The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is the UK government’s flagship programme to help homeowners switch from gas and oil boilers to heat pumps. It offers a £7,500 grant towards the cost of an air source heat pump — and it’s the single biggest factor making heat pumps affordable for Bristol homeowners in 2026.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know: who’s eligible, how to apply, the timeline, and common pitfalls to avoid.
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The BUS was launched in April 2022 and has been extended and increased multiple times. As of 2026:
- £7,500 grant for air source heat pumps (ASHPs)
- £7,500 grant for ground source heat pumps (GSHPs)
- Administered by Ofgem (the energy regulator)
- Funded until at least March 2028 (expected to be extended further)
- The grant is deducted from your invoice — you never pay the full price
Who Is Eligible?
The eligibility criteria are straightforward:
You Must:
- Own the property (owner-occupier or landlord)
- Have an existing building (not a new-build less than 2 years old)
- Have a valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) — if you don’t have one, we can arrange this
- Use an MCS-certified installer (we are MCS certified)
- Not have previously received a BUS grant for the same property
You Don’t Need To:
- Be on a low income
- Have a specific type of existing heating (gas, oil, electric — all qualify)
- Live in a specific area (it’s UK-wide)
- Own a specific type of property (flats, terraces, detached — all qualify)
Common Misconceptions
- “I need to be on benefits” — No, the BUS is available to all homeowners regardless of income
- “My house needs to be well-insulated” — No minimum insulation requirement (though we recommend improvements)
- “Landlords can’t apply” — Landlords are eligible, including for rental properties
- “I need to replace an existing boiler” — No, you can switch from any heating system
How Much Will I Actually Pay?
The grant is deducted directly from your installation cost:
| Property | Total Cost | BUS Grant | You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-bed terrace | £9,000 | -£7,500 | £1,500 |
| 3-bed semi | £11,000 | -£7,500 | £3,500 |
| 4-bed detached | £13,500 | -£7,500 | £6,000 |
For smaller properties, the grant covers the majority of the cost. Even for larger homes, it’s a substantial contribution.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
Here’s exactly how the process works with Bristol Heat Pump:
Step 1: Free Home Survey
We visit your property, assess your heating needs, and design the right system. This is free and takes about an hour.
Step 2: Detailed Quote
You receive an itemised quote showing the total cost, the £7,500 grant deduction, and your net cost. No hidden extras.
Step 3: You Accept the Quote
Once you’re happy, you sign the quote and we begin the process.
Step 4: We Apply to Ofgem
We submit the BUS grant application on your behalf. This includes your property details, EPC, and the proposed installation. You don’t need to do anything.
Step 5: Ofgem Approves
Approval typically takes 3–5 working days. Ofgem issues a voucher linked to your property.
Step 6: Installation
We install your heat pump system (typically 2–5 days depending on the property).
Step 7: Completion & Certification
We commission the system, issue the MCS certificate, and notify Ofgem that the installation is complete.
Step 8: Grant Payment
Ofgem pays the £7,500 directly to us. You only ever pay the net amount shown on your quote.
Timeline
From initial enquiry to heating your home:
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Survey booking | 1–2 weeks |
| Quote preparation | 2–3 days |
| Grant application | 3–5 working days |
| Installation scheduling | 2–4 weeks |
| Installation | 2–5 days |
| Total | 4–8 weeks |
If you’re planning ahead, we recommend starting the process 6–8 weeks before you need the system running. If your boiler has failed, we can expedite the process.
Can I Combine BUS with Other Grants?
Yes, in some cases:
- ECO4 / Great British Insulation Scheme — for insulation improvements alongside the heat pump
- Bristol City Council grants — occasionally available for energy efficiency
- Landlord grants — some local schemes offer additional support
- Warm Homes Discount — separate scheme for energy bill support
You cannot combine BUS with:
- Other government heat pump grants for the same property
- New-build developer incentives
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Using a Non-MCS Installer
The grant is only available through MCS-certified installers. If someone offers a cheap installation without MCS, you’ll lose the £7,500 grant — and potentially void your warranty.
2. Not Having a Valid EPC
An Energy Performance Certificate is required. If yours has expired or you don’t have one, arrange this before starting. We can help with this.
3. Starting Installation Before Approval
The grant must be approved before installation begins. Never let an installer start work before the Ofgem voucher is confirmed.
4. Waiting Too Long
While the scheme is currently funded until March 2028, demand is increasing and the government could change the terms. Acting sooner rather than later ensures you get the full £7,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the BUS grant last?
Currently funded until March 2028, with strong signals it will be extended. However, the grant amount could change — it was increased from £5,000 to £7,500 in 2024, and could theoretically be reduced in future budgets.
Can I get the grant for a second property?
Yes — landlords can claim for each eligible property they own. The limit is one grant per property, not per person.
What if my application is rejected?
Rejections are rare if you meet the criteria. Common reasons include: new-build property, no valid EPC, or a previous BUS grant on the same address. We check all eligibility before applying to avoid wasted time.
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
You’ll typically pay a deposit when accepting the quote (usually 10–20% of the net cost). The balance is due on completion. You never pay the £7,500 grant portion.
Get Started Today
The BUS grant makes heat pumps genuinely affordable for Bristol homeowners. We handle the entire application process — all you need to do is book a free survey and we take care of the rest.