Boiler Upgrade Scheme

If you are thinking about upgrading your boiler and are looking into low carbon heating technologies, the government have opened the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to provide grants to encourage property owners to install low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps.

The scheme will be open from May 2022 to 2025 for homes in England and Wales and administered on a first come first serve basis.

Grants Available

You will be able to access grants for;

• £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
• £5,000 off the costs and installation of a biomass boiler
• £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump

The grant will only cover biomass boilers in rural locations or in properties that are not connected to the gas grid.

How to apply

Applications can be submitted from the 23rd May 2022 and is open until 2025.

As the funding is administered through grants to your chosen installer, the installer will apply for the grant on your behalf.

The value of the grant will be taken off the final price you pay but means that homeowners will need to pay the difference if costs exceed the grant.

You should look at gaining at least three quotes from installers before choosing the installer that is right for you. Your chosen installer will then redeem the voucher for the grant on your behalf. The installer shall confirm proof of the installation and process the paperwork.

You will need to confirm that the installer is acting on your behalf when you are contacted by Ofgem, who have been appointed by the government as regulators for the grant.

How will applying for the grant work?

1. You will need to find an MSC certified installer in your area to carry out the work. The MCS quality assurance scheme ensures that installers are competent and the products they use meet the correct standards.
2. The installer will advise you on whether your installation is eligible for a grant.
3. You will agree a quote with your installer, and this should include the grant from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme as a deduction from the total amount.
4. Your chosen installer with then apply for the grant on your behalf.
5. You will need to confirm that the installer is acting on your behalf when contacted by Ofgem.
6. Once issued, the grant voucher validity period is three months for air source heat pumps and biomass boilers, and six months for ground source heat pumps. This is to ensure the vouchers are used in a timely manner and unused vouchers can be re-issued.

Who will be eligible?

Most homeowners, small landlords and private landlords will be eligible.

However, you must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Check if you have a valid EPC, or apply for a new one on the government's website.

Your EPC must not have any outstanding recommendations for cavity wall or loft insulation. If you do, you will need to insulate your home before applying for the grant.

However, if your property has an EPC insulation exemption, you can apply for the grant.

The scheme won’t be available for those living in social housing and new-build properties. You also won’t be able to apply if you are replacing an existing low-carbon heating system. Only properties which are fully replacing existing fossil fuel systems (oil, gas or direct electric) will be eligible for the grant.

Find out more information on the grants available.