What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

Studies suggest that household gas boilers emit twice as much CO2 as all power stations. With the UK Government targeting net zero emissions by 2050, it’s clear to see why replacing these high-emissions boilers is on their to-do list.

To achieve that, they’ve introduced the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Read on as we take a closer look at what it is and who’s eligible.

Introducing the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Announced in 2021, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme aims to subsidise the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with lower carbon alternatives. It’s available from Spring 2022 and will be managed by the British energy regulator, Ofgem.

The scheme applies to two main boiler upgrades:

• Air source heat pumps – with a grant of £5,000
• Ground source heat pumps – with a grant of £6,000

There are also some rare cases where the scheme applies to biomass boilers. This is only the case for rural areas where they’re replacing a system that isn’t fuelled by mains gas or direct electricity.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility

Installation

To be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, your heat pump must be replacing an existing fossil fuel or direct electric system. The heat pump must also have a capacity of 45kW or less. For context, most domestic installations have a capacity between 6-15kW.

The heat pump must be designed to provide all of your property’s heating and hot water. In other words, you can’t have a heat-only system or a back-up boiler.

Property

In terms of household eligibility, the scheme only applies to people in England and Wales. It’s available to both domestic and non-domestic customers. However, you are required to have taken out basic energy efficiency improvements before the installation.

Cavity walls should be filled, for example, with a current Energy Performance Certificate showing that no recommended measures have been left unfulfilled. This is simply to minimise heat loss so the low-carbon system can heat your home effectively.

Installer

The final eligibility requirement for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the installer. To make sure consumers are protected and upgrades are installed to the highest standards, the Government has outlined that all installers must be MCS certified.

MCS is the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, which ensures that all installers demonstrate compliance with industry standards and meet the required quality for their installations.

Applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The first step to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is to get a quote from an MCS-certified installer. Once you’re ready to proceed, your installer can apply to Ofgem on your behalf. The subsidy you receive from scheme will then be deducted from your costs.

COA Services is an MCS-certified air source heat pump installer operating throughout Leeds and Harrogate. If you want to take advantage of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, our team can assist with both domestic and commercial applications.

To find out more or get the ball rolling, simply call us on 01423 408 336 or email [email protected].