Boiler Upgrade Scheme: the £7,500 heat pump grant explained
The UK government pays £7,500 directly towards the installation of a qualifying air-source heat pump. Here is exactly how it works and how to claim it.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government initiative administered by Ofgem. It provides a one-off grant of £7,500 towards the purchase and installation of a qualifying air-source heat pump. The scheme is designed to make the upfront cost of switching from a gas boiler more affordable.
The grant is paid directly to your MCS-certified installer, not to you, so it reduces the invoice you receive. You never handle the money directly.
Who qualifies?
You are likely eligible if all of the following apply:
- Your property is in England, Scotland or Wales
- You have a valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) less than 10 years old
- Your EPC has no outstanding recommendations for loft insulation or cavity wall insulation
- Your property has not previously received a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payment
- You use an MCS-certified installer and an MCS-listed heat pump
- You own the property (owner-occupier) or are a landlord
Not eligible if:
- • Your property is in Northern Ireland (separate scheme applies)
- • Your EPC shows outstanding loft or cavity insulation recommendations you have not acted on
- • Your property received an RHI payment (check your records if unsure)
- • The property is a new build receiving separate government support
How to apply, step by step
You do not apply directly to Ofgem. Your MCS-certified installer handles the voucher on your behalf. Here is the full process:
- 1
Get an EPC for your property
You need a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that is less than 10 years old. Crucially, it must not show outstanding recommendations for loft insulation or cavity wall insulation. If it does, get those done first, they will reduce your heat loss and lower the size of heat pump you need anyway. Find an accredited assessor at the government's Find an assessor tool.
- 2
Choose an MCS-certified installer
The grant can only be claimed by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited installer. You cannot claim the grant yourself. Ask any installer you speak to whether they are MCS accredited, they should be able to provide their MCS certificate number. Thermotec works with a network of MCS-accredited UK installers.
- 3
Select a qualifying heat pump
The heat pump itself must also be MCS product-certified. All Thermotec Home series units are MCS eligible. Your installer will confirm the specific model they are quoting and its MCS product listing number.
- 4
Your installer applies for the voucher
Your MCS-certified installer applies for a BUS voucher through the Ofgem portal on your behalf before installation starts. The voucher confirms that a £7,500 grant has been reserved against your property. Installation must be completed within 3 months of the voucher being issued.
- 5
Installation is completed
Your installer installs the heat pump and registers it with MCS. They will provide you with an MCS certificate for the completed installation, which you should keep safely.
- 6
Installer redeems the grant
After installation, your installer submits the MCS certificate to Ofgem and redeems the £7,500 voucher. The grant is paid directly to them. You only pay the balance, the installation cost minus the £7,500. You never handle the grant money directly.
What this means for your bill
Here is how the grant changes the cost for a typical installation:
Installation costs are illustrative. Get a quote from an MCS-certified installer for an accurate figure.
Common questions
Is the scheme available until 2028?
The BUS is currently funded through to March 2028. Applications for vouchers must be submitted before this date. The government has committed to the scheme as part of its net-zero target.
Can I use the grant for a second property?
Yes, the grant applies per property, not per person. Landlords can claim the grant for each eligible property they own.
What if my EPC recommends insulation improvements?
You need to address those recommendations first, or have a surveyor confirm they are not applicable to your property (for example, if you have solid walls rather than cavity walls). Once your EPC is clear, you can proceed.
Do I need to use a specific brand?
No, the grant applies to any MCS-listed air-source heat pump, including all Thermotec Home series units. Your installer will confirm the model's MCS listing.
Check which Thermotec unit suits your home
All Thermotec Home series heat pumps are MCS eligible and qualify for the £7,500 grant.