Heat pumps are becoming increasingly widespread as a more energy-efficient alternative to gas boilers, and now there's help at hand for anyone who wants to install one. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering grants of up to £6,000, opened today (May 23).
The initiative encourages homeowners to swap their old gas boiler for the newer, greener technology as the Government moves to try and reach carbon net zero by 2050. They already have plans to ban the installation of gas boilers in all new-build properties from 2025.
Their installation in all homes could be eradicated altogether by 2035. Which means heat pumps are increasingly the way to go for people looking to upgrade.
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They aren't cheap, however, with estimates on their cost ranging from £6,000 to £12,000. But homeowners can now apply for a one-off grant worth up to £6,000 to replace their gas boiler through the new scheme.
This means you’d need to stump up potentially another £1,000 to £7,000 on top of the grant for the installation, but the grant is still designed to encourage more households to take the step.
How to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is part of a £450million fund being provided by the Government.
Through the initiative, most households who are eligible will be able to apply for £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump or biomass boiler.
But houses that need heat pumps where heat is sourced from the ground will receive £6,000.
To apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you must live in England or Wales and own your property.
You home will need to have an installation capacity up to 45kWth, and a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation.
If you have an insulation exemption, you may be able to apply too.
You don't apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant yourself - instead, you need to find an MSC-certified installer to claim the grant on your behalf.
Homeowners can find the cheapest and nearest tradesman on the MSC website - make sure you compare prices to get the best quote.
Once you agree a price, the installer will then apply for the grant. You'll then be contacted by Ofgem to confirm that the work is being done on your behalf.
The scheme is available from now until 2025.
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