Wondering if you’re eligible for a free boiler grant? You’re in the right place. The ECO4 grant offers UK residents assistance with boiler repairs or replacements, though there are specific eligibility criteria, including income limits and minimum home energy standards.
This guide outlines the application process and guides you in determining your qualification for a free boiler grant in 2024.
What is a Free Boiler Grant?
A free boiler grant in the UK is a government-backed initiative designed to help eligible homeowners and tenants replace old, inefficient boilers with new, energy-efficient models at no upfront cost.
This grant is part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which aims to reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty, and improve energy efficiency in homes across the country.
To qualify, applicants must meet certain criteria, such as having a household income below a certain threshold, living in a home with poor energy efficiency (an EPC rating of D or below), or receiving qualifying benefits like Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Disability Living Allowance. The grant helps to lower energy bills, reduce environmental impact, and make homes warmer and more comfortable.
What are the Benefits of Replacing an Old Boiler?
Replacing an old boiler can lead to significant financial savings and improved energy efficiency. According to the Energy Saving Trust, upgrading to a new A-rated boiler with modern controls can boost efficiency from around 65% (common in much older boilers) to over 90%, drastically reducing wasted energy.
This improvement translates to annual savings of up to £300 on heating bills for a typical household, depending on energy prices and usage.
Furthermore, modern boilers are better for the environment, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 1.5 tonnes per year, supporting the UK’s carbon reduction goals.
Newer boilers are also more reliable, lowering maintenance costs and minimising the risk of breakdowns. Given that heating accounts for about 55% of a household’s energy bills, replacing an outdated boiler with a high-efficiency model is a smart investment for reducing both expenses and environmental impact.
What is an ECO4 Grant?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is a UK government initiative aimed at assisting low-income households in enhancing their homes’ energy efficiency. Funded by energy companies, the scheme targets reducing carbon emissions and addressing fuel poverty by offering financial aid for energy-saving home improvements.
Currently in its fourth phase, the ECO scheme is scheduled to conclude in 2028, with a fifth phase potentially on the horizon. The scheme’s primary focus is to provide free boiler grants to eligible households across the UK, although Northern Ireland is unfortunately excluded.
Available through March 2026, ECO4 grants can cover partial or full installation costs, depending on household eligibility, making renewable energy more accessible to those most in need.
Who qualifies for a free boiler grant?
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to own your home to qualify for government boiler grants.
You could be eligible for the free boiler scheme whether you’re a homeowner, a private tenant, or even a social housing tenant, as long as you meet the following criteria:
- Homeowners: You must live in the property as your primary residence. Detached homes are generally excluded, though bungalows may qualify in certain cases.
- Private tenants: If you rent from a private landlord and have a qualifying tenancy agreement, you might be eligible. However, your landlord will ultimately decide whether to apply for the grant on your behalf.
- Social housing tenants: If you meet the other criteria, social housing tenants can also apply, providing a lifeline to those facing fuel poverty in these types of properties.
- Your Energy Performance Certificate must have a rating of D or below and connected to gas mains supply.
- You must be replacing your boiler with an energy-saving alternative.
Qualifying Government Benefits
The applicant should be receiving at least one of the following benefits within 18 months of installation:
- Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-Related Employment & Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credits
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Savings
Do Single Parents Qualify for ECO Grants?
Yes, single parent households can qualify for the free boiler grant scheme in the UK. The scheme is designed to help low-income households, including single-parent households, to replace their old and inefficient boilers with newer, more energy-efficient ones.
This can help reduce energy bills and provide families with a more comfortable living environment.
You are eligible for ECO4 grants in the UK if your income threshold is below the enlisted amount per year.
| No of Children | Income Threshold |
| 1 child | £19,800 |
| 2 children | £24,600 |
| 3 children | £29,400 |
| 4+ children | £34,200 |
Grants for single parent households are much more lenient than two parents household which is;
| No of Children | Income Threshold |
| 1 child | £27,300 |
| 2 children | £32,100 |
| 3 children | £36,900 |
| 4+ children | £41,700 |
Do Pensioners Qualify for ECO Grant?
Yes, pensioners can be eligible for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme if they meet specific conditions:
- Income: The household must have an annual income of £30,000 or less.
- Property: The home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower, indicating poor energy efficiency.
- Benefits: Pensioners must receive certain qualifying benefits, such as Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Attendance Allowance, or Pension Credit Savings, which are designed to support those in financial need.
Are Disabled People Eligible for ECO Grant?
Individuals with disabilities who receive benefits like Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are eligible. Energy inefficiency in the home can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities, so ECO4 aims to help make their homes more energy-efficient and affordable.
Are People on Universal Credit Eligible?
Those who receive Universal Credit, Income Support, or other means-tested benefits are eligible for ECO4, especially if their household is considered to be in fuel poverty. These benefits are used to determine eligibility for various energy efficiency grants, including the installation of new boilers, insulation, and other measures that help reduce heating costs.
