Boiler Upgrade Scheme applicants increase in February Written by Tamara Birch Updated on 3 April 2024 The number of applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme increased by 75% in February 2024, compared to February 2023, new government data has revealed. Homeowners and small business owners in England and Wales can receive grants of up to £7,500 towards the cost of a boiler replacement system, under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, making it one of the most generous schemes in Europe.Since the scheme started in 2022, there have been 36,741 applications and the scheme has now paid out close to £127 million in vouchers to customers. The figures follow changes to the scheme criteria, which will make heat pumps cheaper and easier to install. According to gov.uk, families will no longer have to install cavity wall or loft insulation to use the scheme, giving them greater choice on how they improve their home and potentially reducing the costs associated with installing a heat pump on a semi-detached property by approximately £2,500. The government said by doing this, households will be able to spread out the costs of changes at a pace that works for them, but warns properties should still be well-insulated to keep costs down. Homeowners can also get support to improve their energy efficiency through the Great British Insulation Scheme and Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which are set to help up to 700,000 families install home improvements, such as insulation by March 2026. Charlotte Lee, CEO of the Heat Pump Association, commented: “It’s great to see the sustained increase and interest in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme since the grant uplift in October 2023, alongside the publication of a government guide for potential heat pump owners, which will help to increase the awareness of heat pumps, from a trusted source. “Heat pumps provide a very efficient, effective solution to decarbonising home heating and enhance the UK’s energy security, and it is wonderful to see interest and awareness from consumers increasing.” The figures come alongside the government’s Welcome Home to Energy Efficiency campaign, which continues to promote the scheme and highlight wider efficiency measures that can help lower energy bills. The government has also published a guide for potential heat pump owners, where industry experts answer frequently asked questions on heat pumps and their installation. Written by: Tamara Birch Senior Writer Tamara has written about environmental topics for more than four years. This includes advising small business owners on cost-effective ways, like solar panels and energy-efficient products to help them become more sustainable.