ASHP adoption quicker and easier for homeowners across the country. Here’s what’s new:

• ASHPs with cooling functions now allowed: This includes both air-to-air and reversible systems, giving homeowners more options for year-round comfort.
  
• The 1-metre boundary rule has been removed: Instead of focusing on proximity to boundaries, installations must now meet the MCS 020 noise standards.
  
• Larger units are now permitted: The maximum volume for an ASHP unit has increased from 0.6m³ to 1.5m³, accommodating more powerful systems.
  
• Two ASHP units allowed on detached homes: This change supports properties with higher heating demands.
  
• ASHPs can now be installed on homes facing a highway: This was previously restricted, but is now allowed (with some limits in conservation areas).
  

These adjustments significantly broaden the range of homeowners who qualify for ASHPs under permitted development, particularly those in detached or noise-sensitive areas.

Requirements for Installers and Heating Systems

Installers must meet the following criteria to qualify under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme:

• Be MCS certified or become certified.
  
• Ensure installations meet required technical standards.
  
• Deduct the grant amount from the outset rather than reimbursing the customer later.

Source

They must also provide clear and fair contractual terms to ensure no repossession or remote deactivation of systems in the event of missed payments.

Important Limitations to Keep in Mind

Even if you meet the boiler upgrade scheme eligibility criteria, you may still face barriers like:

• You cannot receive a grant for systems installed in most new builds or for fossil fuel hybrid systems.
  
• Hot water-only systems do not qualify for funding.
  
• Properties with previous funding for similar technologies are disqualified.
  
• Air-to-air heat pumps are not currently covered by the scheme, but this could change in the future.

The consultation also explores introducing new technologies like heat batteries and storage heaters into the scheme. However, these updates are still being reviewed.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of the Scheme

The government plans to increase uptake by funding public campaigns and simplifying applications. The ‘Warm and Fuzzy’ campaign raises awareness about heat pumps and guides users to support. Proposed reforms may expand eligibility, attract more consumers, and make installations easier and cheaper.

Consumer Protections Under Review

To protect consumers, the scheme is following MCS’s new making it easier to handle complaints and get support. There are also plans to make MCS the only certification body to keep things clear and ensure quality.

Infinity: Helping You Unlock Boiler Upgrade Benefits

If you’re thinking about replacing your old boiler with a cleaner, low-carbon alternative, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can help cover the cost—and Infinity is here to guide you every step of the way. Understanding grant eligibility can be confusing, but Infinity simplifies the process with expert support from your first eligibility check through to final installation.

Their qualified energy specialists will assess your property, recommend the most suitable low-carbon heating systems—such as Daikin air source heat pumps—and apply for the grant on your behalf. Infinity is MCS-certified, and every installation is carried out to meet strict government standards for long-term efficiency and performance.

Whether you’re upgrading from a gas boiler or aiming to make your home more eco-friendly, Infinity ensures a process that’s simple, transparent, and stress-free.

With Infinity, you get more than just a grant—you get expert advice, quality systems, and a greener future built to last.

Conclusion

If you are ready to make your home greener, visit Infinity for an eligibility check and expert guidance to help you save and stay warm sustainably.

Make sure your property meets the criteria and use an MCS-certified installer to qualify for the grant. This scheme will help future-proof your heating, and with upcoming reforms, it will become even more accessible. Reach out to Infinity today and begin transforming your home into a low-carbon and future-ready space.