Let’s cut to the chase: Yes, absolutely. If you’re sweating over a dying boiler or dreading next winter’s energy bills, you’ve got options. The UK hasn’t pulled the plug on heating help—in fact, 2025 is a surprisingly good year to upgrade. But (and isn’t there always a “but”?) the rules have shifted. I’ll break it down so you know exactly where you stand.

🔥 The Big Players: BUS, ECO4, and More

Here’s the lowdown on what’s still running this year:

1. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
   • Runs until: December 2027
   • What’s covered:
     • £7,500 for air or ground source heat pumps
     • £5,000 for biomass boilers (if you’re off-grid and rural)
   • Catch: You must own your home in England or Wales, ditch fossil fuels (oil/gas/electric), and have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). New builds? Sorry, you’re out of luck.
2. ECO4 Scheme
   • Runs until: March 2026
   • Who qualifies: Low-income households receiving benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit. Your boiler needs to be 8+ years old, and your EPC rating should be D or lower.
   • Perk: Covers full or partial costs for a new A-rated boiler—no upfront cash needed.
3. Affordable Warmth Scheme (Northern Ireland)
   • Runs until: March 2026
   • Offer: Up to £7,500 for boiler replacements if you earn ≤£23k/year or receive benefits.
4. 0% VAT Scheme
   • Runs until: March 2027
   • Deal: Slashes VAT to 0-5% on energy-efficient boilers—no income tests. Handy if you don’t qualify for other grants.

Quick reality check: Scotland’s excluded from BUS but offers separate loans/grants. Biomass boilers? Only viable if you’re off the gas grid.

🎯 Who Actually Qualifies? The Nitty-Gritty

You’re probably thinking, “Sounds great, but will I get it?” Fair question. Here’s the real deal:

• Income matters: For ECO4, households earning ≤£31k/year can apply (via ECO4 Flex) 26. In Northern Ireland, it’s £23k.
• Benefits = Fast track: On Universal Credit? You’re prioritized for ECO4.
• Your home’s “health”: An EPC rating of E-G (for ECO4) or D (for BUS) is non-negotiable.
• Age/health vulnerabilities: Pensioners or those with respiratory illnesses get priority under ECO4.

Honestly? If your boiler’s wheezing past its 10th birthday and your energy bills are giving you palpitations, you’ve got a shot.

⏩ How to Apply Without the Headache

For BUS:

1. Find a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installer.
2. They’ll assess your home, apply to Ofgem for you, and deduct the grant from your invoice. No rebates—just instant savings.

For ECO4:

1. Contact your energy supplier or local council.
2. Provide proof of benefits/income and your EPC.
3. If approved, they’ll handle the survey and installation—often at zero cost to you.

💡 Pro tip: Scammers love grant season. Only use GOV.UK portals or certified installers. If someone asks for cash upfront, walk away.

🏁 The Bottom Line

Deadlines are looming: BUS ends in 2027, ECO4 in 2026. With £295 million in BUS funding for 2025/26 alone, the cash is there—but it’s first-come, first-served.

If you’re sitting on an ancient boiler, sweating over bills, or just want to ditch gas for good, now’s the time. Check your EPC, dig out those benefit letters, and talk to a certified installer. Winter won’t wait—and neither should you.