Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government initiative aimed at helping households transition from traditional gas or oil boilers to more energy-efficient, low-carbon heating systems. It forms part of the government’s broader goal to reduce carbon emissions from homes and buildings, contributing to the UK’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Key Features of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS):

1. Purpose:
   • The scheme encourages the installation of low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps (air source and ground source) and, in some cases, biomass boilers, to replace existing fossil fuel systems.
   • By promoting greener heating solutions, the scheme seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of residential heating and improve energy efficiency in homes.
2. Eligibility:
   • Property Type: It is available for homeowners, small landlords, and self-builders in England and Wales.
   • Existing Boilers: The property must have an existing fossil fuel heating system (such as gas, oil, or electric resistance heating). The scheme does not apply to new-build homes (except for self-build projects).
   • Eligible Upgrades: Air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and biomass boilers (for rural homes that are not connected to the gas grid).
3. Grants Available:
   • Air Source Heat Pump: £7,500 towards the installation.
   • Ground Source Heat Pump: £7,500 towards the installation.
   • Biomass Boiler: £5,000 (only for properties in rural locations that are off the gas grid).
4. Application Process:
   • The installer applies for the grant on behalf of the homeowner. After the installation is complete, the grant is deducted from the upfront cost that the customer pays.
   • Installers (like Groundtherm Ltd) must be registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) to ensure quality and compliance with scheme standards.
5. Goals:
   • Reduce Carbon Emissions: One of the key goals of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is to replace fossil-fuel-based heating systems, which are a major contributor to household carbon emissions, with renewable energy systems.
   • Energy Efficiency: By promoting low-carbon alternatives, the scheme also aims to make homes more energy-efficient, helping to lower energy bills over time.
6. Funding Duration:
   • The scheme launched in April 2022 and will run until 2025, with a total budget of £450 million. The government has committed to funding up to 90,000 installations through the scheme during this period.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme plays a vital role in the UK’s strategy to decarbonize heating and make homes more sustainable, while also reducing long-term energy costs for households.

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