At times like this, when families are trying to switch to more efficient heating systems, lower running costs, maintain more and higher EPC ratings, and upgrade to a modern, energy-efficient boiler, it has emerged as a top priority across UK households.
To help with this boiler replacement process, the government has initiated several funded programmes to cover the cost of the boiler replacements. The main objective of these government-funded grants is to help eligible households move from older, less effective heating systems to more modern ones that keep heat inside the home and reduce home heating-related carbon emissions.
There are a number of government schemes that can help you get a free or low-cost boiler, regardless of where you live in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. Every scheme has a distinctive set of requirements for who can qualify, based on factors like income, the type of property, the heating system, and regulations that apply to the particular region. This guide explains who can apply, how the process works, and which groups get priority under the UK boiler grant schemes.
Boiler Grants in the UK
Boiler grants are part of the UK government programmes that have been running across the country aimed at making homes updated and using less energy. These programmes help people cover for new boilers to replace old ones, especially ones that are costly to operate or fail to satisfy current energy-efficiency requirements.
Government funding is available for these free boiler schemes; the government-approved installers handle the application, evaluate your eligibility for the grant, and complete the installation for both homeowners and tenants.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme helps families who intend to reduce their consumption of fossil fuels. BUS provides funding to install heating systems that use renewable energy, such as:
- Air-source heat pumps
- Ground-source heat pumps
- Biomass boilers (for off-grid homes)
This scheme is ideal for homes that prefer to explore more carbon-efficient heating alternatives instead of just replacing their old gas boiler. BUS is available in England and Wales.
ECO4 Scheme
Phase 4 of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is the most common way for people in the UK to qualify for a free boiler replacement currently.
The ECO4 scheme obliges the big energy companies to cover for boiler upgrades for low-income households that meet the requirements.
The main things that the ECO4 scheme focuses on are:
- Improving properties with low efficiency
- Helping families with low incomes or the ones getting specific government benefits
- Removal of old boilers that waste a lot of energy
- Installation of new heating systems which improve EPC ratings
The ECO4 scheme covers the areas of England, Wales, and Scotland.
ECO4 Flex Scheme
The ECO4 LA Flex route is an alternative for the main ECO4 programme for those who are not eligible for the ECO4 scheme but are still in need of government help to cover for their boiler upgrade. Local councils have the authority to approve based on some requirements:
- If you or anyone in your family is suffering from a medical condition that gets worse due to the cold weather.
- Income criteria is in accordance with the local income threshold
- Living conditions
- Evaluations of vulnerability
Councils are able to make the eligibility requirements less strict and make sure that homeowners who don’t meet normal ECO rules can still get funding when they need it.
ECO4 Scheme Eligibility
“100% Free Check – No Hidden Fees”
Affordable Warmth Scheme
The Affordable Warmth Scheme helps individuals across Northern Ireland cover for the heating upgrades, including installing a new boiler. Northern Ireland has its own boiler grant distribution system, which is different from the other UK regions. Local councils and the Department for Communities have set some rules for these grants to make the funding as transparent as possible.
The primary objective of the programme is to help make homes with certain income and property conditions more effectively insulated, have better heating systems, and use less energy.
Common Eligibility Criteria for Boiler Grants
There are several factors that determine whether or not you are eligible for the free boiler grant. The ECO4 scheme has specific regulations that make sure that the government funding reaches the most eligible families.
1. Low-Income
Having a low income is one of the major eligibility requirements for the government’s free boiler grant scheme. Most homes that qualify for the free boiler grant have low incomes, which makes it a major requirement for the grant.
2. Homeowners and Private Tenants
Individuals who own a home are particularly advised to apply for the boiler grants; however, private renters can also qualify for the boiler grant if they have permission to do the boiler installation in their rented property from their landlords.
3. Benefits-based criteria
Individuals receiving any of these government benefits are eligible to apply under the ECO4 grant.
- Child Tax Credits
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment & Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit
- Warm Home Discount Scheme Rebate
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Saving Credit
4. EPC ratings
Homes with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G are usually given the priority given that they waste more heat and cost more to run. Installing a new A-rated boiler can improve your EPC rating.
5. Age of the Boiler (10+ Years)
Most of these government-funded boiler replacement programmes aim to replace heating systems that are at least 10 years old, are non-condensing, or are not functioning well.
Pensioners and Vulnerable Households
Under the ECO4 Flex route, elderly citizens and individuals who have particular vulnerabilities receive priority for the free boiler grants. This helps to make sure that families who are most affected by cold weather or have health problems can get help immediately. Some of the most important groups include the following:
- Residents over 60
- Older individuals who reside on their own
- Homeowners who have difficulties moving around or have long-term medical issues
Those with medical conditions that get worse in cold homes, like breathing problems or heart problems
Do Single Parents Qualify for the ECO4 Scheme?
If the income-based or benefit-related criteria are satisfied, single-parent households are often given a higher priority. If a single-parent family is staying in a house with an old boiler or a low EPC rating, they’re even more likely to get approval. Some local councils can help hasten the process for single-parent households under the ECO4 Flex route, given that they are more vulnerable and need more energy.
How can I apply for the Free Boiler Grant?
Before starting your application for the free boiler grant in the UK, you should follow these steps to ensure a smooth process. Our team of professionals are there to help you with each step of your application journey.
Checking eligibility
Fill out our short online form to check your initial eligibility within a single minute.
Survey
If you qualify for the initial eligibility, our team at CO2 Reduction will get in touch with you, and after getting your permission, our Gas Safe-certified installers will evaluate your property and heating system to evaluate further qualification.
Approval
Once your eligibility for the free boiler grant is confirmed, there will be boiler installation scheduled.
Installation
After getting the approval, certified engineers will carry out the installation process. and complete the installation for you.
Our team at CO2 Reduction makes sure this whole process is as easy and straightforward as possible so you and your family can enjoy a warm and cosy home.
FAQs
Who can get boiler grants in the UK?
Homeowners and tenants who satisfy the ECO4 scheme or GBIS requirements can be able to get a free boiler grant in the UK.
Can pensioners receive boiler grants?
Yes. The ECO4 scheme gives higher priority to pensioners receiving Pension Credit or if they have a low income and low EPC ratings.
Can private tenants apply for the boiler grant?
Private tenants are eligible if their landlord allows them to do heating upgrades.
Are grants available across the UK?
The ECO4 scheme and BUS cover England, Scotland, and Wales. There is additionally a different Affordable Warmth Scheme for Northern Ireland.
What kind of boiler can you install with the grant?
Most installations offer modern A-rated condensing boilers that use renewable energy sources.
