What is the Boiler Replacement Grant?
The boiler replacement grant is part of the UK government-sponsored initiatives, where qualifying households get free boiler replacement. This thoughtful endeavour is designed with the aim of providing efficient and affordable heating to eligible homes.
As boilers get old, they lose their efficiency. In fact, boilers over seven years old lose about 65% of their efficiency which translates to a loss of 35p from every pound spent on heating. On the other hand, a new A-rated boiler operating at a minimum of 90% efficiency will reduce that wastage to at least 10p per pound. Not only does it significantly reduce energy waste, it also saves money on heating bills.
As a result, this free boiler replacement scheme is aimed at helping homeowners save money on energy bills by providing households with highly efficient boilers. Just as the name suggests, it is a grant, meaning you won't have to pay it back.
Want to learn more about eligibility? We are here to help. Contact us today!
Free Boiler Grant Scheme
The government free boiler scheme is part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Electricity and Gas Order, which was passed in parliament in 2012. It was launched in January 2013 and is primarily funded by the largest UK utility companies.
The replacement gas boiler grants is aimed at reducing energy consumption in the UK by providing qualifying low-income households with a free boiler replacement which will help improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Are Grants available for Replacement Boilers?
Yes, Grants are available for boiler replacement as long as your home meets the eligibility criteria. These grants are made possible through the partnership of government agencies and energy companies via energy efficiency programs aimed at reducing fuel dependency and ensuring that deserving homes are assisted to install energy efficiency measures in their homes.
The grant is targeted at helping low-income households and those receiving certain benefits reduce their energy bills, improve the comfort of their homes, and contribute to the UK’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In this guide, we will outline the general eligibility criteria but we advise that you check with your local government, energy companies, or relevant energy efficiency programs within your area to know if you are eligible. They will have the most accurate information about eligibility for your region, the available grants within your locality as well as the application process.
Try the Free Eligibility Checker
Who Qualifies for Free Boiler Replacement?
The eligibility criteria for a grant for gas boiler replacement is country-specific and also differs based on the specific scheme.
The new boiler grant scheme is not available to everybody as the scheme is designed to benefit those who are in need of financial assistance to help them install needed energy-efficient measures to reduce their carbon footprint and make their homes more comfortable.
Therefore, if your current boiler is inefficient, outdated, or faulty and you qualify based on the criteria listed below, then you may be entitled to a boiler replacement grant.
Aside from the free boiler replacement grant, the ECO grant also helps homes become more energy-efficient by providing funding for other packages such as insulation, heating controls, and renewable energy systems.
Here are some of the general eligibility criteria for obtaining a free boiler grant;
You must be a homeowner or a private tenant, and your current boiler must be at least five years old.
You must be in receipt of one of the following benefits- Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Universal Credit.
Your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below.
You must have installed (or plan to install) a new heating system on or after 1 April 2022
You can still qualify if you’ve already had funding to make your property more energy efficient, for example- an insulation grant.
You can speak to an MCS-certified installer if you are unsure whether your property is suitable for a low-carbon heating system. They can tell you what options you have.
See the table and infographic below for more information on households that may be eligible for a free boiler grant under the ECO scheme:
| Eligibility Criteria |
Homeowners |
Private Tenants |
| In receipt certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Universal Credit |
Yes |
Yes |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below |
Yes |
Yes |
| The home has a broken or faulty boiler or the current boiler is at least 5 years old |
Yes |
Yes |
| Have a low income or are in receipt of specific means-tested benefits |
Yes |
Yes |
| Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit |
Yes |
Yes |
Looking at the table above, you should know whether you are eligible for the grant. Also, note the application process is straightforward and typically involves completing an online application form or contacting an approved ECO installer directly.
From the table above, you can determine if you qualify for the free boiler grant or not. The application process is hassle-free. You just have to fill an online application form or reach out to a certified ECO installer directly.
Eligibility for Biomass Boilers
You may get a granny for a free biomass boiler if you meet the following criteria;
If your property is off the gas grid
Your property is in a rural location. You can check the Ofgem guidance for property owners if you’re not certain.
Or if your boiler has an emissions certificate which shows that polluting emissions are kept to a minimum
If your home is a self build property, then you cannot get a grant to install a biomass boiler. However, you may be eligible if you or the original owner built it by yourself or you paid a builder to build it. You may have to show your installer proof that your property is a self-build, for example, a copy of the title deeds.
Properties that are not eligible for a Grant
-
New build properties are not eligible. However, if the new build property has a fossil fuel boiler, you may be able to get a grant for a heat pump under the scheme.
-
Social housing do not qualify
-
A property that has already received a government grant or support for a heat pump or biomass boiler will not be eligible
Eligibility Criteria for other Boiler Grants in the UK
Asides the ECO boiler grant scheme, there are also other boiler grants available in the UK. The table below shows us the eligibility criteria for these boiler grants.
Grant |
Eligibility Criteria |
0% VAT |
A boiler must have been installed in a home that is over 2 years old Homeowners or tenants can apply The property should be at most 60 years of age
|
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) |
To qualify for the boiler upgrade grant, you must own the property you’re applying for. This may be your primary residence, a second home, or a rental property.
