Boiler Upgrade Scheme
BUS Scheme (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) helps UK homeowners access government-backed heat pump grants and reduce the upfront cost of switching to low-carbon heating. LAMTANS Engineering supports households across the UK with eligibility guidance, funding advice, and MCS-certified heat pump installation to deliver efficient renewable heating upgrades.
The Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants towards the cost of installing a heat pump in your home. The scheme is open to homeowners and small businesses in England and Wales.
| Property / System Type | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Air source heat pump — standard property | £7,500 |
| Air source heat pump — eligible off-gas-grid property (oil or LPG heating) | £9,000 — temporary enhanced tier running 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027 |
| Air-to-air heat pump | £2,500 |
Grant tiers verified against Energy Saving Trust guidance (July 2026). The £9,000 off-gas tier is time-limited — outside that window the standard £7,500 applies. Rates can change; we confirm the current grant for your property at survey.
A note on MCS and your grant: BUS vouchers must be applied for and redeemed by an MCS-certified installer — it is a scheme requirement. LAMTANS Engineering is currently pending MCS accreditation and proactively installs to MCS standards; we will confirm the compliant certification route for your installation and voucher application during your free survey, so your grant eligibility is protected before any work begins.
Indicative Guide Prices
The figures below are indicative estimates based on MCS-certified installer data (June 2026). Actual prices vary depending on property type, system size and installation requirements — your free survey confirms an accurate written quote.
| System Size | Property Type | Indicative Cost Before Grant | Indicative Cost After Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW | 1–2 bed flat/terrace | £7,000 – £9,000 | £0 – £1,500 |
| 8kW | 3 bed semi | £8,000 – £11,000 | £500 – £3,500 |
| 12kW | 4+ bed detached | £10,000 – £13,000 | £2,500 – £5,500 |
| System Size | Property Type | Indicative Cost Before Grant | Indicative Cost After Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8kW | 3 bed semi | £8,000 – £11,000 | £0 – £2,000 |
| 12kW | 4+ bed detached | £10,000 – £13,000 | £1,000 – £4,000 |
All figures are indicative estimates, not fixed prices. The after-grant column assumes the full grant applies to your installation.
Learn More About Air Source Heat Pumps →Eligibility
You may qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if you meet the following criteria:
Good news — two rules that no longer apply: you no longer need to have addressed EPC recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation to qualify (this requirement was removed from the scheme) — though good insulation still helps your heat pump perform at its best. And there is no income limit and no means testing: the BUS Scheme is open to all eligible homeowners.
What's Covered
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants for specific types of heat pump systems installed in eligible properties across England and Wales:
| System Type | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pumps (for radiators or underfloor heating) | ✅ Yes — £7,500 grant (£9,000 off-gas tier, 21 Jul 2026 – 31 Mar 2027) |
| Air-to-air heat pumps | ✅ Yes — at a lower £2,500 grant rate |
| Hybrid heat pumps (combined with a gas boiler) | ⚠️ Subject to conditions — we confirm current rules at survey |
| Domestic properties | ✅ Yes |
| Small commercial properties | ✅ Yes |
Coverage verified against Energy Saving Trust guidance (July 2026) — the brief's earlier "air-to-air not eligible" position has been superseded by scheme changes. Rules evolve; we confirm what applies to your system at survey.
A note on MCS and your grant: BUS vouchers must be applied for and redeemed by an MCS-certified installer — it is a scheme requirement. LAMTANS Engineering is currently pending MCS accreditation and proactively installs to MCS standards; we will confirm the compliant certification route for your installation and voucher application during your free survey, so your grant eligibility is protected before any work begins.
Fully Managed
The BUS application process is handled end-to-end — a simple, fully managed experience from survey to installation. You don't need to manage anything yourself.
Contact LAMTANS to discuss your heating and property.
Who: YouWe assess your property for heat pump suitability.
Who: LAMTANSA clear written quote showing the full cost minus the BUS grant.
Who: LAMTANSNo pressure — take the time you need.
Who: YouThe BUS voucher is applied for on your behalf through the compliant MCS-certified route we confirm at survey.
Who: LAMTANSTypically 5–10 working days.
Who: OfgemWe schedule a date that suits you.
Who: BothTypically 2–5 days on site. Correct design, installation and commissioning at this stage determine your system's efficiency and running costs for decades.
