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Winter mornings often reveal the truth about an ageing boiler because the radiators stay cold longer. And, the rising energy bills every month becomes the biggest headache for many UK homeowners.
For this reason, they have started searching for better heating options but suddenly stopped when they learned of the high cost of retrofit heating system upgrades. But thanks to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme that has significantly minimised the financial burden from the homeowners.
However, not every boiler can be upgraded under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Only property owners who have specific boiler types can apply for up to £7,500 voucher for boiler upgrade. The old boiler is replaced with an energy-efficient and low-carbon heating system: biomass boilers or air source heat pumps.
But which boilers are replaced? This guide will enlist them all to let you know if you are among those fortunes who can qualify for boiler upgrade.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme At A Glance
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme helps UK property owners install low-carbon heating systems. The scheme reduces heating emissions and supports cleaner energy across the country. It mainly replaces fossil-fuel heating systems with efficient renewable alternatives. Eligible homeowners can receive government-backed vouchers through approved installers. The scheme also helps reduce long-term heating costs for many households.
History
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme launched in England and Wales during 2022. It replaced the older Clean Heat Grant programme. The government later extended the scheme until 2028. Funding also increased because of rising public interest.
For 2026 and 2027, hundreds of millions remain allocated for installations. The programme continues supporting thousands of households every year. The scheme already helped reduce carbon emissions across many UK homes. It also encouraged wider adoption of renewable heating technology nationwide.
Credibility
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme follows a transparent approval process. This makes the scheme more trusted than many short-term grants. Property owners remain fully involved throughout the application process. They can contact different installers and compare several quotes.
After choosing an installer, homeowners provide formal consent for applications. The installer then applies directly to Ofgem for the voucher. Voucher values range from £5,000 to £7,500 depending on the system. Ofgem also monitors applications and payments carefully.
Because of this structure, the scheme appears reliable for long-term support. Many experts believe it will continue expanding in future years.
Purpose
The UK still relies heavily on fossil-fuel heating systems. However, fuel prices often create financial pressure for households. Gas and oil price fluctuations also affect the wider UK economy. Therefore, the government wants cleaner and more stable heating solutions.
Another major goal involves reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Low-carbon heating systems support this long-term environmental target. Still, renewable heating systems remain expensive for many homeowners. Complete upgrades can cost around £14,000 on average.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme reduces those upfront installation costs. Eligible homeowners receive vouchers towards approved heating improvements.
Check your Eligibility Now
If you are receiving benefits from the UK Government then you might be eligible for free insulation grants.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Funding Amount
Different heating systems receive different voucher amounts under the scheme. The grant value depends on the renewable system being installed.
| Heating System | Grant Amount |
| Air source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Ground source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Water source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Air-to-air heat pump | £2,500 |
| Heat batteries | £2,500 |
| Biomass boiler | £5,000 |
Many homeowners prefer air source heat pumps because of the larger voucher. These systems also suit most UK properties effectively. Berks Insulation mainly installs air source heat pumps under the scheme. Eligible homeowners can receive vouchers worth up to £7,500.
Types of Existing Boilers Qualify for Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Many homeowners wrongly assume only gas boilers qualify for replacement. In fact, several existing heating systems qualify for the BUS scheme. The simple thing is, your heating system must be on fossil fuels or electricity. The heating systems that run on renewable energy solutions do not qualify.
Here are the main qualifying boiler types.
| Existing Heating System | Qualifies Under BUS? |
| Gas boiler | Yes |
| Oil boiler | Yes |
| LPG boiler | Yes |
| Electric boiler | Yes |
| Electric storage heaters | Yes |
| Wood-burning boiler | Yes |
| Air source heat pump | No |
| Biomass boiler | No |
Qualifying Boilers
1. Gas Boilers
Gas boilers are the most common qualifying heating systems in the UK. Many older properties still rely heavily on gas heating. These boilers can usually qualify for replacement under the scheme. However, the property must still meet overall eligibility rules.
2. Oil Boilers
Oil boilers are often used in rural homes that have no gas connections. These systems usually produce higher carbon emissions over time. Therefore, many oil boiler owners qualify for renewable heating upgrades. Heat pumps often replace oil systems successfully in countryside properties.
3. LPG Boilers
An LPG boiler also fits into the eligibility criteria of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. LPG boilers are typical for houses without mains gas. The replacement of an LPG heating system will help decrease future heating emissions and improve the long-term efficiency of heating.
4. Electric Boilers
Electric boilers may also benefit from replacement vouchers. Though electric boilers are eco-friendlier compared to gas boilers, they are less affordable due to higher electricity rates. In most cases, heat pumps demonstrate better efficiency compared to electric boilers. Therefore, many people prefer switching to renewable energy sources.
5. Electric Storage Heaters
The electric storage heaters usually lack efficiency and heat control. Modern heat pumps allow homeowners to enjoy stable heating at lower prices. Therefore, many households prefer installing heat pumps in their properties.
6. Wood-Burning Boilers
Some wood-burning boilers may also be eligible depending on the location of the property and the method of installation. Rural properties sometimes retain access to biomass support. Installers always consider the eligibility of wood-burning boilers during surveys.
Heating Systems That Are Disqualified
Renewable Heating Systems
Households with renewable heating systems (such as biomass boilers and air source heat pumps) cannot participate in the scheme multiple times. The primary purpose of the program is to assist those who have to switch to renewable energy sources.
Does Boiler Type Effect The Voucher Value?
The existing boiler type does not usually change voucher amounts. Instead, voucher values depend on the new heating system installed. For example, air source heat pumps receive £7,500 support. Meanwhile, biomass boilers receive vouchers worth £5,000.
Therefore, two homes with different old boilers may receive identical funding. The replacement technology matters more than the previous system. However, installation complexity can still affect final costs.
How Old The Boiler Should Be?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not set a strict boiler age requirement, meaning boilers of any age qualify for the BUS scheme. Still, older boilers usually benefit most from replacement. Many installers prefer replacing inefficient or ageing heating systems. Newer boilers may already perform efficiently enough for some households.
Why Replace Your Boiler?
Older boilers use more fuel per day, increasing heating costs. Moreover, they usually need frequent repairs, and the expenses of maintenance are relatively high. Modern heat pumps are eco-friendlier and more efficient, allowing customers to save money.
They also provide more stable heating even in periods of high prices. A renewable upgrade will positively affect the rating of the property. In addition, participation in the program allows reducing the installation fees for modern heat pumps.
In A Nutshell
All in all the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is highly beneficial for eligible homeowners in the United Kingdom. Gas, oil, LPG, electric boilers, and electric storage heaters usually meet the eligibility criteria. Renewable heating systems generally do not qualify for the scheme for the second time.
Moreover, the project supports the achievement of the country’s net-zero goal and assists in minimizing the future heating costs of households. You should examine whether your heating system is eligible for the replacement voucher.
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