A search for the Gov Boiler Upgrade Scheme often brings up a mixture of official guidance, installer websites and online advertisements. Some are useful, while others may make grant support sound simpler or more generous than it is.
If you're researching a heating upgrade, knowing how the official process works will help you ask the right questions before sharing personal details or agreeing to a quote.
Start With the Real Government Programme
The official name is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). It is available for eligible properties in England and Wales and administered by Ofgem. The rules and application guidance are published by GOV.UK and Ofgem.
BUS is different from programmes advertised as "free boilers". It does not pay for an ordinary replacement gas boiler and is not a cash benefit deposited directly into your account.
Check the Current Published Grant Values
As of November 2026, the standard amounts are:
| Eligible system | Standard grant |
|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | £7,500 |
| Ground source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Residential air-to-air heat pump | £2,500 |
| Qualifying biomass boiler | £5,000 |
An enhanced £9,000 grant is available for eligible off-gas-grid properties replacing oil or LPG heating with an air-to-water or ground source heat pump until 31 March 2027.
Be cautious of any advert promising the £9,000 amount to every homeowner without checking the property and current heating fuel.
Understand Who Applies to Ofgem
Your chosen MCS-certified installer submits the voucher application. You do not need to buy a grant application from an unrelated third party.
The grant must be reflected as an upfront deduction on the quote and invoice. Ofgem contacts property owners to confirm that the installer has permission to act for them and may undertake checks.
An installer may ask for supporting documents to establish property eligibility. That is different from asking you to send sensitive documents to an unknown advertiser before you've verified who they are.
Five Warning Signs Worth Questioning
1. A guaranteed grant without a property check. Eligibility depends on the building, existing heating and proposed technology.
2. A claim that BUS replaces any gas boiler for free. The scheme funds qualifying low-carbon installations, not standard gas-boiler replacements.
3. Pressure to sign immediately. You should have time to understand equipment specifications, costs and contract terms.
4. No clear MCS certification details. BUS installations require an MCS-certified installer and compliant products.
5. A quote that hides the price before the grant. Ask to see the gross installation cost, grant deduction and remaining amount separately.
These signs are reasons to investigate, not proof that a particular company is acting dishonestly.
What Documents Should You Expect?
A reliable process should include a detailed quotation, system design or survey information, the applicable grant value, a contract describing the work and an invoice reflecting the discount.
From 28 April 2026, a valid EPC is no longer mandatory for BUS applications. Where there is no current EPC, the installer may need alternative evidence to show the property and heating system qualify.
How to Verify an Offer
Use GOV.UK's Boiler Upgrade Scheme pages to review eligibility and grant values. Check the company's MCS certification and compare multiple installation quotations. You can also read Ofgem's property-owner guidance to understand the consent and voucher process.
For general information and next steps, visit Berks Insulation's Gov Boiler Upgrade Scheme guide, while using GOV.UK and Ofgem for the definitive rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BUS a government-funded programme?
Yes. It is a government grant scheme administered by Ofgem for eligible installations in England and Wales.
Can I claim the grant myself after paying an installer?
The normal process is installer-led, with the discount shown in your quote and invoice. Do not assume you can obtain reimbursement later independently.
Do I have to pay for grant eligibility information?
Official eligibility information is available from GOV.UK and Ofgem. Check any private service's fees and terms before agreeing to them.
Conclusion
The simplest protection is to separate the official grant rules from the commercial installation offer. Verify the scheme, verify the installer and review the full quotation before committing to a new heating system.
