
Are you finding it harder to stay warm even after turning up your heating? Struggling with rising energy bills, and the thought of replacing your old boiler feels financially impossible? You’re not alone and there’s good news. Thanks to government-backed boiler grant schemes, you could qualify for a free, energy-efficient boiler upgrade. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know who is eligible, how the application process works, and how you can start saving money while enjoying a warmer, greener home.
Whether you’re a homeowner, a tenant, or a single parent, you could be entitled to a boiler grant that transforms your home’s energy efficiency at no cost. A professional installer will assess your current boiler’s age, condition, and efficiency to determine if you qualify. But finding a trustworthy installer doesn’t have to be a challenge that’s where Heating Guide comes in. Simply complete our short form, and we’ll connect you. our trusted installers. There’s no obligation, no hidden fees just expert help to get you started.
What is the UK government ECO4 scheme?
The ECO4 scheme, funded by energy providers, is designed to lower carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty by offering financial support for energy-efficient home improvements. It’s important to note that energy companies have discretion over which retrofit projects they choose to fund and the level of support they provide.
If you’re considering applying for a free boiler grant under ECO4, here’s what you’ll need to qualify:
-
You must be a homeowner or a tenant in privately rented or social housing (government-owned properties are not eligible).
-
Your existing boiler should be at least 8 years old.
-
You or someone in your household must receive one or more qualifying benefits, such as Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child Benefit, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit Savings Credit, or Universal Credit.
-
Your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.
-
Your property must be connected to a mains gas supply. Please note that ECO4 does not cover installations of LPG, biomass, or oil boilers.
If you meet these criteria, applying for a free boiler grant is simple. You can either complete a short online application form or contact a registered ECO installer who can guide you through the process.
The free boiler grant scheme is intended to support households genuinely in need of financial assistance to improve home energy efficiency. If your current boiler is old, inefficient, or faulty, you could be eligible for a free boiler replacement helping you enjoy a warmer home and lower energy bills.
Who qualifies for a free boiler Grant?
Great news: you don’t necessarily have to own your home to be eligible for a government boiler grant.
Under the free boiler scheme, you may qualify whether you’re a homeowner, a private tenant, provided you meet certain conditions:
-
Homeowners: You are eligible if the property is your main residence. Detached houses are generally excluded, although bungalows may be considered under specific circumstances.
-
Private tenants: If you rent from a private landlord and hold a valid tenancy agreement, you could qualify for a boiler grant. However, it’s important to note that the application must be made by the property owner.
Government’s free boiler scheme is designed to help make homes warmer, more energy-efficient, and more affordable.

jump to a similar post
Who Qualifies for ECO4 Grants?
ECO4 scheme is designed to help UK homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency through free heating and insulation upgrades. To qualify, you must meet certain criteria:
1. Low-Income Households
If your household income is below a specific threshold, you may be eligible for the grant. This includes individuals and families receiving government benefits.
2. Eligibility Based on Benefits
If you or someone in your household receives any of the following benefits, you may qualify:
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Income Support (IS)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Warm Home Discount Scheme Rebate
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Benefits (subject to income thresholds)
3. Homes with Poor Energy Efficiency Ratings
Properties with a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G are prioritized for grants. This ensures that homes that need energy-saving improvements the most receive funding.
4. Outdated or Inefficient Boilers
If your home has an old, inefficient, or frequently malfunctioning boiler, you may qualify for a free boiler replacement. Boilers that are over 20 years old or have low efficiency ratings are strong candidates for this grant. Even if your boiler isn’t 20+ years old, an outdated or inefficient system could still make you eligible.
By meeting one or more of these criteria, you could receive free heating upgrades, first-time central heating, insulation improvements, and more—helping you reduce energy bills and stay warm at no cost.
Which boilers qualify for a free boiler?
If you’re considering upgrading your gas boiler in the UK, you might qualify for a free boiler grant under the government’s ECO4 scheme. To be eligible, certain conditions must be met:
-
Your current boiler should be at least 15 years old.
-
It must be a gas boiler.
-
The boiler should have a G-rated energy efficiency or lower.
-
It should be non-condensing.
-
It must be the main heating source for your home.
In addition to the ECO4 scheme, you may also benefit from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). This initiative helps homeowners and tenants move towards greener heating solutions. If you have an older, inefficient fossil fuel system (such as a gas or oil boiler) that is at least 15 years old, you could receive a £5,000 grant to assist with the cost of installing a heat pump or biomass boiler. This not only helps to lower your energy bills but also reduces your carbon footprint.
There’s also an opportunity through the 0% VAT Scheme. If your boiler is more than two years old, you could qualify for a 0% VAT rate on a brand-new boiler installation. This scheme is available to both homeowners and tenants, with one important condition: a household member must be aged 60 or above.
Each of these programs is designed to make energy-efficient heating more accessible while helping you enjoy cost savings and a warmer, more comfortable home.
Can You Qualify for a Boiler Grant if You Receive PIP?
Currently, PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is no longer considered a standalone qualifying benefit for boiler grants under the UK government’s ECO4 scheme. However, if you receive PIP alongside other eligible benefits, you may still be entitled to a free boiler grant.