The Boiler Upgrade Scheme was announced in October 2021 as part of the Heat and Buildings Strategy – the government’s plan to decarbonize homes and workplaces across the UK.
Heating accounts for almost a quarter of all UK carbon emissions and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is intended to be the first step away from gas and oil boilers towards mass deployment of low carbon heating systems.
The government has set out targets to ensure all new heating systems in the UK are low carbon by 2035, including air source heat pumps (ASHPs), ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) and hydrogen ready boilers which are still under development.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme aims to part fund 90,000 new heat pump installations over a 3-year period from April 2022, replacing the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which closes to new applications at the end of March 2022.
Heat pump
Heat pumps can provide highly efficient heating and hot water in a wide variety of homes
Heat pumps can provide highly efficient heating and hot water in a wide variety of homes if the system is well designed by a competent and qualified heat pump installer.
They are more environmentally friendly than traditional systems such as gas or oil because they use naturally occurring heat from the ground or air, rather than burning fossil fuels to generate heat.
Heat pumps require electricity to move heat through the system and into the home, but for every unit of electricity it consumes it will produce 3 or 4 units of heat, making it much more efficient than a gas central heating system, which loses energy during the combustion process.
Heat pump expenses
The potential for day-to-say savings depends on several factors, such as the size of the home
The potential for day-to-say savings depends on several factors, such as the size of the home, the type of heat emitters used, the fabric of the home and the existing heating system.
But if users have suitable insulation and the heat pump system is correctly sized and based on accurate heat loss calculations then users should see lower running and maintenance costs.
If users want to try before they buy, the Daikin Sustainable Home Centre will be open soon where users can see the latest heat pumps in action, discuss the retrofit, renovation or self-build with a heat pump expert and connect with trusted heat pump installers.
Viva Training are having a launch day on the 3rd March where buyers can meet with the experts, view heat pumps and take part in a workshop where they can find out more about this low carbon alternative to gas central heating.
Funding possibility
Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, homeowners can get vouchers up to £5,000 for ASHP installations
Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, homeowners can get vouchers up to £5,000 for ASHP installations and £6,000 for GSHP installations, bringing the upfront cost of installing a new ASHP system closer the cost of a replacement boiler.
A new boiler could cost anywhere from £1,500 – £3,500 compared to an ASHP at around £8,000 – £11,000. With the full Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant, users could be looking at paying £3,000 – £6,000 for their new heat pump system, depending on the size of their home and the existing heating system.
The majority of the funding under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is focussed on ASHPs because they are suitable for most existing properties.
Replacing radiators
A good heat pump installer will start with what’s already there, so users may be advised to add radiators to account for lower flow temperatures, or users may decide that installing new radiators and/or underfloor is worth it for the increased efficiency.
It’s a fine line, but the heat pump installer will advise users on the best course of action.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme Eligibility
Users may be eligible for a grant under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if:
- They are a homeowner or private landlord
- Users live in England or Wales (Scotland operates domestic energy efficiency improvements through Home Energy Scotland)
- Users have a valid EPC issued within the last 10 years
- The home has adequate loft and/or cavity wall insulation
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme primarily covers existing homes (excluding new builds and social housing), however, if users are planning a custom or self-build, they could be eligible for funding.
Users will not have to provide an EPC and will be given a three-month period to complete the installation.
The purpose-built showroom is fully kitted out with the latest Daikin heat pumps so users can see the technology in action. A heat pump expert will be on hand to answer users’ questions, and users can connect with local installers to get their project off the ground.
