Thanks to the Government’s Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme, qualifying homeowners and private tenants could get their old, inefficient boilers replaced with a more efficient and effective model. Find out all about boiler grants and whether you could be eligible for a free boiler below.
What is a boiler grant?
A boiler grant is a form of subsidy that enables homeowners and families with low incomes to have their old boiler system replaced with a brand new boiler at little or no cost. The scheme was developed to not only help underprivileged families access the heating and hot water they need, but also to aid government initiatives in increasing energy-efficiency.
By getting new boilers installed into homes, the government helps to reduce households’ carbon footprint as most modern boilers are A-rated for energy-efficiency. According to the Energy Savings Trust, a new boiler could also help the households save money – up to £200 can be saved on annual energy bills when using a modern, A-rated boiler*.
Boiler grants are subsidised by the ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers; namely British Gas, EDF Energy, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE. They are non-repayable, so you won’t have to make any repayments for your new boiler in the future.
Who is eligible for a new boiler?
Only those that suit the allocated criteria for the Government’s Boiler Grant scheme will qualify for a free new boiler. Here are some of the requirements:
- You must be the property’s homeowner
- Your property must be connected to a mains gas supply
- Your current boiler must be over 5 years old
- You will automatically qualify if you receive Pension Credit or Child Tax Credits (households with income below £16,010 per year).
Unfortunately, Boiler Grant funding is not available for council owned or privately rented properties.
If you do not qualify for the grant, there are a number of options that may be available to help you pay for your new boiler. For example, HomeServe offer a number of flexible payment options to help you manage your payments to suit your budget.
How do I apply for a Boiler Grant?
You can apply for a Boiler Grant or find out whether you are eligible for funding by contacting the Energy Saving Advice Service (0300 123 1234). You could also contact any of the energy companies listed under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
*Source: energysavingtrust.org.uk. Saving calculated when replacing G-rated with A-rated boiler in a semi-detached house.