Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026: What Changed in April and How to Claim

Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026: The Biggest Changes Since Launch

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026 has undergone four substantive regulatory changes that took effect in April, making it significantly easier and more rewarding for UK homeowners to switch from fossil fuel heating to low-carbon alternatives. With the budget increased to £400 million for 2026-27 and the scheme now extended to March 2030, there has never been a better time to claim your grant towards a heat pump installation.

What changed with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in April 2026?

From April 2026 the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant remains at £7,500 for air source heat pumps and £7,500 for ground source heat pumps. Key changes include a streamlined application process where MCS-certified installers can now submit claims digitally, reducing the wait time from weeks to as little as five working days. The scheme has also been extended to cover shared-loop ground source systems in new-build developments, and the eligibility window now runs to at least March 2028.

To claim the grant, your property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations, and the heat pump must be installed by an MCS-certified installer. It is worth noting that the grant is per property, not per household, so landlords with multiple eligible properties can claim separately for each one.

Since its launch in 2022, the BUS has helped tens of thousands of households transition away from gas and oil boilers. But the April 2026 changes address the most common complaints installers and homeowners had about the scheme — removing bureaucratic hurdles, expanding eligibility, and increasing funding for those who need it most.

In this guide, we explain each of the four key changes, what they mean for your application, and how to claim your boiler upgrade scheme 2026 grant. If you are ready to apply, get a free quote from MCS-certified installers through Green Reach Energy.

The 4 Key Changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in April 2026

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published updated regulations for the boiler upgrade scheme 2026 that came into force on 28 April. Here is a detailed breakdown of each change.

Change 1: EPC Requirement Removed

Previously, applicants needed a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for their property before an installer could submit a BUS application. This requirement caused significant delays, as homeowners often had to book an energy assessor, wait for the inspection, and then wait for the certificate to be registered — a process that could take 2 to 6 weeks.

From 28 April 2026, the EPC requirement has been completely removed. Your MCS-certified installer can now submit a BUS application without any EPC in place. This single change is expected to reduce the average application timeline by 3 to 4 weeks and remove a significant cost barrier (EPCs typically cost £60 to £120).

However, having an up-to-date EPC is still valuable for accessing other schemes like the Warm Homes Local Grant and ECO4, both of which still use EPC ratings to determine eligibility.

Change 2: Air-to-Air Heat Pumps Now Eligible

For the first time, air-to-air heat pumps are eligible for a BUS grant. These systems, which deliver heating through wall-mounted units rather than a wet radiator system, receive a grant of £2,500.

Air-to-air heat pumps are particularly well suited to:

• Properties without a wet central heating system (e.g. homes with storage heaters or electric panel heaters)
• Smaller homes and flats where a full air-to-water heat pump installation would be disproportionately expensive
• Properties where the existing radiator system is not suitable for heat pump temperatures
• Homeowners looking for a lower-cost entry point into heat pump technology

While the £2,500 grant is lower than the £7,500 available for air-to-water systems, air-to-air heat pumps are also considerably cheaper to install — typically £5,000 to £8,000 for a whole-house system. This means the net cost to the homeowner can be as low as £2,500.

Change 3: Enhanced Grant for Oil and LPG Homes

Households currently heated by oil or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) can now claim an enhanced grant of £9,000 towards a heat pump installation — £1,500 more than the standard grant. This is a temporary uplift designed to accelerate the transition of off-grid homes away from fossil fuels.

Approximately 1.5 million UK homes rely on oil heating, predominantly in rural areas. These properties often have the highest carbon emissions and the greatest potential for savings. With the enhanced grant, a typical air source heat pump installation costing £11,000 would leave the homeowner paying just £2,000 out of pocket.

To qualify for the enhanced rate, your property must currently have a functioning oil or LPG heating system as its primary heat source. Properties already on the gas grid are not eligible for the higher amount.

Change 4: Budget Increased to £400 Million

The boiler upgrade scheme 2026 budget has been set at £400 million for the 2026-27 financial year, a substantial increase from previous years. This reflects both growing demand and the government’s commitment to installing 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028.

Despite the larger budget, previous years have seen allocations used up before the financial year ends. Early application is therefore strongly recommended.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026 Grant Amounts at a Glance

Who Is Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026?

