The Boiler Upgrade Scheme UK (BUS) offers eligible homeowners based in Manchester a government grant of up to £7,500 towards the installation of an air source or ground source heat pump. Switching to a low-carbon heating system can help reduce your home’s carbon emissions and improve long-term energy efficiency.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government grant that helps homeowners in England and Wales install low-carbon heating systems, replacing fossil fuel heating with cleaner alternatives. It is open to homeowners and small businesses across Manchester and surrounding areas — with no income limit and no means testing.
Standard grant towards an air source or ground source heat pump (air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries qualify for £2,500).
Enhanced grant for eligible off-gas-grid homes (oil or LPG heating) — available from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027.
The grant is deducted from your installation cost upfront — you do not need to claim the money back. The voucher is applied for and redeemed by the MCS-certified installer.
Costs below are indicative estimates based on MCS-certified installer data for typical properties on mains gas (£7,500 grant). Actual costs vary by property complexity, system size and installation requirements.
| Property type | Typical cost | BUS grant | Your indicative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat (5kW system) | £7,000–£9,000 | £7,500 | £0–£1,500 |
| Semi-detached (8kW system) | £8,000–£11,000 | £7,500 | £500–£3,500 |
| Detached (12kW system) | £10,000–£13,000 | £7,500 | £2,500–£5,500 |
Off-gas properties (oil or LPG): from 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027 the grant rises to £9,000 for eligible homes — for example, an 8kW system typically costing £8,000–£11,000 could leave an indicative cost of £0–£2,000.
Own a property in England or Wales
Replacing a fossil fuel heating system (gas, oil or LPG) or electric heating — with no existing heat pump
Installing an eligible heat pump, fitted by an MCS-certified installer
Tick all three? You are likely to qualify — the scheme administrator (Ofgem) confirms final eligibility when the certified installer applies for your voucher.
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.
Contact Compliant Retrofits for a free, no-obligation consultation. We discuss your property, heating needs and BUS grant eligibility.
We assess insulation levels, your existing heating system and radiators, space for the outdoor unit and hot water cylinder, and electrical capacity.
Your quote shows the full installation cost, the BUS grant amount (£7,500 — or £9,000 for eligible off-gas homes from 21 July 2026), your net cost after the grant, and estimated running costs.
You approve the quote and we schedule the installation — with a 14-day cooling-off period as standard.
Our MCS-certified installation partner applies for your BUS voucher through Ofgem — vouchers are typically issued within 5–10 working days.
The heat pump is installed by the MCS-certified team: outdoor unit, hot water cylinder (if required), pipework and electrics, system flush and pressure test, commissioning and performance testing. Typically 2–5 days.
The certified installer redeems the BUS voucher from Ofgem — you pay only your net amount (full cost minus grant).
You receive the MCS certificate issued by the certified installer, the Building Regulations compliance certificate, warranty documentation, and a user manual with maintenance guidance.
Most homes in Manchester are suitable for a heat pump — we assess your property properly during the free site survey.
The running cost of a heat pump depends on your property’s heat demand, insulation levels, electricity tariff and system efficiency. A simple way to estimate it:
Annual heat demand (kWh) × electricity cost (p/kWh) ÷ heat pump efficiency (SCOP)
| Property type | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|
| Flat | £400–£600 |
| Terrace house | £500–£700 |
| Semi-detached house | £600–£900 |
| Detached house | £900–£1,400 |
Why so efficient? Heat pumps are 300–400% efficient — every unit of electricity produces 3–4 units of heat. A gas boiler is 85–92% efficient.
Heat pumps are typically cheaper to run than oil, LPG or electric heating. Compared to mains gas, savings depend on your electricity tariff: on a standard tariff running costs are similar to gas; on an Economy 7 or EV tariff they can be 30–50% lower.
BUS requires MCS-certified installation — delivered through our MCS-certified installation partners — and we follow MCS installation standards proactively across all of our work.
The entire BUS grant journey is handled for you — from voucher application to redemption by the certified installer, coordinated by us. You do nothing.
Based in Manchester, serving surrounding areas including Stockport, Oldham, Droylsden and Ashton-under-Lyne. We understand Manchester properties — Victorian terraces, 1930s semis, modern homes.
We don’t just fit heat pumps. We assess your insulation, radiators and heating controls first — and if your home needs insulation improvements, we can help with ECO4 funding if you are eligible.
Consumer protection built in — transparent pricing, a 14-day cooling-off period, and free dispute resolution. We follow the RECC Code of Practice proactively.
We work to the TrustMark framework — the government-endorsed quality scheme for home improvements — across every project.
No-obligation advice and site survey. We will tell you honestly if a heat pump is right for your Manchester home.
Yes, but you may need permission from your landlord or management company, and you need space for the outdoor unit and hot water cylinder. We will advise you during the free site survey.
Most homes are suitable. Heat pumps work best with good insulation and larger radiators or underfloor heating. We assess your property properly during the free site survey — and tell you honestly if it is not right for you.
Typical installation takes 2 to 5 days, depending on system complexity and whether radiator upgrades are needed.
Typically yes, compared to oil, LPG or electric heating. Compared to mains gas, savings depend on your electricity tariff — similar running costs on a standard tariff, potentially 30–50% lower on an Economy 7 or EV tariff. We provide estimated running costs for your property before you commit.
The scheme is extended to 2030, but vouchers are issued on a first-come, first-served basis within annual budgets. We recommend applying early to secure your grant.
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme helps homeowners replace gas boilers with low-carbon heating such as air source or ground source heat pumps. We assess your home’s suitability before installation.
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is live in 2026 and has been extended to 2030. Funding is allocated in annual budgets, so early applications are recommended — and from 21 July 2026 eligible off-gas homes can access the higher £9,000 grant (until 31 March 2027).
Yes — for different measures. ECO4 can cover insulation improvements (loft, cavity wall, solid wall) and solar panels for eligible households, while BUS covers the heat pump. We can help you access both schemes.
Check your BUS Scheme eligibility today — contact Compliant Retrofits for a free, no-obligation heat pump survey in UK.
ECO4 and the Warm Homes Plan·Warm Homes Plan — register interest·Air source heat pumps Manchester
