The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides up to £7,500 towards a heat pump installation — but many Cornwall homeowners still don't know they qualify, or assume the process is complicated.
It isn't. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a UK government grant that helps homeowners replace gas or oil boilers with low-carbon heating. The 2026 grant amounts are:
| Technology | Grant amount |
|---|---|
| Air source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Ground source heat pump | £7,500 |
| Biomass boiler (off-gas-grid only) | £5,000 |
The grant is paid directly to your installer and deducted from your quote — you never handle the money.
Am I Eligible?
To qualify in Cornwall, you need to:
- Be replacing a fossil fuel system (gas, oil, or LPG boiler)
- Have a valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) — within the last 10 years
- Have no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations on your EPC
- Use an MCS-certified, BUS-registered installer
Most detached and semi-detached homes in Cornwall meet these criteria. Your installer will check your EPC before applying.
How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost After the Grant?
| Property type | Before grant | After £7,500 grant |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 bed house | £10,000–£13,000 | £2,500–£5,500 |
| 3–4 bed house | £12,000–£16,000 | £4,500–£8,500 |
| 4+ bed house | £15,000–£22,000 | £7,500–£14,500 |
Heat Pump Running Costs in Cornwall
A modern air source heat pump has a Coefficient of Performance (CoP) of 3–4, producing 3–4 units of heat per unit of electricity consumed.
- Annual running cost: £600–£1,200 for a typical 3-bed Cornwall home
- Compared to oil: Often 20–40% cheaper to run
- Combined with solar: Running costs can be dramatically reduced
Cornwall's mild winters — the region rarely sees prolonged hard frosts — mean heat pumps perform at or near their rated efficiency year-round, better than most UK locations.
How to Apply
You don't apply yourself — your MCS-certified installer handles the entire process:
- Get quotes from registered Cornwall heat pump installers
- Installer checks your EPC and confirms eligibility
- They submit the BUS voucher application before installation
- Installation takes place (typically 2–3 days)
- Your installer claims the grant; you pay the remaining balance
Other Support Available
- ECO4: Free heat pumps for lower-income households
- 0% VAT: Heat pump installations currently attract zero VAT
- Cornwall Council: Periodic local energy improvement grants — check their website
Finding an Approved Installer in Cornwall
Only MCS-certified, BUS-registered installers can apply for the grant on your behalf. Cornwall Green Trades lists verified heat pump engineers across the county — all checked against the MCS register.