The BUS is one of the most broadly accessible energy grants available. There is no income cap and no EPC requirement (as of April 2026). The eligibility criteria are straightforward:

• You must own the property (homeowners and private landlords are eligible; social housing is excluded)
• The property must be in England or Wales
• You must be replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system (gas boiler, oil boiler, LPG boiler, electric storage heaters, or direct electric heating)
• The installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer
• You must not have already received a BUS grant for the same property
• The property must not be a new build (the scheme is for existing homes only)

Private landlords can apply but must contribute at least a third of the installation cost themselves. The grant cap for landlords remains the same as for owner-occupiers.

How to Claim Your Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026 Grant

The application process is designed to be simple. Unlike other government grants, you do not apply directly — your installer handles the entire process on your behalf.

• Step 1: Find an MCS-certified heat pump installer. You can get a free quote through Green Reach Energy to be connected with approved installers in your area.
• Step 2: Your installer surveys your property, designs the system, and provides a quote showing the BUS grant deducted from the total.
• Step 3: The installer submits a BUS application to Ofgem, which is typically approved within 2 to 4 weeks.
• Step 4: Once approved, the installation goes ahead. You pay only the net cost after the grant deduction.
• Step 5: Ofgem pays the grant directly to the installer after the work is completed and commissioned.

The key point is that you never pay the grant amount upfront. It is deducted from your quote from the start, so you only ever pay the difference.

Comparing Heat Pump Types: Which Should You Choose?

With air-to-air heat pumps now eligible alongside traditional air-to-water and ground source systems, homeowners have more choice than ever. Here is how the main types compare:

For most UK homes, an air-to-water heat pump remains the best option — it provides both heating and hot water, works with existing radiators (though some may need upgrading), and qualifies for the full £7,500 grant. Air-to-air systems are an excellent choice for properties without a wet heating system or as a complement to existing electric heating.

For advice tailored to your property, get a free quote and our team will recommend the right system for your home.

Can You Combine BUS with Other Grants?

Yes. The BUS grant can be combined with other funding sources, provided you are not claiming two grants for the same measure. Common combinations include:

• BUS + Warm Homes Local Grant — use BUS for the heat pump and the Warm Homes Local Grant (up to £15,000) for insulation, solar panels, or other measures
• BUS + ECO4 — get insulation through ECO4 and the heat pump through BUS
• BUS + local authority top-up grants — some councils offer additional funding on top of BUS

Combining grants is particularly effective. A household that secures BUS funding for a heat pump alongside ECO4-funded insulation could see their total energy bills drop by 50% or more compared to an old gas boiler in a poorly insulated home.

What Happens to Your Gas Boiler?

When you install a heat pump through the boiler upgrade scheme 2026, your existing boiler must be decommissioned. Your installer will safely disconnect and remove the boiler as part of the installation process. You are not required to keep it as a backup.

Some homeowners worry about relying solely on a heat pump, but modern systems are highly reliable and designed for UK winters. With a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3 to 4, a heat pump produces 3 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed, even when outside temperatures drop to -15 degrees Celsius.

If you are considering whether a heat pump is right for your home, you may also want to read our guide on infrared heating panels as an alternative or complementary solution.

Timeline: Key Dates for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Frequently Asked Questions About the Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026

Do I need to get quotes from multiple installers?

While you are not required to, we strongly recommend getting at least two or three quotes to compare pricing and system recommendations. Every installer must be MCS certified to process a BUS application. Get free, no-obligation quotes through Green Reach Energy to compare offers from certified installers in your area.

Can I claim the BUS grant if I already have solar panels?

Yes. Having existing solar panels does not affect your BUS eligibility. In fact, combining a heat pump with solar panels is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy costs, as the solar electricity can power the heat pump during daylight hours at zero marginal cost.

Is the £9,000 oil and LPG grant permanent?

The enhanced £9,000 grant for oil and LPG homes is described as a temporary uplift. The government has not set a specific end date, but it could be reduced in future budget allocations. If you are on oil or LPG heating, applying sooner rather than later is advisable to lock in the higher rate.

What if my property is listed or in a conservation area?

Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas are eligible for the BUS grant, but you may need additional planning permissions for external units. Your installer should advise on any local planning requirements. Many local authorities have pre-approved guidelines for heat pump installations in sensitive areas.

Can I keep my existing radiators with a heat pump?

In many cases, yes. However, because heat pumps operate at lower flow temperatures than gas boilers (typically 35-45 degrees Celsius versus 60-80 degrees Celsius), some radiators may need to be upgraded to larger models to deliver the same heat output. Your installer will carry out a room-by-room heat loss calculation to determine whether your existing radiators are sufficient. Budget £1,500 to £3,000 for radiator upgrades if they are needed.