Who: LAMTANSWe redeem the voucher from Ofgem — you pay only your net amount.
Who: LAMTANSAll documentation and certification provided.
Who: LAMTANSScheme requirement reminder: BUS vouchers are applied for and redeemed by an MCS-certified installer. LAMTANS is pending MCS accreditation and installs to MCS standards proactively — the compliant certification route for your voucher is confirmed at your free survey, before you commit to anything.
Suitability Check
Most homes are suitable for a heat pump — we assess your property during the free survey.
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Good insulation | Heat pumps work best in energy-efficient homes |
| Larger radiators or underfloor heating | Heat pumps run at lower temperatures than boilers |
| Space for the outdoor unit | Needs airflow — similar to an air conditioning unit |
| Space for a hot water cylinder | Heat pumps need a cylinder (unlike combi boilers) |
| Factor | Why It's a Challenge |
|---|---|
| Poor insulation | The heat pump will struggle and cost more to run |
| No space for the outdoor unit | For example, a flat with no outside space |
| No space for a cylinder | For example, a small flat with a combi boiler only |
What if your home is not suitable? We will tell you honestly during the free survey. If a heat pump is not right for your home, we can recommend other improvements — insulation, a boiler upgrade or heating controls.
Contact Us for a Free Heat Pump Survey →Typical Estimated Costs
Below is a comparison of typical estimated annual running costs for common heating systems, based on a typical 3-bed semi-detached UK home:
| Heating System | Typical Estimated Annual Running Cost |
|---|---|
| Gas boiler | £800 – £1,000 |
| Oil boiler | £1,200 – £1,600 |
| LPG boiler | £1,500 – £2,000 |
| Electric storage heaters | £1,800 – £2,500 |
| Air source heat pump (standard tariff) | £700 – £900 |
| Air source heat pump (Economy 7 / EV tariff) | £500 – £700 |
Heat pumps are typically cheaper to run than oil, LPG or electric heating. Compared with mains gas, savings depend on your electricity tariff — with a time-of-use tariff (for example, overnight rates around 7.5p/kWh), a heat pump can be cheaper than gas.
All running costs are typical estimates only, not guarantees — actual costs depend on your property, system design, usage and energy prices. We provide estimated running costs for your specific property before you commit.
Trusted Installer
We are pending MCS accreditation and proactively install to MCS standards — confirming the compliant certification route for your BUS voucher at survey.
Transparent pricing, a 14-day cooling-off period and free dispute resolution under the Renewable Energy Consumer Code.
Complete handling of the BUS Scheme application and voucher redemption on your behalf.
From survey and system design to installation, commissioning and aftercare — one point of contact.
Free, honest assessment of your home's heat pump suitability and your grant eligibility.
Government-endorsed quality assurance, serving Manchester and surrounding areas.
Common Questions
You pay your net amount (the full cost minus the grant) after installation. No upfront payment is required for the grant itself.
Yes — but you may need permission from your landlord or management company, and you need space for the outdoor unit and hot water cylinder. We advise you during the free survey.
Most homes are suitable. Heat pumps work best with good insulation and larger radiators or underfloor heating. We assess your property during the free survey and advise honestly.
A typical installation takes 2 to 5 days, depending on the complexity of your system.
Typically yes, compared with oil, LPG or electric heating. Compared with mains gas, savings depend on your electricity tariff. We provide estimated running costs for your property before you commit — estimates, not guarantees.
BUS funding is allocated in annual budgets on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend applying early to secure your grant. We confirm current funding availability when you enquire.
Heat pumps run at lower temperatures than boilers, so some existing radiators may need upgrading to larger ones. We assess this at the survey and include any changes in your quote.
We are pending MCS accreditation. In the meantime, we proactively follow all MCS installation standards, and we confirm the compliant certification route for your BUS voucher at survey. We are TrustMark Registered, RECC Accredited and PAS2035 Compliant, and fully industry accredited — you can verify every membership on our accreditations page.
Free Survey & Quote
Check your BUS Scheme eligibility today — contact LAMTANS Engineering for a free, no-obligation heat pump survey. Not sure if a heat pump is right for you? Call us or use our contact form — we'll assess your property and advise you within 72 hours following your free survey.
Free survey · No obligation · Advice within 72 hours following your free survey
Looking for insulation or heating grants instead? Check your ECO4 eligibility.