How to Apply for the £7,500 BUS Grant

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is the UK government's flagship grant for heat pump installation. It provides £7,500 towards the cost of an air source or ground source heat pump, making the switch to renewable heating more affordable than ever.

Who Can Get the BUS Grant?

You're eligible if you meet ALL of these criteria:

• You own the property - homeowners and landlords both qualify
• Property is in England or Wales - Scotland has separate schemes
• You have a valid EPC - Energy Performance Certificate (any rating)
• You're replacing fossil fuel heating - gas, oil, LPG, coal, or electric storage heaters
• Property isn't a new build - must have had a previous heating system
• You use an MCS certified installer - essential requirement

How to Claim: Step by Step

1. Get an EPC - If you don't have one, an energy assessor can do this for £60-120
2. Get quotes from MCS installers - Use our free service to compare 3 local quotes
3. Choose your installer - The £7,500 should already be deducted from their quote
4. Installer applies for the grant - They handle all paperwork with Ofgem
5. Installation happens - Typically 2-4 days for air source
6. Grant is paid to installer - You only ever pay the balance

Important: You never see the £7,500 - it goes directly from Ofgem to your installer. Your quote should show the full cost minus the grant.

What the Grant Covers

The £7,500 contributes towards:

• The heat pump unit itself
• Installation labour
• Hot water cylinder
• Controls and thermostats
• Pipework modifications

It does NOT separately cover (but these may be included in your quote):

• Radiator upgrades
• Insulation improvements
• Electrical upgrades
• Scaffolding if required

Example Costs With the Grant

Home Type	Full Cost	After Grant
2-bed flat	£7,500	£0
3-bed semi	£10,500	£3,000
4-bed detached	£13,000	£5,500
Large 5-bed	£15,000	£7,500

Scotland: Different Schemes

The BUS grant isn't available in Scotland, but you may qualify for:

• Home Energy Scotland Grant: Up to £7,500 for heat pumps
• Interest-free loans: Up to £7,500 additional
• Rural homes: May qualify for extra funding

Visit Home Energy Scotland for details.

Common Questions

How do I apply for the £7,500 BUS grant?

You don't apply directly. Your MCS certified installer applies on your behalf as part of the installation process. The £7,500 is deducted from your quote automatically.

How long does the BUS grant take?

The grant is applied instantly to your quote. From getting quotes to installation typically takes 4-12 weeks.

Can I get the grant if I have solar panels?

Yes! Having solar panels doesn't affect eligibility. Combining solar with a heat pump is excellent for reducing running costs.

What if my quote is less than £7,500?

You'd pay nothing and the installer receives the actual installation cost. You can't "keep" unused grant money.

Can landlords get the grant?

Yes, landlords are eligible for the BUS grant when installing heat pumps in rental properties.

Act Now: Why Timing Matters

The BUS grant runs until 2028, but:

• Funding is limited - it could end early if budget runs out
• Good installers are busy - wait times of 2-3 months are common
• Energy prices are volatile - locking in savings sooner is better
• The 2035 gas boiler deadline is approaching