Boiler experience alone does not meet the grant conditions
A heating engineer may know domestic pipework, radiators and hot-water cylinders inside out. That experience remains valuable, although it does not give the business permission to submit a Boiler Upgrade Scheme application.
The company must have MCS certification for the relevant technology, such as air source or ground source heat pumps. Certification held for solar panels or biomass systems will not cover a heat pump project.
Why heat pumps need a different approach
A boiler can produce water at 60°C, 70°C or even higher temperatures. Heat pumps usually work best with lower flow temperatures, so radiator sizes, water flow and property heat loss need much closer attention.
An incorrect calculation can leave rooms cold or force the system to consume more electricity than expected. The engineer must calculate heat loss for each room, select suitable emitters and match the unit output to the property.
Can another engineer help with the installation?
Yes, an MCS-certified business can use qualified subcontractors for parts of the work. A local engineer might replace radiators, change sections of pipework or help with the hot-water cylinder under the certified company’s control.
Responsibility still sits with the MCS business. It must check the work, keep the required records and confirm that the finished system meets the standard before it issues the installation certificate.
How does the grant reduce your bill?
You will not receive the grant as cash in your bank account. The installer deducts its value from the project price, and Ofgem pays the approved amount directly to the company after the installation has passed the required checks.
For an eligible air-to-water heat pump, the standard grant can cover £7,500 of the total cost. A quotation of £13,000 would therefore leave £5,500 for you to pay, provided the application receives approval and the project meets every condition.
Are all homes eligible?
The scheme covers eligible properties in England and Wales, including homes occupied by their owners, rental properties and second homes. You must own the property and replace an eligible fossil-fuel or direct-electric system. Gas, oil and LPG boilers can qualify for replacement, as can certain electric systems. A project that replaces an existing low-carbon system will usually fall outside the scheme, even if the new heat pump has better performance.
Extra support may apply to off-gas-grid homes
The standard grant remains £7,500 for eligible air-to-water and ground source heat pumps. From 21 July 2026 until 31 March 2027, certain off-gas-grid properties can qualify for £9,000 towards an eligible heat pump. This temporary amount applies under specific conditions and should be checked before you agree to the work. EHS can assess the current system and confirm which grant category fits your property.
What should happen before you accept the quote?
The survey should cover insulation, room dimensions, windows, heat loss, radiator output, pipe sizes, hot-water demand and the available electrical supply. A price produced before these checks deserves a few extra questions.
Ask whether radiator upgrades, electrical work, system controls and the hot-water cylinder sit inside the quoted amount. You should also confirm when the Boiler Upgrade Scheme installer plans to submit the voucher application.
Can you request the grant after the work is complete?
A retrospective application may be possible within the permitted period, although it carries a financial risk. If Ofgem rejects the claim, you may have to pay the entire installation price yourself. The safest choice is to settle eligibility before equipment arrives at the property. The installer can then request the voucher at the correct stage and avoid rushed paperwork after the system has already been commissioned.
Check the company before you sign anything
Search the official MCS register and make sure the company is certified for the exact technology listed in your quotation. A manufacturer course, trade membership or MCS logo on marketing materials does not replace an active registration.
Request a written quotation with the full cost, grant deduction and final balance shown separately. It should also explain who completes the work, which products will be fitted and what documents you receive afterwards.
Let EHS handle the grant process properly
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme can remove thousands of pounds from the cost of a heat pump, but certification and paperwork decide whether the application reaches payment. A good installation starts with an accurate survey and a company that understands the technical work as well as the Ofgem process.
EHS can assess your home, prepare the system design, submit the application and manage the project through to completion. If you need a dependable Boiler Upgrade Scheme installer, contact EHS before you place an order or pay a deposit.