Also, your boiler must be at least 15 years old and not working efficiently
|
Boiler Replacement Scheme |
- You must be a homeowner or tenant in Northern Ireland
- Boiler must be at least 15 years old and not working efficiently
- You must have an annual household gross income must not be above £40,000
|
In summary, homeowners or tenants with a boiler that is over two years old are eligible for the 0% VAT scheme. This grant covers the cost of installing a new boiler at a VAT rate of 0%. This can help tenants and homeowners save some money while installing a new boiler.
Those eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) are homeowners or tenants who are in receipt of certain benefits and who have at least a 15-year-old boiler which has become inefficient. The grant received from this scheme covers the cost of a boiler upgrade which helps eligible homes save money on energy bills while lowering their carbon footprint.
Only homeowners or tenants in Northern Ireland with an inefficient boiler that is at least 15 years old are eligible for the Boiler Replacement Scheme. The grant received in this scheme covers the cost of installing a new boiler installation.
Those who are not eligible for the ECO boiler grant scheme can check if they qualify for these other available grants and apply. By doing so, you can have a new and efficient boiler installed in your home at a very reduced cost or at no cost at all.
Find Out If You Are Eligible
How much is a New Boiler Replacement?
The cost of a new boiler is not fixed but depends on various factors including the type, complexity of installation as well as the cost of installation since it will be installed by a Gas Safe registered heating engineer.
There are different types of boilers and they all have different cost implications. For instance, a system boiler costs more than a combi boiler.
See the table below for the average costs of boiler replacement for different types of boilers.
Type of boiler |
Cost excluding installation |
Cost including installation |
Combi |
£500 – £3,000
|
£1,500 – £4,500
|
System |
£580 – £3,500
|
£1,700 – £4,000
|
Conventional |
£600 – £3,500
|
£1,700 – £4,000
|
Electric |
£590 – £2,500
|
£1,600 – £3,500
|
Depending on the outcome after a survey of your home, you may be eligible for either a full free boiler replacement grant or you may have to contribute to the installation cost. The application process is free of charge.
We also advise that you work with a trusted and certified installer who will help you determine what is best for your home as well as give you the best deal that you will be comfortable with.
How do I apply for a Boiler Grant?
As long as you qualify for a grant, applying for a free boiler grant is not difficult. You only have to complete an online application form or contact an approved installer.
These are the steps to apply;
First, check your eligibility. You can confirm this by visiting the government’s website or contacting your local energy supplier
Find an accredited installer who can carry out the installation for you.
Complete the online application form. Ensure you fill the application form with your accurate details. You will provide information about your current boiler and heating system, your household income, and benefits you are in receipt of.
Upon submission, your application will be reviewed and if actually you are eligible and your application is successful, you will be notified. Arrangements will then be made so as to have your boiler installed.
Sometimes, those who get the grant may not get a full grant but may be asked to contribute towards the installation cost.
Frequently Asked Question
You can get a free boiler replacement if you are a homeowner and in receipt of at least one of the underlisted benefits. If you are eligible, then you can apply and a certified installer will handle the replacement.
These benefits include;
-
Child Tax Credit
-
Income related Employment Support Allowance
-
Income based Job Seekers Allowance
-
Income Support
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Pension Guaranteed Credit (excludes Savings Credit)
-
Working Tax Credit
-
Universal Credit
-
Disability Living Allowance
-
Personal Independence Payment
-
Attendance Allowance
-
Carer’s Allowance
-
Severe Disablement Allowance
-
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefits
-
Ministry of Justice Benefits (administered by Veterans UK)
-
War Pensions Mobility Supplement
-
Constant Attendance Allowance
-
Armed Forces Independence Payment
-
Child Benefit
As long as you or anyone in your household is in receipt of at least one of the above listed, you are very likely to qualify for a free boiler replacement. However, if you do not qualify, you may be eligible for a subsidised boiler or a discount on a new boiler installation.
Also note that to be eligible, your boiler should be at least seven years in age. This is because it is better to repair relatively new boilers rather than replacing them completely.
Yes you may be eligible to get a free boiler replacement if you are over 60 and in receipt of at least one of the following benefits- working tax credits, Guaranteed Pension Credit OR Savings Credit.
Most often, combi boilers are the cheapest type of boiler. They are also very popular among households because of their space efficiency. Also, you can install them without any tanks or cylinders.
Having purchased a boiler, you would like to have an idea of how long it will likely last.
On the average, boilers can last for about 15 years or more. This however depends on how well they are used, serviced and maintained.
Condensing gas boilers are regarded as the most cost-efficient boiler. This is so as gas is the cheapest fuel when compared with electricity, oil, coal, and LPG.
Also, depending on the type of fuel and the system you are replacing, you can save costs by switching to a low-carbon heating heat pump.
On average, you can replace your old combi boiler with a new combi boiler in the same location within a day. But if you are converting from one boiler type to another, (for instance, from combi to a system boiler), then it may take a few days for installation to be completed.
