Updated March 2023
Are you looking to replace your old inefficient boiler? Your boiler can account for around 55% of the amount you spend on your annual energy bills, so an A-rated energy efficient boiler really does make economic sense.
As well as reduced energy bills, a new boiler can improve your living conditions which are vital for health and wellbeing.
Is there a government scheme for replacement boilers? The best bit is you may qualify for a free boiler replacement as part of a government scheme. In this blog, we explain why and how the funding is available and just how you may qualify.
How is the boiler replacement free?
The UK Government has an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050.
With homes accounting for around 22% of UK emissions, the UK government has backed energy efficiency schemes, to help low-income households improve the energy efficiency of their home while helping to achieve their targets.
One of these schemes is known as the Energy Company Obligation. This is an obligation placed by the UK government on to the energy companies, to provide funding for energy-saving measures, including boiler replacements and insulation, for qualifying households.
How do I qualify for a free boiler grant?
If you or someone in your household is in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits below, you could qualify for a free boiler replacement.
- Universal Credit
- Income based jobseekers allowance
- Tax Credits (Child Tax and Working Tax Credits)
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee
- Pension Credit Savings
- Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Housing Benefit
As well as being in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, the criteria also extends to the energy rating of the home. Homes with an E,F or G EPC rating may qualify for funding.
ECO4 is different than the previous version of the scheme, in that homes may need multiple energy-saving measures to qualify – to see the EPC rating improve.
The good news is, there is another way you may qualify if you are not in receipt of one of the benefits above. Depending on the area you live in, your Local Authority will have a flexible criteria, so that more residents in their community can get the help they need.
The criteria laid out by your Local Authority often takes into consideration those on low incomes, your health, age or simply the area you live in.
Is the application for a free boiler complicated?
You don’t need to worry about a complicated application process, as there isn’t one. A survey and assessment are carried out free of charge, which will look at the energy efficiency of your home, that you meet the qualifying criteria and to have a look at your current boiler as well as other energy measures.
Don’t just take our word for it
Jack and his wife Laura, a retired couple from Cheshire, recently had their boiler replaced by Dyson Energy Services. It was funded by the government backed Energy Company Obligation (ECO3) scheme.
Read our blog to find out more about Jack’s personal story and how he recommends others to take advantage of the available funding.
Think about insulating your home first
Before you look at replacing your boiler, it is recommended that you explore whether your home is suitable for cavity wall and loft insulation.
Did you know? According to the Energy Saving Trust, around one-third of the heat loss from most homes is through the walls and a quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home.
