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If your home is heated by oil or LPG, changes to the UK government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) mean you could now receive up to £9,000 towards the cost of a heat pump – £1,500 more than before.
The increase applies to homes in England and Wales that are currently heated using oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and it’s designed to make switching to low‑carbon heating more affordable, particularly for people living in rural or off‑gas areas.
Why Oil and LPG Homes Are Being Offered Help
Unlike mains gas, oil and LPG prices are not capped by Ofgem, which means they can be unpredictable and prone to sudden spikes.
Recent global events have shown just how quickly heating oil prices can rise, leaving many households facing much higher bills with little warning.
These homes are often:
- Located in rural or semi‑rural areas
- Older properties
- Off the gas grid
- Limited in their heating options
The government’s aim is to help these households move away from volatile fossil fuels and towards more stable, low‑carbon electric heating.
What the £9,000 Grant Means for You
An air source heat pump typically costs around £11,000, depending on your home’s size, insulation levels and heating system.
The increased grant means:
✅ Smaller price difference between replacing an old oil boiler and installing a heat pump
✅ Switching becomes more realistic during refurbishments or boiler breakdowns
✅ Long‑term running costs are easier to manage and predict
Why Controls and Set‑Up Matter
One of the most important parts of a successful heat pump installation is how it’s designed, set up and controlled.
Good controls help:
- Keep your home comfortable
- Avoid unnecessary on/off cycling
- Ensure the system runs efficiently from day one
For households switching from oil, clear guidance and a proper handover are key to feeling confident and in control of your new system, so ensure you select an installer highly experienced with heat pumps.
Wiser’s smart heating controls are compatible with heat pumps with its dedicated setting and offer superior control at home and away.
Longer-Term Energy Benefits
Alongside the grant increase, the government is also looking at wider energy market changes to reduce the impact of gas prices on electricity bills.
Over time, this could mean more stable electricity costs, further improving the affordability of electric heating like heat pumps, especially when combined with smart heating controls or renewable electricity.
Should You Consider Switching Now?
With the £9,000 grant now available, this is one of the strongest financial incentives yet for oil and LPG households to consider low‑carbon heating.
It may be worth speaking to a qualified installer if:
- Your oil or LPG boiler is ageing
- You’re planning home improvements
- You want more predictable energy costs
- You’re looking for a future‑proof heating solution
The right advice, clear expectations and a properly designed system can make the transition straightforward and worthwhile.
