Heating your home is important, but it does not have to cost an arm and leg in electricity charges or to the environment. That’s where the boiler grant scheme under the ECO4 steps in. If you're a homeowner or private tenant who needs to replace an old, wasteful boiler with an efficient one, it is worth taking a chance with it.
But this plan is not only for lowering your heating bills – it's for transitioning to green home heating. Upgrading to a better boiler is not only warming up your home but lowering your carbon impact.
What is the Boiler Grant Scheme?
The Boiler Grant Scheme is operated under the UK government's ECO4 initiative or the Energy Company Obligation. The scheme makes large companies provide low-income households with financial support to help them upgrade their heating system.
One major aspect is to replace old, non-condensing boilers for free to eligible households using efficient, new boilers. If your boiler is 15 years old or older and is having difficulty keeping your property warm, free replacement might be available to you.
How Does an Old Boiler Affect the Environment?
You might wonder to yourself, how does my boiler affect the environment?
Older boilers, and in general, non-condensating boilers, waste a lot of energy. They consume more fuel to produce heat, and by releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) in larger volumes, contribute to greenhouse gas build-up and hence to global warming.
Modern condensing boilers, by contrast, are considerably more efficient. They reuse waste heat otherwise sent up through the flue, using less fuel and releasing fewer polluting substances.
By switching to an efficient boiler through the grant scheme, you can:
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Cut carbon by up to 1,500 kilograms annually – equivalent to keeping a small vehicle on the roads for six months.
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Reduce fuel consumption — less gas is burned and thus fewer natural resources.
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Support the UK's net-zero goal to help the country transition to cleaner forms of power.
Who is Eligible for the Boiler Grant Scheme?
Not everyone qualifies for a free boiler – only those who most urgently need help under the initiative.
To qualify in 2025, candidates must meet the following:
Homeowners or Private Tenants
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You must either own your home or be a private tenant with permission from your landlord.
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Council tenants and housing association residents may have access to other options.
An Old, Inefficient Boiler
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Your current boiler is 15 years or more.
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It should have a non-condensing boiler – such systems have lower efficiencies and cost more to operate.
Low EPC Rating
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Your home needs to have an E, F, or G rating on its Energy Performance Certificate.
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If your building is rated between A and D, chances are, you won’t qualify because it is already rated as efficient.
Existing Gas Connection
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Your property must have a gas metre installed before April 2022.
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Homes without gas supplies do not fall under this special grant.
Income Requirements
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Your household income must be £31,000 or less per year.
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This includes the total income for all individuals who live in your household.
If you meet these criteria, you might have a free, green boiler installed.
How an Efficient Boiler Will Pay You Back
Switching to a contemporary boiler does good for the environment, but it is also cost-saving.
Here’s how:
Lower Heating Bills
Older boilers tend to operate between 60–70% efficient, and 30–40% of their power is dissipated.
New A-rated condensing boilers have 92% or greater efficiency. In other words, more heat for your building and less waste.
On average, installation of a new boiler cuts heating bills by £300–£500 per year, depending on household size and use.
Smart Heating Controls
Many modern boilers have smart thermostats and zoned systems. These allow you to control heating by rooms, preventing wasteful energy use.
For example:
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Lower the temperature in unused rooms — saving money without affecting comfort.
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Set schedules to have heating only where and when necessary.
Fewer Repairs and Maintenance Costs
Old boilers do fail – repairing them is expensive, and in extreme examples, several hundred pounds.
A new boiler on the grant scheme is warranted and is less likely to have costly repairs.
Why Eco-Friendly Heating Matters?
The Boiler Grant Scheme is vital in helping the UK to convert to cleaner forms of power.
Here’s why it matters:
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Fighting Climate Change
Heating homes account for around 15% of UK carbon emissions.
By replacing old boilers with efficient, up-to-date models, we save on fuel and CO2 emissions — helping to help the UK achieve net-zero carbon by 2050.
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Reducing Energy Waste
Old heating systems waste energy by consuming excessive amounts of fuel.
Eco-friendly boilers:
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Use less gas.
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Recycle heat
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Produce fewer emissions
This reduces natural gas's total demand — an approach toward the conservation of energy.
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Healthier Homes
Energy-inefficient homes have poor air quality and dampness issues through uneven heating.
Modern boilers provide:
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Consistent warmth
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Better air circulation
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Less condensation — reducing the risk of mould and dampness.
How to Apply for the Boiler Grant Scheme
If you feel you fit, applying is easy.
Step 1: Check If You Qualify
Visit a reliable ECO4 supplier's website or the official government portal. They'll query for information on your income, property, and boiler type.
Step 2: Get a Free Home Survey
A surveyor will check on your boiler's age, the property's energy rating, and the gas connection.
Step 3: Boiler Installation
If approved, our professional installer will install your new, green boiler free of cost. The average installation time is only one day.
The Bottom Line
The Boiler Grant Scheme is a great way for families to have their boiler upgraded to an efficient, green boiler for free, or for a low cost. The scheme slashes household bills, carbon outputs, and domestic discomfort. If you think you might be eligible, join up today and begin on the road to a warmer, greener home.
With the scheme running until March 2026, today is the perfect time to check if you're eligible and take up on having a free boiler installation. Don't miss out on the opportunity to save and make your property more energy-efficient!
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