Do you know Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) can help you upgrade your heating system? If you live in England and Wales this plan could be your opportunity to supplant your old heater. This program offers awards to cover some or the entirety of the expense. However, the condition is that you should change from a customary framework that utilizations oil, gas, propane, or electric warming to an intensity siphon or biomass evaporator.
It is part of the UK government’s net zero carbon emission target and is offered alongside new boiler scheme. These plans and awards cover a few energy redesign programs from protection, and focal warming to air source heat siphons, and so forth. If you qualify, you might get a fresh box new, more energy-proficient kettle. Besides, you can get a good deal on your warming expenses.
Now, let’s delve into the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and see if your property qualifies. This program is purely for England and Wales. But there are similar programs in Scotland and Northern Ireland. These can offer financial assistance for upgrading your home’s heating system.
What does the Boiler Upgrade Scheme cover?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants to help you replace your old heating system with a more efficient option. Here’s a breakdown of what you can get:
- Grant amount: You can receive one grant per property.
- Eligible systems:
- Air source heat pump: £7,500
- Ground source heat pump (including water source and shared ground loops): £7,500
- Biomass boiler: £5,000
- Hybrid heat pump systems are not eligible.
- The new system must meet minimum efficiency standards. Consult your installer for details.
- The system’s maximum capacity cannot exceed 45kWth.
How to qualify?
To meet all requirements for an Evaporator Update Plan award, check the accompanying standards out:
Property possession:
Right off the bat, you should be the proprietor of the property you’re applying for the award on. Likewise, this applies to homes, organizations, second homes, and, surprisingly, investment properties.
Replacing fossil fuel heating:
Also, your flow warming framework should depend on petroleum derivatives like oil, gas, power, or LPG. The award is explicitly for changing to a more eco-accommodating choice.
Also, regardless of whether you’ve proactively gotten financing for energy upgrades, you can in any case be qualified for this award.
EPC Requirements
You’ll need a valid EPC for your property. Until early May 2024, this EPC cannot have outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation. However, the rules are changing! From May 2024 onwards, even properties with those recommendations will be eligible.
But if you’re not sure if your property is a good fit for a low-carbon heating system, consult An MCS certified installer. They’ll assess your situation and offer guidance on available options.
Eligibility requirements for biomass boiler
While the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants for biomass boilers, there are extra conditions to meet:
- Off the gas grid: Your property has no natural gas network.
- Rural location: The property needs to be in a rural area. You can check Ofgem’s guidance for property owners if you’re unsure about your location’s eligibility.
- Low emissions boiler: The biomass boiler you install must have an emissions certificate. It must meet minimum standards for air quality.
- No grants for self-builds: Unfortunately, the grant program doesn’t cover installations in self-built properties.
Properties excluded from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant has some limitations on which properties qualify. Here’s what the grant doesn’t cover:
- New builds: Grants are generally unavailable for most newly constructed properties.
- Social housing: Properties under social housing programs are not eligible.
- Previously funded systems: If your property has already received government funding or support specifically for installing a heat pump or biomass boiler, you won’t be eligible for this grant.
Rules for self-build properties
There are some specific rules regarding new build and self-build properties for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant:
- New builds under construction: Properties still under development by the original builder are not eligible.
- Finished new builds: If you’ve purchased a recently completed new build with a traditional fossil fuel boiler, you might be eligible for a heat pump grant through the scheme.
- Self-build property eligibility: You can qualify for the grant if your property is self-built, meeting these conditions:
- You (or the original owner) personally built it or hired a builder for the construction.
- A business or organisation doesn’t own it.
- Proof of self-build: To demonstrate your property’s self-build status to your installer, you’ll need documentation like a copy of the title deeds.
Bottom line
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a great opportunity to switch to a more eco-friendly heating system. Remember, the rules are changing slightly in May 2024 regarding loft and cavity wall insulation. Plus there are recommendations on EPCs. So if you need clarification on your eligibility, feel free to consult with an MCS-certified installer. They can assess your needs and advise you on the most suitable options. Moreover, with some research, you can take advantage of this program.
