Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a government-funded initiative designed to encourage property owners to replace existing fossil fuel heating systems (like gas or oil boilers) with more environmentally friendly, renewable heating solutions.

It operates as an installer-led grant. This means that as your chosen MCS-certified installer, BSE|Home applies for the grant on your behalf. The full grant amount is then passed directly to you as a discount on the total cost of your supply and installation.

The scheme is set to run from 2022 to 2028 with a substantial funding pot available. The grant amounts vary depending on the technology you choose:

• £7,500 grant for installing an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)
• £7,500 grant for installing a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP), including water source heat pumps.
• £5,000 grant for installing a Biomass Boiler

Further Savings: Zero VAT on Installations

In addition to the grant, homeowners benefit from 0% VAT on the installation of energy-saving materials, including heat pumps and biomass boilers, in residential properties. This significantly reduces the overall cost of upgrading your heating system, making the switch even more affordable alongside the BUS grant.

There are some eligibility criteria for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, both for the customer and for the installer. See below for a summary of main criteria (full details are on Ofgem’s website).

Property Requirements:

• Location: Your property must be located in England or Wales.
• Type: It can be a domestic (your home) or small non-domestic property. Note: Any social housing tenants will need to contact their housing provider to make the claim.
• New Builds: Self-build homes are eligible, but standard new builds usually aren’t.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): You must have a valid EPC issued within the last 10 years.
• Capacity Limit: The total capacity of the installed system must be 45kWth or below.

Heating System Requirements:

• Existing System: You must be replacing an existing fossil fuel system (e.g., gas boiler, oil boiler, LPG) or an older electric system (excluding heat pumps).
• Full Heating: The new renewable heating system must be capable of meeting the entire space heating and domestic hot water requirements of your property. Hybrid systems (e.g., a heat pump working alongside a fossil fuel boiler) are not eligible for the grant.

Installation Requirements:

• MCS Certified Equipment: The heat pump must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
• MCS Certified Installer: The installation company must be MCS certified for the specific technology being installed.

Important Note for Sussex Properties: If your property is listed or located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) like the South Downs National Park, you may need to check with your local authority (e.g., West Sussex County Council, East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council, or District/Borough councils) regarding planning permission requirements before proceeding with installation.