The BUS is one of the UK’s most generous home energy grants. £7,500 for air-to-water and ground-source heat pumps. A new £2,500 grant for air-to-air heat pumps from July 2026. £9,000 for eligible off-gas-grid properties. And no EPC required since April 2026.
1. Air-to-air heat pumps now receive £2,500 BUS support from 21 July 2026. 2. From 28 April 2026, BUS applications no longer require a valid EPC — the old insulation recommendation rule has been removed. 3. £9,000 available for eligible off-gas-grid properties installing air-to-water or ground-source heat pumps until 31 March 2027.
| Technology | BUS grant | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-water heat pump | 💰 £7,500 | Most common installation, replaces boiler for heating & hot water |
| Ground/water-source heat pump | 💰 £7,500 | Higher efficiency, higher installation cost |
| Air-to-air heat pump | 💰 £2,500 NEW from 21 Jul 2026 | Heating and cooling, does not provide hot water |
| Biomass boiler | 💰 £5,000 | Rural/off-gas-grid properties only |
| Off-gas-grid bonus (qualifying properties) | 💰 £9,000 to 31 Mar 2027 | Air-to-water or ground-source on oil/LPG heating |
EPC no longer required (from 28 April 2026): Ofgem removed the requirement for a valid EPC before BUS application. The old rule preventing applications where an EPC contained outstanding cavity wall or loft insulation recommendations has been removed. This significantly broadens eligibility.
Air-to-air heat pumps now included (from 21 July 2026): Previously excluded from BUS, residential air-to-air heat pumps now receive £2,500 support. These units provide heating (and cooling) but do not replace hot water systems.
Off-gas-grid enhanced grant: Properties currently heated by oil or LPG that install qualifying air-to-water or ground-source heat pumps may receive £9,000 rather than £7,500. This enhanced rate runs until 31 March 2027.
The BUS is available to homeowners in England and Wales. There is no income test. You must use an MCS-certified installer who applies for the voucher on your behalf. Key eligibility points:
No. From 28 April 2026, a valid EPC is no longer required for BUS applications. The previous rule preventing applications where EPCs contained cavity wall or loft insulation recommendations has been removed.
Yes, from 21 July 2026. Air-to-air heat pumps now receive £2,500 through BUS. Note that air-to-air heat pumps provide heating and cooling but do not supply hot water — you may need a separate hot water cylinder.
Homes heated by oil or LPG that install a qualifying air-to-water heat pump or ground/water-source heat pump may receive £9,000 rather than the standard £7,500. This enhanced rate applies until 31 March 2027.
Your MCS-certified installer applies for a BUS voucher before installation. The voucher is then redeemed after installation is complete and Microgeneration Certification Scheme requirements are met. You receive the grant as a reduction in the installation price — you don’t receive cash directly.