Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026: What's Changing for Installers and Grant Claims
🔍 The key points at a glance
- The scheme was overhauled on 28 April 2026: air-to-air heat pumps now qualify and the EPC hurdle is gone.
- Air-to-water and ground source grants stay at £7,500; off-gas homes get £9,000 from 21 July 2026.
- Installers apply for the voucher through Ofgem’s portal on the homeowner’s behalf.
- Consumer Code membership is no longer required; the MCS Customer Commitment now covers consumer protection.
- The grant must be deducted upfront and shown as a line on the customer’s quote.
What changed in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2026?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme was substantially overhauled on 28 April 2026. New regulations opened the scheme to air-to-air heat pumps, removed the requirement for a valid EPC to apply, put MCS certification on a statutory footing, and extended the scheme’s end date to 2030.
| Area | Before 28 April 2026 | From 28 April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible heat pumps | Air-to-water and ground source only | Air-to-water, ground source and air-to-air |
| EPC to apply | Valid EPC required | No EPC required to apply |
| MCS certification | Scheme requirement | Statutory footing |
| Scheme end date | 2028 | 2030 |
How much can your customers claim in 2026?
| Technology | Grant value (2026) |
|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | £7,500 |
| Ground source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Off-gas home (oil/LPG → air or ground source), from 21 July 2026 | £9,000 |
| Biomass boiler | £5,000 |
How do installers apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant?
- Hold MCS certification for the technology: Only an installer certified by MCS for the specific technology being fitted can participate.
- Issue the MCS Customer Commitment at first contact: The Customer Commitment must reach the customer before any contract is signed.
- Deduct the grant from the quote: Show the BUS grant as a clear deduction from the total; the customer pays only the net amount.
- Apply for the voucher via Ofgem’s installer portal: Submit the voucher application on the homeowner’s behalf; approval typically takes two to four weeks.
- Commission and redeem within the deadline: The voucher is valid for three months (air-to-water and air-to-air) or six months (ground source).
Conclusion: The grant got bigger and the paperwork moved to the installer
The 2026 overhaul widens who qualifies and lifts the grant to £9,000 for off-gas homes. Installers who build these steps into a single, MCS-aligned workflow will claim faster and see fewer rejected vouchers.
With autarc: Turn a bigger scheme into cleaner claims
autarc gives installers one place to size the system with AI-assisted heat loss calculation, produce an MCS-compliant quote with the grant already deducted. Book a free demo to see how autarc streamlines your grant workflow.
💬 FAQs
Can an installer apply for BUS before gaining MCS certification?
No, only an installer certified by MCS for the specific technology being fitted can participate. A newly qualifying installer must complete the installation and hold full MCS certification before applying.
How long is a Boiler Upgrade Scheme voucher valid?
Three months for air-to-water and air-to-air heat pumps, and six months for ground source systems. The application must be properly made within 120 days of the commissioning date.
Does a customer still need a valid EPC to apply in 2026?
No. The 28 April 2026 overhaul removed the requirement to hold a valid EPC in order to apply for the grant.
Do installers still need Consumer Code membership for BUS work?
No, provided they are certified to the redeveloped MCS scheme. Consumer protection now sits in the MCS Customer Commitment instead.
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme still running after 2028?
Yes. The 2026 overhaul extended the scheme to 2030 and raised the 2026–2028 budget to £1.5 billion.
How long does Ofgem take to approve a voucher?
Typically two to four weeks after a properly made application.
References
- Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme — GOV.UK, accessed 29.07.2026, https://www.gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme/what-you-can-get
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Guidance for Installers — Ofgem, accessed 29.07.2026, https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/guidance/boiler-upgrade-scheme-guidance-installers
- BUS Overhauled April 2026 — UKEM Group, accessed 29.07.2026, https://www.ukem.co.uk/heat-pumps/news/bus-overhauled-april-2026/
- MCS welcomes changes to Boiler Upgrade Scheme — MCS, accessed 29.07.2026, https://mcscertified.com/mcs-welcomes-changes-to-boiler-upgrade-scheme/