Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Heating our homes is one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions in the UK. For most households, the boiler is at the heart of that. Traditional gas, oil, or LPG systems keep homes warm but come with high running costs and a heavy environmental impact. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) was created to change that, giving homeowners the chance to switch to low-carbon heating without shouldering the full cost themselves.
The scheme provides £7,500 towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump, a ground source heat pump, or a biomass boiler. It is backed by the UK government and overseen by Ofgem, which means the funding goes directly to certified installers rather than homeowners having to claim it back afterwards. That way, the price you pay is reduced right from the start.
At Free Energy Savings, we help homeowners navigate the process with ease. From checking if your property qualifies through to connecting you with MCS-certified installers, our role is to make sure you get the funding you are entitled to. It starts with a free eligibility check, and from there we handle the application steps on your behalf.
Apply Now For The BUS Grant
Fill out the form below to take advantage of the BUS grant scheme.
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3 Step Eligibility Process
Complete Online Form
Fill out our quick online form to apply for your BUS Grant.
Get a Survey
Schedule a free home survey to assess your property’s heating system and energy needs.
Get your BUS Grant
Receive a grant for a brand new Air Source Heat Pump, Ground Source Heat Pump or Biomass Boiler.
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, known as BUS, is a government-backed grant that helps households move away from fossil fuel heating. It was introduced in 2022 to replace the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Unlike the older scheme, which paid out in stages over several years, BUS takes a simpler approach by offering a single upfront grant.
Through the scheme, homeowners can receive £7,500 towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, or biomass boiler. The funding is paid directly to the installer once the application is approved. This means the price you see for your installation is reduced straight away, without the need to claim money back later.
Heating accounts for the largest share of household carbon emissions in the UK. Around 85 percent of homes still rely on gas boilers, with many rural properties using oil or LPG. BUS was created to change that by making renewable heating more affordable and accessible. It is also a key part of the UK’s wider plan to reach Net Zero targets.
For homeowners, the scheme removes one of the biggest obstacles to switching: the upfront cost. Many people are interested in heat pumps but are put off by the price. With BUS, the grant reduces that cost at the point of installation, so low-carbon heating becomes a realistic option for more households. Oversight by Ofgem and the requirement to use certified installers gives further reassurance that the process is safe, regulated, and reliable.
In simple terms, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a practical way to cut the cost of installing a renewable heating system while helping the UK reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
What Heating Systems Does BUS Cover?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme supports three main types of low-carbon heating. Each one works in a different way, but all are designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut emissions.
Air Source Heat Pumps
The most common choice for UK homes, air source heat pumps draw heat from the outside air and use it to warm your home and hot water. They are efficient, reliable, and suitable for most properties. Even in cold weather, modern heat pumps continue to perform well, often as efficiently as traditional boilers. For many homeowners, this is the simplest and most affordable route into renewable heating.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
These systems work by collecting heat from pipes buried underground. They cost more to install but deliver excellent efficiency, particularly for larger homes or properties with more land. A ground source system can provide very low running costs once in place, which is why BUS funding can make such a big difference for households that might otherwise find the price out of reach.
Biomass Boilers
Available mainly for rural or off-gas properties, biomass boilers burn wood pellets or chips to produce heating and hot water. They are a good option for households that cannot easily switch to a heat pump, especially in areas without access to mains gas. BUS funding helps reduce the significant upfront cost, making this system more viable for rural homes.
It is worth noting that BUS cannot be used to fund new gas or oil boilers. The aim of the scheme is to help households move away from fossil fuels, not to maintain them.
All installations must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer, which guarantees quality and compliance with scheme rules. You do not need to handle the application yourself. Once you decide on the right system for your home, the installer applies for the BUS grant on your behalf and the discount is applied directly to your installation cost.
BUS Eligibility – Who Qualifies?
One of the most common questions around the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is simple: who can apply? The good news is that BUS is open to a wide range of households. You do not need to be on benefits, and you do not need to live in a certain type of property. The scheme is designed to help homeowners and small landlords in England and Wales make the switch to low-carbon heating.
Here are the main points you need to know:
Who can apply
- Most homeowners qualify, as long as the property is in England or Wales.
- Small landlords can also apply, provided the property meets the requirements.
- Tenants cannot apply themselves. If you rent your home, your landlord would need to apply on your behalf.
Heating system requirements
- The scheme is designed for households replacing a fossil fuel heating system such as gas, oil, LPG, or direct electric.
