What is it and how to apply
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
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What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The government is actively promoting the adoption of low carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, by offering grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). These grants aim to assist property owners in overcoming the initial costs associated with implementing environmentally friendly heating technologies.
The scheme is open to both domestic and small non-domestic properties located in England and Wales, with the program scheduled to run from 2022 to 2025.
Key features of the BUS grants include:
- £7,500 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
- £7,500 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump
- £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler (please note that we do not handle the installation of biomass boilers)
Do I qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Homeowner Eligibility:
You may qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if:
- You reside in England or Wales.
- You own your property, whether it’s a home or a small non-domestic property.
- Your property possesses a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no pending recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation. (If your property does have recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation, your installer can still apply. However, certain insulation may need to be installed. A new EPC with no recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation must be generated by the time the installer claims the grant at the project’s conclusion.)
- Private landlords and second-home owners are also eligible.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Product Eligibility
Grants are available exclusively for the following heating systems:
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps (including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops)
- Biomass boilers (Please note that Solum GB does not install biomass boilers)
Hybrid heat pump systems, such as a combination of a gas boiler and air source heat pump, are not eligible.
To qualify, the new heating system must:
- Have been commissioned (installed and fully checked by your installer) on or after 1 April 2022
- Be capable of meeting the full space heating and hot water requirements of your property
- Replace an existing fossil fuel heating system (e.g., oil, gas, or electric)
- Meet specified technical standards, including minimum efficiency requirements (your installer can provide guidance on these)
Additionally:
- The installation cannot exceed a capacity of 45kWth (suitable for most homes)
- Funding is not available for the replacement of existing low carbon heating systems
Excluded Properties
The following properties are not eligible for grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme:
- Social Housing: Grants are not available for properties designated as social housing.
- New Build Properties: Grants are generally not applicable to new build properties, with certain exceptions for self-builds.
- Previously Funded Properties: Properties that have already received government funding or support for a heat pump or biomass boiler are not eligible.
If you own a self-build property, it must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- Built mainly using the labor or resources of the first owner.
- Not owned by a business or organization.
You will be required to provide proof to your installer that your property is a self-build, such as a copy of the title deeds.
Step-by-step how it works
- Find an MCS Certified Installer: Start by locating an MCS certified installer registered with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, such as Solum GB.
- Eligibility Check: We’ll assess whether a heat pump installation at your property qualifies for the grant.
- Get an Estimated Quotation: Receive an estimated quotation to gauge the system’s cost and determine if it aligns with your budget.
- Survey Process: Subject to a heat loss calculation survey by an independent surveyor and a pre-installation walk-through survey with our engineer.
- In-Depth Heat Loss Calculation Survey: Conducted by an independent surveyor to ensure the installed heat pump meets your household’s space heating and hot water demands.
- Pre-Installation Walk-Through Survey: Our engineer will confirm details such as the outside heat pump unit’s location, replacement domestic hot water cylinder size, and the need for radiator upgrades.
- Final Quotation: Based on survey results, we’ll provide a comprehensive quotation for your Boiler Upgrade Scheme voucher application.
- Grant Application: If you accept our quotation, we’ll apply for the grant voucher on your behalf.
- Confirmation with Ofgem: You’ll need to confirm with Ofgem, the scheme overseer, that you’re happy for us to act on your behalf.
- Installation Scheduling: Once the voucher is granted, we’ll schedule the installation, typically lasting 3-5 working days.
- Ofgem Checks: Ofgem may contact you for post-installation checks, which can include a phone call or a property visit.”
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