Are rising energy bills and environmental concerns prompting you to consider a more sustainable heating solution for your home? You're not alone. Heating accounts for approximately 18% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to the widespread use of fossil fuel-based systems.
In response, the UK government has introduced the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), a financial incentive designed to support homeowners and small business owners in England and Wales in transitioning to low-carbon heating technologies.
At SESC Solutions, we specialise in guiding you through this transition, offering expert advice and installation services for eligible systems.
Available Grants and Covered Technologies
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides generous BUS grants to help homeowners and small business owners reduce the upfront cost of installing energy-efficient heating systems. The scheme offers £7,500 for air source heat pumps, £7,500 for ground source heat pumps (including water source heat pumps), and £5,000 biomass boiler grants – although specific eligibility conditions apply for biomass installations.
These grants are part of the UK government's wider push to lower national carbon emissions and support the transition to low-carbon heating. Administered by Ofgem, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme aims to make sustainable technologies more accessible and financially viable. Choosing an eligible system through the scheme can significantly reduce your long-term energy costs while increasing your property's efficiency and value.
Whether you're looking to install a heat pump or explore biomass boiler grants, these incentives are a smart step towards lowering your carbon footprint and future-proofing your home or business against rising energy prices.
What is the Eligibility Criteria?
To qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, your property must be located in England or Wales, and you must own it – this includes landlords and owners of second homes. The scheme is designed to replace existing fossil fuel heating systems, such as oil, gas, or electric, with low-carbon alternatives.
A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required to demonstrate your property's energy efficiency. For biomass boiler grants, additional criteria apply: the property must be off the gas grid and situated in a rural area.
What You Need to Know: Recent Updates to the Scheme
As of 2025, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) has been revised to make low-carbon heating more accessible for homeowners and small businesses across England and Wales. One of the most notable updates is the removal of previous insulation prerequisites.
Applicants are no longer required to install cavity wall or loft insulation before qualifying, significantly reducing upfront costs and accelerating installation timelines. Additionally, the scheme received a substantial funding boost, with £25 million added for the 2024/2025 financial year.
This raises the overall budget to £205 million, with flexibility to over-allocate up to £280 million to meet increasing demand. These changes reflect growing public interest in sustainable energy solutions and the government’s push to decarbonise home heating at scale.
The simplified requirements and expanded funding are designed to encourage wider adoption of solutions like ground and air source heat pump installation, making the transition to low-carbon heating both practical and financially viable.
The Application Process
Applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme involves the following steps:
- Engage an MCS-Certified Installer: Contact a certified installer, like SESC Solutions, who will assess your property's suitability for a low-carbon heating system.
- Installer Applies on Your Behalf: SESC Solutions will submit the grant application to Ofgem on your behalf.
- Installation Timeline: Once approved, the installer must commission and install the system within 120 days of the application.
By following this process, you can seamlessly transition to energy-efficient heating system with financial support from the government.
Benefits of Participating in the BUS
Now that you've read about the scheme and how to apply for it, let’s discuss the benefits. These benefits include:
- Reduced Installation Costs: The grants significantly lower the upfront expenses associated with installing low-carbon heating systems.
- Long-Term Energy Savings: Energy-efficient heating systems consume less energy, leading to lower utility bills over time.
- Environmental Impact: By switching to low-carbon heating, you contribute to the UK's goal of reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
Embracing energy-efficient heating not only benefits your finances but also supports a sustainable future.
How SESC Solutions Can Assist
At SESC Solutions, we are accredited installers of energy-efficient heating systems, including air source and ground source heat pumps. We provide expert guidance throughout the BUS application process, and our fully vetted, DBS-checked engineers ensure a seamless installation experience. Plus, we offer comprehensive post-installation support and maintenance services.
As a family-run business with over 30 years of experience, we are committed to helping you achieve energy efficiency in your home. Contact us today on 0800 123 4567 or use our contact form to learn how we can assist you in unlocking energy savings through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