- BUS cannot be used to install a new gas or oil boiler.
- The aim is to reduce emissions by supporting renewable heating systems only.
Property requirements
- To qualify, your property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that shows no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation. If your EPC does list these improvements, they usually need to be completed first. The only exception is where insulation is not suitable for your home, in which case you may still qualify.
- New build properties are generally excluded from BUS, with the exception of self-build homes.
Technology restrictions
- Biomass boilers are only eligible in rural and off-gas areas. This is because they are intended as a solution for properties where heat pumps may not be the most practical option.
Combining with other funding
- In most cases, BUS cannot be combined with other government schemes like ECO4 for the same measure. This prevents households from claiming multiple grants for one installation. However, you may still be able to use ECO4 or other schemes for different improvements around your home.
The eligibility rules can feel a little confusing at first, but the core idea is straightforward. BUS is there to help households who are currently using fossil fuels to switch to a renewable heating system. If you own your home and your EPC is in order, you are likely to qualify.
At Free Energy Savings, we check all of this for you before you commit to anything. Our free property survey covers eligibility, EPC requirements, and which system would be best for your home. That way, you have a clear picture from the start with no hidden surprises.
How Much Can You Save with BUS?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme makes a noticeable difference to the cost of installing renewable heating. Without funding, the upfront price of a heat pump or biomass boiler can feel out of reach for many households. With BUS, that gap is reduced by £7,500 right at the point of installation.
Here is what that looks like in practice:
- Air source heat pump: typically around £11,000. After the BUS grant, the cost comes down to roughly £3,500.
- Ground source heat pump: often around £20,000. With BUS support, you could pay closer to £12,500.
- Biomass boiler: usually around £16,000. After the grant, the price falls to about £8,500.
These figures vary depending on the size and type of property, but they show how much the scheme helps reduce the barrier of upfront cost.
There are also savings to be made over the long term. Households moving away from oil or LPG heating often see their energy bills drop by 40 percent or more after switching to a heat pump. With energy prices continuing to change year on year, choosing a renewable system also protects you from the unpredictable cost of fossil fuels.
In short, BUS does more than just cut the installation bill. It makes low-carbon heating a real, affordable option for households who want to lower costs, reduce emissions, and future-proof their home.
The BUS Application & Installation Process
One of the biggest advantages of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is how straightforward the process is for homeowners. The grant is applied for by the installer, which means you are not left filling out forms or chasing funding. Instead, you focus on choosing the right system while professionals handle the paperwork.
Here is what the process looks like in practice:
- Eligibility check
We start by confirming that your property meets the scheme requirements. This includes looking at your heating system, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and property type. - Free property survey
An MCS-certified installer visits your home to carry out a survey. This checks your current heating setup and confirms which renewable system would be the best fit. - Application for funding
Once the survey is complete and you choose a system, the installer applies for the £7,500 BUS grant on your behalf. The application goes through Ofgem for approval. - Grant awarded
When approved, the funding is paid directly to the installer. This reduces the cost of your installation straight away, so you only pay the balance. - Installation scheduled
The installer arranges a date that works for you and completes the installation. This includes full commissioning and ensuring the system is running as it should.
From start to finish, the process usually takes between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on availability and the type of system chosen.
At Free Energy Savings, we guide you through every step so you know exactly what to expect. From your first eligibility check to final installation, our role is to make the process clear, simple, and stress-free.
Why Choose Free Energy Savings?
Applying for a government grant can sometimes feel daunting. That is where we step in. At Free Energy Savings, our role is to make the Boiler Upgrade Scheme simple, clear, and stress-free for homeowners.
We work with a network of trusted, MCS-certified installers across England and Wales. This means you can be confident that your installation meets the scheme’s requirements and is carried out to a professional standard.
Here is what you can expect when you work with us:
- Specialists in BUS and ECO4 applications
- Nationwide coverage with certified installers
- Free, no-obligation property surveys
- End-to-end support from application to installation
Many homeowners worry about hidden costs or confusing requirements. With us, everything is explained upfront, so you know exactly what to expect. If your EPC needs adjustments or if there are specific eligibility checks to work through, we guide you through the process step by step.
We have already helped households across England and Wales secure funding and cut their heating costs. Whether it is an oil boiler in a rural property or a gas system in a suburban home, we understand the challenges homeowners face and know how to get the best outcome through BUS.
