Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026: what installers should update on their website
In short: a valid EPC is no longer a must for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Homes off the gas grid can get £9,000 until 31 March 2027. Air to air heat pumps now get £2,500. If your website still says otherwise, some homeowners will decide they don't qualify and never call you.
Current Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant amounts
According to Ofgem, the scheme currently gives:
- £7,500 off an air to water, ground source or water source heat pump
- £9,000 off an air to water or ground source heat pump in eligible off gas grid properties, available until 31 March 2027
- £2,500 off an air to air heat pump, residential properties only
- £5,000 off a biomass boiler
Do homeowners still need an EPC?
Not necessarily. Ofgem's installer guidance says that if the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate, you provide the certificate number. If it doesn't, you provide alternative evidence that it's eligible.
Some installer websites still say the home must have a valid EPC with no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations. That was the old rule. A homeowner reading it may assume they're ruled out.
Who is eligible
From GOV.UK:
- The property is in England or Wales.
- The applicant owns it. That includes second homes, rental properties and business premises.
- They're replacing fossil fuel or electric heating, such as gas, oil, LPG or electric.
- Having had other funding, such as for insulation, doesn't stop them applying.
- Most new builds, social housing and properties already funded for a heat pump aren't eligible.
How the application works
- An MCS certified installer applies on the owner's behalf.
- Ofgem contacts the owner to confirm they consent and meet the criteria. If there's no reply within 14 calendar days, the application may be rejected.
- The grant is taken off the installer's quote upfront.
- Once approved, the installer has three months to finish the work (six months for ground source), then claims the grant from Ofgem.
Website checklist for your grant page
- Remove any line saying a valid EPC is required.
- Remove "no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations".
- Show £7,500 for air source and ground source, not the old £5,000.
- Add the £9,000 off gas grid grant and its 31 March 2027 end date, if you cover rural areas.
- Add the £2,500 air to air grant if you install air to air systems.
- Tell homeowners Ofgem will contact them to confirm, and to reply within 14 days.
- Show your MCS certificate number.
- Add a date showing when the page was last checked.
Not sure what your site says? Run our free grant page check. It reads your site and flags out of date claims in seconds.
Questions
Do homeowners still need an EPC for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Not necessarily. If the property has a valid EPC, the installer provides the certificate number. If it doesn't, the installer provides alternative evidence of eligibility to Ofgem.
How much is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant in 2026?
£7,500 off an air to water, ground source or water source heat pump; £9,000 off an air to water or ground source heat pump in eligible off gas grid properties until 31 March 2027; £2,500 off an air to air heat pump for residential properties; £5,000 off a biomass boiler.
Who can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The application is made by an MCS certified installer on behalf of the property owner in England or Wales. The owner must be replacing a fossil fuel or electric heating system. Most new builds and social housing aren't eligible.
Sources: Ofgem, Boiler Upgrade Scheme; Ofgem, guidance for installers; Ofgem, guidance for property owners; GOV.UK, check if you're eligible. Checked 23 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.