Many people searching for a "boiler replacement scheme" expect a free or discounted gas boiler. In 2026 that's mostly not how it works. The government's flagship boiler replacement scheme, officially the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, gives £7,500 towards replacing your boiler with a heat pump, not another gas boiler.
What is the government boiler scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is run by Ofgem for the government. It pays:
- £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
- £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump
- £5,000 towards a biomass boiler (rural, off-gas homes only)
It's available to homeowners, landlords and small businesses in England and Wales replacing gas, oil, LPG or direct electric heating. It isn't means-tested.
Can I get a free boiler?
Possibly, but only through targeted schemes for lower-income or vulnerable households, funded by energy suppliers and delivered through approved installers. Eligibility usually depends on receiving certain benefits and on your home's energy rating. Your energy supplier or local council can tell you what's open. For everyone else, there's no free gas boiler scheme.
Why the scheme funds heat pumps, not boilers
Heating homes is one of the UK's largest sources of carbon emissions. A heat pump delivers three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity, cutting heating emissions by around 70% compared with gas. That's why government support is focused on helping people replace boilers with heat pumps.
Boiler replacement vs heat pump: the real cost
| New gas boiler | Air source heat pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed price | £2,000 to £4,000 | £8,000 to £16,000 |
| Government grant | None | −£7,500 |
| You pay | £2,000 to £4,000 | £500 to £8,500 |
| Expected lifespan | 10 to 15 years | ~20 years |
For many three-bedroom homes the gap after the grant is only a couple of thousand pounds, and a heat pump lasts longer. See our heat pump vs gas boiler comparison for running costs.
How to use the boiler replacement scheme
- Check your eligibility for the £7,500 grant.
- Book a free survey with an MCS-certified installer.
- Accept a fixed quote with the grant deducted; the installer applies to Ofgem.
- Confirm the application when Ofgem emails you, and your heat pump is installed.
Sources
Grant amounts, VAT rules and eligibility are set by government and the scheme administrators. We check them against these primary sources:
- Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (GOV.UK)
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) (Ofgem)
- VAT on energy-saving materials and heating equipment (VAT Notice 708/6) (GOV.UK)
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
New to the jargon? See the heat pump glossary, or browse the heat pump FAQs.
Written by the GetASHP team. Prices and grant details checked 23 October 2026; always confirm current figures with your installer.