When you choose Free Energy Savings, you are choosing a partner who puts trust, clarity, and results first.
Start your free eligibility check today and see if you can claim £7,500 towards renewable heating with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Ready to Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is one of the simplest ways to make low-carbon heating affordable. With £7,500 support from the government, the upfront cost of installing a heat pump or biomass boiler becomes far more manageable. For many households, this is the difference between keeping an old fossil fuel system and switching to something cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable for the years ahead.
By using the scheme, you are not only lowering your installation costs but also protecting your household from rising energy prices. Heat pumps and biomass boilers are built to last, giving you stable, efficient heating long after traditional systems would have needed replacing. At the same time, you are cutting your home’s carbon footprint and playing a part in the UK’s journey towards Net Zero.
At Free Energy Savings, we take care of the details so you do not have to. From the first eligibility check to final installation, our team makes the process clear and stress-free. We work with trusted, certified installers across England and Wales, making sure everything is handled properly from start to finish.
Apply today and secure your £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. It only takes a quick check to get started and it could transform the way your home is heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government grant that helps homeowners in England and Wales switch to low-carbon heating. It provides £7,500 towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, or a biomass boiler. The money goes directly to the installer once the application is approved, so your installation cost is reduced from the start.
The grant amount is set at £7,500 for all eligible systems. Whether you are choosing an air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, or a biomass boiler, the grant contribution is the same.
No. BUS is open to most homeowners and small landlords in England and Wales, regardless of income. Unlike ECO4, it is not based on benefits or household earnings.
You can use the grant for:
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- Biomass boilers (in rural/off-gas areas)
You cannot use BUS to install a new gas or oil boiler.
Not directly. If you are renting, your landlord would need to apply on your behalf. BUS applications can only be made by the property owner.
Yes, as long as the property is in England or Wales and meets the requirements. Many small landlords have already used BUS to upgrade heating systems for their tenants.
Your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation. If the EPC does show these, they usually need to be addressed first. If insulation is not suitable for your property, you may still qualify with an exemption.
Not for the same heating installation. BUS cannot be stacked with ECO4 for one system. However, you can sometimes use ECO4 for other improvements, such as insulation, while still applying for BUS funding separately for heating.
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is only available in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate renewable heating support schemes.
From start to finish, the whole process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. This includes your eligibility check, property survey, grant approval, and installation scheduling. The installation itself can often be completed in just a few days, depending on the system chosen.
Air source and ground source heat pumps typically last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Biomass boilers also last around 15 years or more. In both cases, regular servicing helps extend lifespan and maintain efficiency.
Yes. Modern heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even in freezing conditions. Many homeowners worry about this, but systems are built to suit the UK climate.
Not really. Most modern models run quietly, similar to a fridge. Installers also position the outdoor unit to minimise any impact on your household or neighbours.
This depends on what system you are switching from. Households moving from oil or LPG heating often see the biggest savings, sometimes cutting bills by 40 percent. Those moving from mains gas may not save as much on bills, but they still gain long-term stability and protection from rising fossil fuel prices.
The new heating system becomes part of the property, so the new owners benefit from it. There is no requirement to repay the grant if you sell your home.
The scheme is currently funded until 2028, but grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis through certified installers. That is why it is best to start the process sooner rather than later.
We guide you through every step:
- Checking eligibility
- Organising a free property survey
- Connecting you with certified installers
- Managing the application process
- Supporting you through installation
Our goal is to make sure you get the full benefit of the scheme without stress or confusion.
What Our Customers Have To Say
Read More Of Our Reviews On Trust Pilot
We’ve had some bad experiences with installers in the past, but Free Energy Savings was a breath of fresh air. They were helpful and patient, answering all of our questions about the ECO4 scheme and making sure we understood how it worked. The installation was done quickly and professionally, and the team was extremely respectful of our home.
- Jessica B
We were a bit unsure about how the ECO4 grant worked, but Free Energy Savings made everything so simple. The team explained every detail of the grant and the benefits from a new boiler installation. When it came time for the installation, they arrived right on schedule and worked hard to get everything set up. What impressed me most was the attention to detail….
- Amelia L
Free Energy Savings exceeded all of our expectations. From the moment we contacted them, they were responsive and informative. The team helped us through the paperwork for the ECO4 grant, which was a big help since we had no idea where to start. The installation crew was friendly, professional, and fast. It’s been a couple of months now, and we’re already…
