England and Wales have signed off the next phase of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The updated regulations were laid before Parliament on 1 April 2026 and take effect on 28 April 2026, with SI 2026/390 replacing an earlier instrument from late March. This is the legal switch‑on for changes aimed at accelerating clean heat uptake. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)

For households, two shifts stand out. First, air‑to‑air heat pumps join the scheme alongside hydronic systems. Second, the requirement for a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is relaxed from 2026/27: where a home already has a valid EPC it should be submitted, but Ofgem will accept alternative evidence when one does not exist, cutting delays. This ‘hybrid’ approach is set out in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Government Response. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

Air‑to‑air heat pumps deliver space heating via indoor units and many can also provide cooling in summer. DESNZ confirms a new grant category for these systems in domestic properties at £2,500, with specific eligibility criteria and guidance to follow. For flats and electrically heated homes, this is a practical route to clean heat without replacing radiators and pipework. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

The installation journey is being simplified. Installers must deduct the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant from the upfront quote so households see the saving immediately, and the Government has signalled protections to stop firms reclaiming the grant later if a voucher is issued. Ofgem will set out the operational detail in updated guidance ahead of implementation. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

Design rules remain clear: the low‑carbon system must meet the full space‑heating demand of the property, either alone or alongside supplementary electric appliances. DESNZ also confirms capacity guardrails-no single hydronic unit above 45 kWth, a combined cap of 70 kWth where multiple connected units are used, and 300 kWth for shared ground loops-giving engineers headroom to solve harder homes. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

Quality is non‑negotiable. Installers must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), with the Secretary of State able to approve updated versions for BUS. DESNZ is also reviewing the MCS Customer Commitment as the consumer code. MCS Service Company Ltd, which operates the scheme, confirms its role and company details. (gov.uk)

Definitions are tightened too. The term ‘urban area’ in the BUS rules now aligns with the Office for National Statistics’ 2021 Rural–Urban Classification, published in August 2025, improving consistency for policy targeting across England and Wales. (ons.gov.uk)

Why it matters: home heating still accounts for about a fifth of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the House of Commons Library. Making grants simpler and broadening technology choice bring emissions cuts within reach for more households, sooner. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk)

On carbon savings, the Carbon Trust finds well‑designed heat pumps cut household emissions by around 55–65% versus an A‑rated gas boiler today, with savings set to rise as the grid continues to decarbonise. Pairing a heat pump with basic fabric upgrades and smart tariffs keeps comfort high while emissions fall. (carbontrust.com)

Timeline and next steps. The new rules apply from Tuesday 28 April 2026; applications properly made before then are handled under the previous regulations. The programme now runs to 2030, giving households and installers a longer planning runway. Book an MCS‑certified survey, decide whether air‑to‑air or hydronic best fits your home, and ensure the BUS deduction is printed on your quote from day one. (statutoryinstruments.parliament.uk)