1. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides upfront grants to help homeowners switch from fossil fuel heating to low-carbon systems like heat pumps.

Grant Values.

• £7,500/£9000 – Air Source Heat Pump
• £7,500 – Ground Source Heat Pump
• £5,000 – Biomass Boiler (rural, off-gas only)

Eligibility Criteria

• Property in England or Wales
• Replacing an existing fossil fuel system (gas, oil, electric resistance)
• Valid EPC (issued within last 10 years)
• Not social housing or most new builds
• Installed by an MCS-certified installer

EPC Requirements

• EPC must be valid (≤10 years old)
• No longer mandatory to install insulation first (rule relaxed in 2024)
• However, performance strongly depends on insulation quality

How to Apply

You cannot apply directly—your installer applies on your behalf.

Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Process:

1. Choose MCS installer
2. Get quote + system design
3. Installer submits application
4. You confirm eligibility via email
5. Grant deducted from upfront cost

2. Warm Homes: Local Grant

The Warm Homes Local Grant is aimed at low-income households and delivered through local councils.

It funds:

• Insulation (loft, cavity, solid wall)
• Solar PV
• Heat pumps
• Ventilation upgrades

Eligibility Criteria

• Located in England
• Low-income household (typically ≤£36,000 or benefits-based)
• EPC rating D, E, F or G
• Privately owned home (owner-occupied or private rented)

EPC & Property Requirements.

• EPC must be between D–G
• Whole-house retrofit approach (fabric first).
• Measures tailored to property condition.
• No cost to eligible households.

How It Works.

• Funding is allocated to local authorities, not directly to homeowners.
• Councils assess homes and appoint installers.
• Includes technical surveys + retrofit coordination.

Warm Homes Local Grant Guidance (GOV.UK)

Local Authority Delivery (How to Apply)

Unlike BUS, Warm Homes funding depends on your local council.

You must apply via your council or their delivery partner.

Typical route:

1. Contact local council / apply online
2. Eligibility check (income + EPC + postcode)
3. Retrofit assessment
4. Installation via approved contractors

Not all councils offer identical schemes—availability depends on funding allocation.

4. Key Differences (BUS vs Warm Homes)

Feature	BUS	Warm Homes Grant
Who applies	Installer	Local authority
Income-based	❌ No	✅ Yes
EPC requirement	Valid EPC	EPC D–G
Funding type	Fixed grant	Fully funded (eligible homes)
Measures	Heat pumps / biomass	Whole-house upgrades

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5. When to Use Each Scheme

• BUS, Best for homeowners ready to install a heat pump
• Warm Homes, Best for:
  • Low-income households.
  • Poor EPC homes (D–G).
  • Whole-house upgrades.

6. Expert Tip.

From a surveying / retrofit perspective:

• BUS installations often fail without fabric upgrades
• Warm Homes schemes prioritise insulation + ventilation first.
• EPC data should always be reviewed alongside:
  • Heat loss calculations.
  • Ventilation strategy.
  • Existing defects.