Who Is Eligible For Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Who Is Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme? A Comprehensive Guide by Eco Approach Ltd
If you’re a landlord, property manager, agent, or business owner in the UK, staying compliant with evolving energy regulations is crucial—not just to avoid penalties, but to future-proof your properties. One of the most significant government initiatives in recent years is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Designed to accelerate the transition to low-carbon heating, the scheme offers substantial grants to replace old fossil fuel boilers with cleaner alternatives. But who is eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and how can you benefit? As a nationwide compliance partner, Eco Approach Ltd is here to clarify eligibility and help you navigate the process.
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Launched in April 2022 by the UK Government, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is part of the drive towards net zero emissions by 2050. The scheme provides upfront grants to property owners in England and Wales to encourage the installation of low-carbon heating systems, such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and biomass boilers.
The main aim is to reduce reliance on gas and oil boilers, which are significant contributors to household carbon emissions. The grants help offset the higher upfront costs of these advanced systems, making them more accessible to a wider range of property owners.
What Grants Are Available Under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
As of 2024, the following grants are available:
– £7,500 towards the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
– £7,500 towards the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump (including water source)
– £5,000 towards the cost and installation of a biomass boiler (biomass grants are only available for properties in rural locations and areas without access to the gas grid)
These grants are paid directly to installers, reducing your upfront costs and simplifying the process.
Who Is Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Eligibility is determined by several factors, including property type, location, and existing heating systems. Let’s break down the main criteria:
1. Property Ownership
– Homeowners: Both owner-occupiers and private landlords can apply.
– Landlords: Private landlords, including those with multiple properties, are eligible.
– Business Owners: Small and medium-sized businesses can apply for non-domestic properties.
– Social Housing Providers: Currently, the scheme is not open to social housing providers or new-build developers (with some exceptions for self-build projects).
2. Property Location
– The scheme is available in England and Wales.
– Properties in Scotland and Northern Ireland are not eligible (different schemes may apply in those regions).
3. Existing Heating System
– The scheme is intended for properties currently heated by fossil fuel systems (such as oil, gas, or direct electric heating).
– Replacement of existing low-carbon systems (e.g., replacing an old heat pump with a new one) is not eligible.
– Properties with existing heat pumps or biomass boilers cannot claim for a replacement under BUS.
4. Property Type
– Domestic and small non-domestic properties are eligible (up to a maximum installation capacity of 45kWth).
– Self-build properties (homes built or commissioned by individuals for their own use) are eligible. This includes new builds, provided they are not developed by commercial developers.
5. Energy Efficiency Requirements
– The property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) issued within the last 10 years.
– The EPC must not have any outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation (unless the property is exempt, e.g., due to construction type or listed status).
– If insulation is recommended, it should be installed before applying, or an exemption must be documented.
6. Heat Pump and Biomass Boiler Requirements
– The new system must be MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified and installed by an MCS-accredited installer.
– The heat pump or biomass boiler must be capable of meeting all heating and hot water needs of the property.
– Biomass boilers are only eligible for properties in rural areas and off the gas grid.
Who Is NOT Eligible?
It’s equally important to understand who is not eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme:
– Properties in Scotland or Northern Ireland
– Social housing (except for self-builds)
– New builds by developers (except self-builds)
– Properties with existing low-carbon heating systems (heat pumps or biomass boilers)
– Properties without a valid EPC or with unaddressed insulation recommendations (unless exempt)
– Properties connected to the gas grid (for biomass boiler grants)
How Does the Application Process Work?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is designed to be straightforward:
1. Find an MCS-Accredited Installer: Start by contacting a certified installer who will assess your property and advise on the best low-carbon heating solution.
2. Installer Applies for the Grant: The installer applies for the grant on your behalf, reserving the funding.
3. Installation and Verification: The installer completes the work and submits evidence to Ofgem (the scheme administrator).
4. Grant Paid Directly to Installer: The grant is paid directly to the installer, reducing your final bill.
Note: As a property owner, you don’t apply directly—the installer manages the process. Eco Approach Ltd can help connect you with trusted, accredited installers nationwide.
Why Should Landlords, Agents, and Property Managers Care?
1. Legal Compliance and Future-Proofing
With the government’s plan to phase out fossil fuel boilers and tighten EPC requirements for rentals, upgrading to a low-carbon heating system is a proactive step. It ensures compliance with future regulations and protects your investment.
2. Attractive to Tenants and Buyers
Properties with modern, efficient heating are more attractive to tenants and buyers, commanding higher rents and sale prices. An improved EPC rating can also reduce void periods and increase marketability.
3. Reduced Running Costs
Heat pumps and biomass boilers are much more efficient than traditional boilers, leading to lower energy bills for occupants—a key selling point for tenants.
4. Environmental Responsibility
Upgrading to a low-carbon heating system demonstrates your commitment to sustainability, enhancing your reputation with environmentally conscious tenants and stakeholders.
How Eco Approach Ltd Can Help
At Eco Approach Ltd, we specialise in simplifying property compliance for landlords, agents, and businesses. Here’s how we support you with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme:
– EPC Assessments: We coordinate accredited assessors to provide up-to-date EPCs and identify insulation requirements.
– Installer Coordination: We connect you with MCS-certified installers and manage the process for a seamless upgrade.
– Compliance Management: We ensure all documentation and regulatory requirements are met, reducing your administrative burden.
– Ongoing Support: As your compliance partner, we help you stay ahead of changes in legislation and manage all your property’s safety and energy needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for multiple properties?
A: Yes, landlords and businesses can apply for grants for each eligible property, provided each meets the scheme’s criteria.
Q: Can leaseholders apply?
A: Leaseholders can apply with the freeholder’s permission, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Q: What if I have recommendations for insulation?
A: You must install recommended loft or cavity wall insulation (unless exempt) before applying for the grant.
Q: Is the scheme available for flats or apartments?
A: Yes, provided the property meets the eligibility requirements, including heating system capacity and EPC standards.
Conclusion
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a valuable opportunity for UK property owners, landlords, and managers to modernise heating, reduce carbon emissions, and stay compliant with evolving regulations. Eligibility is broad but subject to specific requirements regarding property type, location, existing heating, and energy efficiency.
Eco Approach Ltd is your trusted partner for navigating the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and all your property compliance needs. Contact us today to arrange an EPC assessment or discuss your options for a low-carbon heating upgrade.
Ready to upgrade? [Contact Eco Approach Ltd](https://ecoapproach.co.uk/contact) for expert guidance and seamless compliance management.
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