The UK government is offering a number of heating grants to help homeowners and landlords make their homes more energy efficient and reduce their energy bills. These grants are available for a variety of energy efficiency measures such as boilers and heat pumps.
What heating grants are available in the United Kingdom?
ECO4 Heating Grants
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) or Affordable Warmths scheme, introduced in 2013, encourages homeowners to improve their energy efficiency. It includes Gas Boilers, Oil-fired boilers, LPG-burning boilers and Electric Accumulator Heaters.
The most recent available programme is ECO4, which encourages the six largest energy companies to invest in energy-efficient measures. ECO is divided into three primary responsibilities:
- Affordable Warmth
- Energy Carbon Reduction Responsibility
- Carbon Saving Obligation
Remember that eligibility requirements vary based on location, personal circumstances, and the measures already distributed in your area.
The following may be available to you through the ECO4 scheme:
- Boiler Replacement
- New heating technologies, including heat pumps and storage heaters
- Internal Wall Insulation
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- External Wall Insulation (with a contribution)
- Solar panels
Several insulation grants are available throughout the United Kingdom through various schemes, including the “Affordable Warmth Scheme” and the “Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) Scheme,” as well as numerous local incentive programmes. Through 2026, the Household Support Fund for England and Wales will be available.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) continues the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) initiative, for which applications were no longer accepted after March 2022. BUS encourages the installation of carbon-neutral heating options. You might be eligible to register for BUS if you reside in England or Wales.
BUS offers financial assistance for the following carbon-efficient heating systems:
- Air Source Heat Pump: Installation and cost savings of £5,000
- Ground Source Heat Pump: Installation and cost savings of £6,000
- Biomass Boiler: Installation and cost savings of £5,000
The biomass boiler grant is restricted to rural properties not connected to the main gas infrastructure. Self-constructed dwellings are not eligible.
Extra grants and assistance
There are a variety of advice and support options available to Scots. For specifics, please consult local Scottish Government resources. Consider also the Priority Services Register (PSR), which assists low-income households with their energy requirements. Other government programmes, such as the Green Homes Grant and the Winter Fuel Payment, may also be advantageous.