How Much Can I Save on Energy Bills with a New Boiler?
If you’re eligible for a free boiler grant, you’re on the path to substantial savings. Older boilers may waste up to a third of every pound you spend heating your home, with some older models operating at an efficiency as low as 65%, depending on their age and service record. By upgrading to a new A-rated boiler, efficiency can jump to over 90%, significantly reducing wasted energy.
| Age of Boiler | Energy Efficiency |
| 7 years+ | 65% |
| New boiler | 90%+ |
Switching to a new boiler could cut up to £300 from your annual heating costs, making a meaningful impact on your yearly budget and reducing your heating bills.
Some Additional Schemes
What is Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government initiative aimed at encouraging homeowners to replace traditional gas and oil boilers with low-carbon heating solutions, such as heat pumps and biomass boilers.
By providing grants, the scheme helps reduce the upfront cost of installing greener heating systems, supporting the UK’s goals to cut carbon emissions and transition towards cleaner energy. The scheme is part of a broader effort to make homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly while also lowering long-term energy costs for residents.
The scheme is available to property owners, including those with residential homes, businesses, and rental properties with tenants. Since April 1, 2022, properties with a valid Energy Performance Certificate have been eligible for the grant.
Grants are provided as follows:
- £5,000 for air source heat pumps (ASHPs) and biomass boilers.
- £6,000 for ground source heat pumps (GSHPs).
All grants are set at flat rates regardless of the installation’s capacity, provided it does not exceed 45 kWth. We also have other articles that dive deeper into the costs of installing a new boiler.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, applicants must:
- Own a property in England or Wales.
- Use the grant specifically for residential homes or small non-domestic buildings (like small businesses).
- Replace an existing fossil fuel heating system, such as a gas or oil boiler.
- Ensure the installation is carried out by a certified installer who meets scheme standards.
- Comply with additional property or system requirements, including having a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding insulation recommendations for loft or cavity walls, as these upgrades may be required to maximise energy efficiency.
0% VAT for Energy-Saving Home Improvements
The UK government offers a reduced VAT rate on certain energy-saving home improvements, lowering the standard rate to 0% for eligible installations until 2027.
This reduction applies to services such as installing energy-efficient equipment, including insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels, making it more affordable for homeowners to improve their property’s energy efficiency.
The scheme supports the government’s aim to reduce carbon emissions and encourage energy-efficient upgrades across the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the reduced VAT rate on energy-saving improvements, applicants must:
- Own or occupy a residential property in the UK, whether as a homeowner, landlord, or tenant.
- Use the property as a primary dwelling (new builds are also eligible).
- Ensure that the installation is completed by a VAT-registered contractor.
- Apply the VAT reduction only to eligible energy-saving products and installation services.
- Comply with any additional government conditions, such as those specific to listed buildings or housing associations, if applicable.
Can I Get Help with a New Boiler if I’m Not on Benefits?
Yes, you may still qualify for funding through the ECO4 scheme even if you’re not receiving benefits. The Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) criteria expand eligibility to include households with incomes below £30,000, certain health conditions worsened by cold, and those involved in specific government programs.
Under LA Flex, households meeting at least two of the following criteria may qualify:
- The home is located within an LSOA (Lower Super Output Area) ranking 1-3.
- A member of the household is at risk of living in a cold home.
- The householder receives a Council Tax rebate.
- A resident participates in a local government program supporting low-income families.
- At least one resident qualifies for free school meals.
- The household struggles with persistent debt on utility bills or mortgage payments and has been recommended for assistance by Citizens Advice, their energy supplier, or mortgage lender.
How to Apply for a Boiler Grant?
Applying for a boiler grant is straightforward and involves a few key steps. Here’s how you can apply:
- Check Eligibility: Before applying, confirm if you qualify. Boiler grants are often available to low-income households, those receiving certain benefits, or homes with low energy efficiency. Some schemes, like ECO4, have flexible criteria (LA Flex), allowing applications based on health conditions or income below £31,000.
- Find a Registered Installer: The grant schemes require that your new heating system is installed by a certified professional. Check the list of registered installers approved by the scheme you’re applying to (e.g., ECO4). Many installers also help applicants through the process.
- Gather Necessary Documents: You’ll likely need proof of income, benefits (if applicable), and property ownership or rental agreements. Having a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your home may also be required.
- Submit Your Application: Once eligibility is confirmed and documents are ready, complete an application either through a government portal, a local authority, or an approved installer’s website. Many installers provide application assistance.
- Installation and Follow-up: If approved, arrange a date with the installer. After installation, confirm all details, including warranty and maintenance options, ensuring your new boiler continues to run efficiently.
Easy Step-by-Step Application Process
| Enter Your Postcode
Complete our short form to request a free boiler for your home |
Book Your Free Survey
We visit your property for a home survey |
Improvements Installed
If you are happy with your quote, your home improvements will be installed |
Save On Energy Bills
Enjoy Warmth & Energy Savings |