Boilers are very expensive to buy and have installed. It can take over £3,000 to have a new boiler installed, and that’s something that not many people can afford. But do you know that UK residents are being offered brand-new free boilers?
Yes, it’s true. It is possible to have your boiler replaced without spending a single penny. Thanks to government schemes, some houses can have their boiler replaced at no cost to you. You don’t pay anything for the boiler or installation.
Here’s how you can have your boiler replaced at no cost to you. We’ll explain who qualifies, how to make your application, and what it’s like step by step.
What is a Free Boiler Grant?
The UK government has several free boiler schemes to help low-income households transition to energy-efficient heating. The main one is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme.
Under ECO4, big energy companies have to help residents make their home heating more efficient. They offer free boiler replacements to those who qualify, reducing energy and heating bills.
This is equivalent to receiving a new boiler and installation at no cost—if you’re eligible—without additional fees.
Why is the Government Providing Free Boilers?
You might be thinking—why would energy companies or the government pay for my boiler? There are two main reasons:
- Reduction of energy bills among vulnerable people
Old boilers waste a considerable amount of energy. A G-rated boiler is best at 60-70% efficiency and can waste up to 40p of every £1 that is spent on heating. Energy bills become very high because of this, especially for low-income families.
New A-rated condensing boilers have efficiencies of 90% or higher and can save individuals £300-£500 on their energy bills.
- Reduction of the UK’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Old and inefficient boilers burn more fuel and release more carbon emissions. The UK government wants to reduce Britain’s carbon footprint and reach its climate targets.
By fitting new energy-saving boilers to replace their outdated ones, the UK cuts down pollution and fights against climate change. Because of that, large energy corporations are pressured by the government to foot such grants.
Who Can Get a Free Boiler Replacement?
Not everybody qualifies for a free boiler grant. You have to meet some criteria under the ECO4 scheme.
You Must
- Own your home or be a private tenant with your landlord’s permission
- Be fitted with an out-of-date boiler (usually over 15 years of age)
- Receive benefit from government benefits
- Qualifying benefits are:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Even if you do not have benefits, you can still be eligible if your household is low-income and your house is energy inefficient.
Certain areas of the UK also offer local authority grants under the LA Flex scheme even if you do not claim benefits.
What Types of Boilers Are Offered at No Cost?
If you are eligible for a boiler grant, you will be supplied with a brand-new A-rated condensing boiler. These represent the best energy-efficient boilers currently available.
Types of Boilers Available:
- Combi Boilers – Ideal for small houses and apartments, with heating and hot water supplied by a single unit.
- System boilers – Ideal for medium to large-sized homes that have a separate hot water tank.
- Regular (traditional) boilers – Suitable for conventional heating systems in older houses.
Your house and heating system will be assessed by the installer to determine what will be best for you.
What Does the Free Boiler Grant Include?
When you have a free boiler grant, you don’t need to pay for a boiler on your own. The grant pays for:
- Brand new A-rated boiler
- Professional installation by a qualified engineer
- Removal of your old boiler
- Minor alterations to pipework (as necessary)
- A new thermostat (when required)
This is equivalent to a full boiler replacement at no extra cost to you.
How to Apply for a Free Boiler
Getting a free boiler is simple. Just follow these four easy steps:
Step 1: Check If You Qualify
You can check eligibility online by filling in a brief form. You will be required to provide:
- Your postcode
- Details about your home
- The benefits you receive
Step 2: Free Home Survey
If you qualify, a trained assessor will visit your home. They will:
- Check your boiler’s current age and condition
- Inspect your home’s insulation and energy efficiency
- Recommend the best replacement boiler to meet your needs
Step 3: Boiler Installation
Your new boiler Scotland will be installed free of charge by a qualified engineer. The installation will take a few hours to a day.
Step 4: Save on Energy Bills
You’ll notice it straight away once your new boiler has been fitted. Your home will heat up more quickly, will be warmer for longer periods of time, and you’ll have lower energy bills.
How a New Boiler Will Save You Money
A modern energy-efficient boiler will:
- Reduce your heating bills – Cut £300-£500 off annual energy bills
- Conserve energy – It takes less gas to warm your house
- Decrease carbon emissions – A greener home
- Work more efficiently with smart thermostats – Save more with improved heating control
Briefly, a new boiler increases your home’s efficiency and allows you to save more in your pocket.
What Else You Might Get For Free
Certain ECO4 installers also provide:
- Smart thermostats: You can control your heating with your mobile and save more.
- Radiator valves: These permit you to regulate various temperatures in every room.
- Insulation upgrades: Free wall or loft insulation is also provided to many of the houses to reduce heat loss.
What If You Don’t Qualify for a Free Boiler?
If you don’t qualify for a free boiler through this scheme, you can still be eligible for a much lower-cost boiler under other government schemes. Some of the fitters offer:
- 0% finance packages – Pay for a new boiler in installments over several months
- Boiler scrappage schemes – Receive a discount when you replace your boiler
- Local government grants – Additional funding is available to homeowners in some local schemes.
The Bottom Line
Replacing your boiler does not have to cost you anything. The UK government’s ECO4 scheme offers a free boiler replacement at no extra cost to many people.
If your boiler is faulty, inefficient, or extremely old, you can be eligible. All you have to do is identify a competent installer, see if you qualify, and book a free survey. Within a few weeks, you can have a warm energy-efficient home without spending a single penny.
Don’t let your boiler break down. Get your grant today and save energy, money, and hassle in years to come.
