Is it time to upgrade your boiler?

If you’re considering upgrading your boiler to a more environmentally-friendly one, you might be eligible for a grant through the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This scheme provides grants to encourage property owners to install low carbon heating systems such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers. As with all grants, terms and conditions will apply.

Two air source heat pumps outside a house
Image of two air source heat pumps

The following grants are available through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

  • £7,500 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
  • £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler
  • £7,500 off the cost and installation of a ground source or water source heat pump

The scheme is open to those who live in England or Wales and who own their property. Most new-build properties are not eligible, unless you are building your own home.

Eligible properties are domestic and small non-domestic. You must be fully replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system (oil, gas, electric). You won’t be able to replace an existing low carbon heating system or install a hybrid system.

Properties must have an installation capacity of up to 45kWth and a valid, in date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which shows that loft and cavity wall insulation have been installed where needed (unless you have an exemption).

You can apply if you’ve had other Government grants for energy efficiency improvements like insulation, but not if you’ve had government funding for low carbon heating.

The low carbon heating work must be completed by an accredited Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installer, so the first step is to find an MCS accredited installer in your area that is taking part in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. We recommend that you get more than one quote to ensure you’re getting good value for money.

The installer will advise you whether a low carbon heating system is suitable for your property and whether the installation is eligible for a grant.

Once you have your quotes, you can choose your installer and agree a price for the work.

The installer will apply for the grant on your behalf and discount it from the price you pay. You will need to confirm that the installer is acting on your behalf when contacted by Ofgem.

If you have any problems with your new system, speak to the installer first, and if you have any problems with the installer you can speak to MCS.