The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government grant that helps homeowners in England and Wales install low-carbon heating systems. Eligible households can receive up to £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides government grants towards the cost of installing an air source heat pump in your home. The scheme is designed to help homeowners replace fossil fuel heating systems with low-carbon alternatives.
The scheme is open to homeowners and small businesses in England and Wales, including Manchester and surrounding areas.
Grant amounts:
The grant is deducted from your installation cost. You do not need to claim the money back. Your installer applies for the grant on your behalf.
Compliant Retrofits follows MCS installation standards proactively (accreditation pending) — which is required to claim the BUS grant.
Accreditation note: Compliant Retrofits is pending MCS accreditation. In the meantime, we follow all MCS installation standards proactively
Costs are estimates based on MCS-certified installer data. Actual costs vary by property complexity, system size, and installation requirements.
| Property Type | Typical Cost | BUS Grant | Customer Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | £7,000-£9,000 | £7,500 | £0-£1,500 |
| Semi Detached | £8,000-£11,000 | £7,500 | £500-£3,350 |
| Detached | £10,000-£13,000 | £7,500 | £2,500-£5,500 |
Standard property (mains gas) — £7,500 grant:
Off-gas property (oil or LPG) — £9,000 grant:
These costs include:
Additional costs (if required):
You qualify if:
the BUS Scheme is open to all homeowners regardless of income.
you do not need to receive benefits
you can apply for BUS grants for your rental properties
you can apply for BUS grants for your business premises.
You must install loft or cavity wall insulation before applying for the BUS grant (or provide evidence it is already installed). We can help you with insulation improvements and ECO4 funding where eligible.
Compliant Retrofits follows MCS standards proactively while accreditation is pending
Estimate Your Heat Pump Running Costs
The running cost of a heat pump depends on your property’s heat demand, insulation levels, electricity tariff and the efficiency of the system.
Simple Calculation
Annual Heat Demand (kWh) × Electricity Cost (p/kWh) ÷ Heat Pump Efficiency (SCOP)
Example for a Typical 3-Bed Semi-Detached Home
| Property Type | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Flat | £400–£600 |
| Terrace House | £500–£700 |
| Semi-Detached House | £600–£900 |
| Detached House | £900–£1,400 |
Actual running costs vary depending on insulation levels, occupancy patterns, heating settings and energy tariffs. We provide a personalised running cost estimate during your free heat pump survey.
Contact Compliant Retrofits for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will discuss your property, heating needs, and BUS grant eligibility.
We visit your property to assess: Insulation levels (loft, walls, floors) Existing heating system and radiators Space for outdoor unit and hot water cylinder Electrical system capacity EPC rating and any outstanding recommendations
We provide a fixed-price quote showing: Full installation cost BUS grant amount (£7,500 or £9,000) Your net cost after grant Estimated running costs and savings
You approve the quote and we schedule installation.
We apply for the BUS voucher on your behalf through Ofgem. Vouchers are typically issued within 5-10 working days.
We install your heat pump: Outdoor unit installation (concrete base or wall brackets) Hot water cylinder (if required) Pipework and electrical connections System fill, flush, and pressure test Commissioning and performance testing Installation typically takes 2-5 days depending on system complexity.
We redeem the BUS voucher from Ofgem. You pay only your net amount (full cost minus grant).
We provide: MCS certification (or equivalent documentation) Building Regulations compliance certificate Warranty documentation User manual and maintenance guidance
You do not need to do anything — we handle the entire BUS Scheme application for you.
Most homes in Manchester are suitable for a heat pump. We assess your property during the free site survey
Annual running cost comparison for a typical 3-bed semi-detached home in Manchester:
Heat pumps are cheaper to run than oil, LPG, or electric heating.
Compared to mains gas, savings depend on your electricity tariff:
Why do heat pumps save money compared to gas?
Heat pumps are 300-400% efficient — for every 1 unit of electricity, they produce 3-4 units of heat. A gas boiler is 85-92% efficient — for every 1 unit of gas, they produce 0.85-0.92 units of heat.
We provide estimated running costs for your specific Manchester property before you commit.
Fully accredited — industry standards you can trust
Required for BUS Scheme — we follow MCS installation standards proactively (accreditation pending). All our heat pump installations meet MCS quality standards.
We handle the entire BUS grant application for you — from voucher application to redemption. You do nothing.
Based in Manchester, serving surrounding areas including Stockport, Oldham, Droylsden, Ashton-under-Lyne. We understand Manchester properties — Victorian terraces, 1930s semis, modern homes.
We don't just install heat pumps. We assess your insulation, radiators, and heating controls first. If your home needs insulation improvements, we can help with ECO4 funding.
WHITE-LABEL PARTNERConsumer protection — transparent pricing, 14-day cooling-off period, free dispute resolution (accreditation pending).
WHITE-LABEL PARTNERGovernment-endorsed quality scheme for home improvements
WHITE-LABEL PARTNERNo-obligation advice and site survey. We will tell you honestly if a heat pump is right for your Manchester home
A: You will need to pay your net amount (full cost minus £7,500/£9,000) after installation. No upfront payment is required for the grant itself.
A: Yes, but you may need permission from your landlord or management company. You also need space for the outdoor unit and hot water cylinder. We will advise you during the free site survey.
A: Most homes are suitable. Heat pumps work best with good insulation and larger radiators or underfloor heating. We will assess your property during the free site survey.
A: Typical installation takes 2 to 5 days, depending on system complexity and whether radiator upgrades are needed.
A: Yes, compared to oil, LPG, or electric heating. Compared to mains gas, savings depend on your electricity tariff. We will provide estimated running costs before you commit.
A: The scheme is funded until 2028, but funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend applying early to secure your grant.
A: Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme helps homeowners replace gas boilers with low-carbon heating systems such as air source or ground source heat pumps. We assess your home’s suitability before installation.
A: Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is available in 2026 and is currently expected to run until 2028. Funding is limited, so early applications are recommended.
A: Yes. ECO4 can cover insulation improvements (loft, cavity wall, solid wall) and solar panels. BUS covers the heat pump. We can help you access both schemes.
A: The scheme is funded until 2028, subject to government policy and available funding. Grant vouchers are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
A: Yes. BUS can be combined with solar panels, helping to reduce the electricity costs of running a heat pump and improve overall energy efficiency.
A: Heat pumps are permitted development in most cases, subject to noise and siting rules. Listed buildings and conservation areas may require permission. We advise on your specific property.
contact Compliant Retrofits for PAS 2035 certified retrofit compliance and home energy upgrades in Manchester.
Not sure if a heat pump is right for your Manchester home? Call us on 0161 302 1985 — we will advise within 24 hours.
