The 'Boiler Upgrade Scheme' Explained
Recently, the government introduced the 'Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS),' which offers financial assistance to property owners for the installation of low-carbon heating systems, like heat pumps.
In this blog, our heat pump installers explain the boiler upgrade scheme. Are you looking to use the 'BUS' to have a heat pump fitted by our fully qualified installers? We are available throughout West Sussex, including Pulborough, Billingshurst, Storrington and Horsham. Simply call us on 07871 725133 and we'll be happy to help.
What is The Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
A recent government programme called the Boiler Upgrade Scheme aims to incentivize homes and businesses to switch from fossil fuel-based boilers to low-carbon heating options like ground- and air-source heat pumps.
A £7,500 grant will be available to homeowners or businesses to install an air source or ground source heat pump. At Pipeline Plumbing Services Ltd, we will apply for the grant on your behalf and deduct the amount from your final quotation.
The BUS will assist with the following technologies:
- A grant of £7,500 for air source heat pump systems
- A grant of £7,500 for ground source heat pump systems
Installations of heat pumps with a 45kW or less capacity are eligible under the scheme.
All installations should be carried out by qualified heating engineers.
Which homes are eligible for the BUS?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is only available for households in Wales and England.
It is available to both domestic and commercial properties. It is necessary to conduct any basic energy-saving steps before installing the heat pump. This means that your loft needs to have a minimum of 270mm of Rockwool insulation (or similar heat resistance) and that any cavity walls need to be filled.
You must possess a current Energy Performance Certificate ("EPC") that does not specify these actions as necessary to prove this. Your certificate can be retrieved here.
The government acknowledges the need to avoid installing fossil fuel systems, which is why existing housing and new self-build homes are now qualified for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. To be eligible, self-build homes have to meet the Ofgem definition of "Custom Build," which is available on the Ofgem website.
Partial Heating and Hybrid Systems Eligibility Guidelines
The heat pump system must be specifically built to meet all of the property's heating and hot water needs to be eligible for the benefits offered by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Nevertheless, the following situations don't fit the requirements to be awarded grants:
- Hybrid installations that include a backup boiler.
- Heat pumps that just supply heating rather than hot water are known as heating-only heat pumps.
- Installations in which the heat pump only covers a portion of the load specified in the EPC.
Want to know more about BUS?
Please don't hesitate to contact us by calling us on 07871 725133, or via email at info@pipelineplumbingservices.co.uk and our heating engineers in Billingshurst, Pulborough, Storrington and Horsham and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
