Grants & Funding
What Is The BUS Scheme?
Government Incentives for Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps, and Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
How To Claim The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
- Choose an MCS-accredited installer capable of accepting BUS scheme vouchers.
- The installer applies to Ofgem for a voucher, providing necessary information.
- Ofgem assesses the application, securing consent from the property owner to issue the voucher.
- The installer completes the installation per industry standards and scheme requirements.
- The installer applies to redeem the voucher.
- Ofgem assesses the redemption application and pays the grant to the installer.
Eligibility Criteria
Check below to see if you qualify for the scheme, alternatively, visit the Government website for more information
Homes and small non-domestic properties in England and Wales qualify. The maximum installation capacity of up to 45kWth covers most eligible properties. A valid energy performance certificate (EPC) with no loft or cavity wall insulation outstanding recommendations is necessary for efficiency. Biomass boilers are eligible in rural locations and off the gas grid, while heat pumps are eligible for both on and off the gas grid. The commissioning date must be on or after 1st April 2022, and full replacement of existing fossil fuel systems is required. New builds and social housing are ineligible, except custom-build properties.
EPC assessments are available for an additional charge if a current certificate is lacking.
Experience Quality Heating Services in Norwich & Norfolk
Call today for a free, no obligation quote and find out how we can help.
Is It Time To Replace Your Old Boiler?
Suitability
Is Your Home Suitable For A Ground Source Or Air Source Heat Pump?
Not every home is suitable to for ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps, and we will always give you honest advice before going ahead with a quotation as it may not be possible for the some of the following reasons – dated windows, lack of loft insulation, incoming power supply and no place to site the outdoor unit or internal setup. However the good news is most of these issues are rectifiable and we can offer advise on how to go about making your home more efficient and heat pump ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Air source heat pumps extract heat from outside air, converting it into usable energy. The process involves passing air through a compressor to increase its temperature, used for space heating and hot water. These pumps work efficiently even at -20°C outside.
Use our free calculator to check your home’s suitability and installation requirements. Factors like insulation levels and current heating types impact estimated annual savings. The calculator provides quick estimates of installation costs and awards, including the £7,500 BUS grant. Discover potential payback periods based on your home’s specifics.
All information is provided free without requiring an email address. To arrange a survey, fill the form, and we’ll discuss your property’s suitability for an air source heat pump installation.
Air source heat pumps require minimal maintenance and are cheaper and less disruptive to install than ground source heat pumps. They are efficient and produce lower carbon emissions than most fossil fuel appliances, achieving 350% efficiency. For comparison, A-rated combination boilers are only 90% efficient.
Need support with boiler cost replacement? The Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) helps reduce the total cost of replacing your boiler with a low carbon, renewable heating system. As an approved installer, we check eligibility and process the £7,500 installation incentives.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Utilising outdoor air for heating and cooling, these pumps use a compressor and refrigerant to transfer heat between outdoor and indoor air. An efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional systems, they rely on natural air heat instead of burning fossil fuels.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Also known as geothermal heat pumps, these use the ground as a heat source. Using an underground loop system, they transfer heat between the ground and indoor air for heating or cooling. Efficient and eco-friendly, they tap into the stable ground temperature for heating and cooling.
Launched in January 2013, the Free Boiler Scheme aims to reduce the UK’s energy consumption by providing grants to low-income households. Part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Electricity and Gas Order, the scheme is primarily funded by major UK utility companies.
Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO)
HHCRO provides free boiler and insulation grants to homeowners receiving certain means-tested benefits, aiming to reduce fuel poverty. Eligibility depends on benefits received and additional criteria, including total household income and the presence of an existing low-efficiency boiler.
Eligible Benefits
Benefits include Child Tax Credit, Child Benefit (with a qualifying household income), Working Tax Credit, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Universal Credit, and Employment and Support Allowance.
Additional Qualifying Criteria
Criteria include a property size generating sufficient savings, and an existing low-efficiency boiler. Funding has reduced, but free boiler grants are still available. We help find approved installers for surveys or provide boiler replacement quotes if ineligible for a grant.