Introduction

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government-funded initiative aimed at helping homeowners and landlords upgrade their old, inefficient boilers to more energy-efficient models. The scheme is designed to help reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and improve the overall energy efficiency of UK homes. In recent years, the scheme has been updated to include the replacement of boilers with heat pumps as an eligible upgrade option.

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government initiative that provides financial assistance to homeowners and landlords in the form of vouchers to upgrade their old boilers to more energy-efficient models. The scheme is part of the UK government's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency in the country. The scheme now includes the replacement of boilers with heat pumps as an eligible upgrade option.

What can you use the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme can be used to upgrade a variety of different types of boilers, including gas, oil, and LPG boilers. The scheme now also covers the replacement of old boilers with heat pumps, which are considered a more sustainable and efficient heating option. The scheme covers both the cost of the new heat pump and the cost of installation. It also covers the cost of any necessary work to the heating system, such as new controls or a new flue.

Who can apply for the scheme?

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is open to homeowners and landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales. To be eligible, your property must have a gas, oil, or LPG boiler that is at least 8 years old, or a solid fuel boiler that is at least 15 years old. The property must also be the main residence of the applicant.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you must meet certain criteria. These include:

Your property must be located in England, Scotland, or Wales

Your property must be the main residence of the applicant

Your property must have a gas, oil, or LPG boiler that is at least 8 years old, or a solid fuel boiler that is at least 15 years old

The property must be a private home and not a commercial property.

The applicant must have a valid means of identification and proof of address.

How to apply

To apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you will need to visit the scheme's official website and complete an application form. You will need to provide information about your property, including the age of your boiler, the type of boiler you have, and your current energy supplier. You will also need to indicate that you are interested in the replacement of your boiler with a heat pump.

You will also need to provide proof of your identity and proof of your address, such as a utility bill or a council tax bill. Once your application has been received and processed, you will receive a voucher that can be used to purchase and install a new heat pump.

FAQs

How much will the scheme cost?

The cost of the scheme varies depending on the type and size of heat pump you need. The scheme covers the cost of the heat pump and installation, as well as any necessary work to the heating system.

How do heat pumps compare to boilers in terms of energy efficiency?

Heat pumps are considered a more sustainable and energy-efficient heating option compared to boilers. They work by extracting heat from the air or ground outside, and use it to heat your home. This means that they use renewable energy sources and produce significantly lower carbon emissions than boilers.

Is there a specific type of heat pump that is eligible for the scheme?

The scheme is open to a variety of heat pump types, including air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for each type of heat pump may vary, so it is recommended to check the specific requirements for each type before applying.

Will the replacement of my boiler with a heat pump require any major changes to my heating system?

The replacement of a boiler with a heat pump may require some changes to your heating system, such as the installation of new controls or a new flue. However, these changes are typically minimal and are covered by the cost of the scheme.

Can I still apply for the scheme if my boiler is not that old?

The scheme is primarily targeted towards homeowners and landlords with boilers that are at least 8 years old for gas and oil boilers, or 15 years old for solid fuel boilers. However, the scheme is open to all homeowners and landlords regardless of the age of their boiler.

Conclusion

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government-funded initiative that provides financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to upgrade their old, inefficient boilers to more energy-efficient models. The scheme now also includes the replacement of boilers with heat pumps as an eligible upgrade option, providing a more sustainable and energy-efficient heating option. The scheme is open to homeowners and landlords in England, Scotland and Wales, and offers a simple and straightforward application process. The scheme makes it easy and affordable to upgrade your heating system, saving you money on energy bills, and reducing your carbon footprint.