Get a Free Boiler Through Government Funding
Millions of UK households are paying more than they should for heating. Old boilers waste energy, increase bills, and struggle to keep homes warm. The ECO4 scheme funds boiler replacements for some eligible households to cut energy bills and improve energy efficiency across the UK. It runs until 31 December 2026.
Consumer Rights can no longer help with ECO4 applications, but this guide explains how boiler funding under ECO4 works. For help available now, see the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or current home-energy grants.
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What Is the Boiler Grants UK Scheme?
The Boiler Grants UK scheme is part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), a Government-backed initiative requiring large energy companies to fund energy-saving upgrades for UK homes.
If your boiler is old, inefficient, or broken, and you’re on certain benefits or a low income, you may be eligible for a free replacement.
- Have inefficient gas, oil, or LPG boilers (typically rated D–G).
- Are occupied by people on qualifying benefits or with low household income.
- Are owner-occupied or privately rented.
- Are connected to mains gas.
Who Qualifies for a Boiler Grant in the UK?
You could be eligible for a new A-rated boiler if you meet the following:
Qualifying Benefits include:
- Universal Credit.
- Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings).
- Child Tax Credit.
- Working Tax Credit.
- Income Support.
- Income-based ESA or JSA.
- Housing Benefit.
Property Type:
- Homeowners.
- Private tenants (with landlord permission).
- Some social housing where EPC is E, F, or G.
Boiler Type:
- Non-condensing or over 8 years old.
- Regularly breaks down.
- Energy rating below B.
How the Boiler Grant Process Works
- Eligibility Check: The supplier or installer checks the household qualifies.
- Free Assessment: A TrustMark-registered ECO installer assesses the home.
- Survey & Approval: They check your property and funding eligibility.
- Free Installation: A brand-new, energy-efficient boiler is fitted.
- Enjoy Lower Bills: You’ll instantly save on gas and maintenance costs.
The average household saves £340–£580 per year with an ECO4 boiler upgrade.
Types of Boilers Covered Under ECO4 Grants
The Boiler Grants UK scheme covers multiple types of upgrades depending on your property and heating system.
- Gas Boiler: Eligible for Grant: Yes; Typical Upgrade: A-rated condensing boiler.
- Oil Boiler: Eligible for Grant: Yes; Typical Upgrade: High-efficiency oil system.
- LPG Boiler: Eligible for Grant: Yes; Typical Upgrade: Modern condensing LPG unit.
- Electric Heating: Eligible for Grant: No; Typical Upgrade: May qualify for heat pump grant instead.
Why These Grants Exist
The UK Government’s goal through ECO4 is twofold:
- Lower household energy costs.
- Reduce carbon emissions from older systems.
By replacing inefficient boilers with A-rated models, homes use less fuel for the same comfort, helping families save while supporting national energy goals.
Free Boiler Grants by Region
- England: ECO4 free boiler scheme, Free Boiler Grants England.
- Scotland: Government Boiler Grant Scotland.
- Wales: ECO4 Wales Free Boiler Upgrade.
- Northern Ireland: Home Energy Efficiency Scheme.
Each region has slightly different rules.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
- LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility)
- Low Income Household Route
- Home Improvement or Heating Grants
These routes allow councils to approve applications for people who aren’t on benefits but still struggle with high bills or cold homes.
Real-World Example
Case Study: Sarah from Lancashire was paying over £160 a month for heating with an old back boiler. Through ECO4 funding, she qualified for a free Worcester Bosch combi boiler. Her new energy rating improved from E to C, and her bills dropped by 42%.
Consumer Rights and ECO4
We’re not an installer, and we can no longer help with ECO4 applications. You can apply for a free home battery or see other funding options.
Apply for a free home battery
Register your interest in the free home battery scheme. It only takes a few minutes.
Boiler Grants UK: Quick Summary
- Scheme Name Energy Company Obligation (ECO4).
- Available In England, Scotland, Wales.
- Typical Saving £340–£580/year.
- Installation Time 2–4 weeks.
- Cost Usually 100% funded.
- Runs Until 31 December 2026.
Help Available Now
Consumer Rights can no longer help with ECO4 applications. You can apply for a free home battery or see other funding options.
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
Other Support Available: