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Need a new boiler, yet can’t afford it? You are not alone. It’s very costly to replace an old, inefficient boiler. Depending on the model, a new boiler can cost anything from £600 to £2,500. Yet, most people in the UK have very limited capacity to pay for energy-efficient systems. Many low-income households, equally, cannot even think of covering such costs of a new boiler. That’s where various schemes provided by the government come in, such as ECO4.
That means, when in receipt of certain benefits, you could be qualified under the ECO4 grant and get a free boiler. You can install an old, inefficient boiler at no upfront cost and save your cash on energy bills by making the home warmer and comfortable enough.
Millions of UK Households Cannot Afford a New Boiler
This can be a luxury that many families in the UK cannot afford. More than 3 million fuel-poverty households cannot afford the luxury of heating their homes during the coldest months of the year. This also means that they are often forced to make do with outdated boilers or have not installed proper insulation. This culminates in big energy bills and chilly homes. If that rings a bell, do not worry, you are not alone.
The cost of changing the boiler may be beyond your pocket, but there is always government support like the ECO4 scheme. It is specifically designed for people just like you and aimed at helping them in making their homes warmer while they are more energy-efficient.
Why You Need a New Boiler
Boilers lose some of their efficiency with age. A very old boiler increases your energy bills and costs for repairs. The following are some of the signs that it is probably time to have a new boiler:
- Your boiler is over 15 years old.
- It’s always breaking down and needing repairs.
- Your energy costs are increasing.
- It takes a long time to heat up your radiators.
- The boiler is making some weird noises.
- The temperature of the water is irregular.
- You detect any unusual odours or leaks.
The above signs completely indicate the need for replacement, which you should consider right now to keep your home safe and warm.
Need a Free Boiler? Here's How to Get One
If one cannot afford it, here comes the good news. The UK government has initiated several schemes to help low-income families access energy-efficient heating systems for free. Under such schemes, replacing your old and inefficient boiler with a modern one is possible without any upfront expenditure.
Upgrade Your Boiler Today!
The ECO4 Scheme
The ECO scheme began in 2013, which puts an obligation on large energy suppliers to fund energy-saving improvements in households across the UK. Its most recent iteration is known as ECO4. It is running until 2026 and focuses attention and resources on those homes that are the least energy-efficient. Indeed, this focuses solely on dwellings rated D, E, F, and G under the EPC, which enables these two low-performing groups of homes to make considerable energy savings.
Who Can Get a Free Boiler Under the ECO4 Scheme?
Following are the criteria one needs to fit to qualify for a Boiler Replacement Grant under the ECO4 scheme:
- Homeowners and private tenants (with permission from the landlord)
- The existing boiler is 15 years old and of non-condensing type.
- Home has an EPC rating of E, F, or G.
- A gas metre already fitted at the property before April 2022
- Annual household income is less than £31,000.
Qualifying Government Benefits
You must be receiving at least one of the following benefits:
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support Allowance (ISA)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
Other Carbon Saving Measures Under the ECO4 Scheme
The ECO4 scheme offers more than just free boilers—it includes other carbon saving measures to improve energy efficiency at home. These measures may consist of loft, cavity wall, and floor insulation to keep your home warmer and reduce heating costs. It also supports the installation of air source heat pumps. These are up to 400% more efficient.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme – BUS
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme applies grants for the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with energy-efficient alternatives. It provides a grant of up to £7,500 for the air and ground source heat pumps, or £5,000 toward biomasses on boilers.
Unlike the ECO4 scheme, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not fully fund the cost of a new boiler. Rather, it significantly contributes toward reducing the cost of upgrades to more sustainable heating solutions.
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Other than that, another scheme would involve targeting more UK households with energy-saving measures: the Great British Insulation Scheme, also known as ECO+. If you do not qualify for the ECO4 scheme, you may want to consider the GBIS. It will be open for more households, including those council tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales, with EPC ratings of D or below.
Under the GBIS, you can access grants for insulation and, if eligible, additional heating controls. It is intended to continue this scheme until March 2026, allowing homeowners more scope and chances to modify or improve their home’s energy efficiency.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Old Boiler
Replacing your old boiler can come with several advantages.
Lower Energy Bills
A new boiler reduces the energy you consume. Because of this more efficient burning, it uses much less energy, which means lower energy bills, hence saving much money in the long run.
Increased Energy Efficiency
New boilers, especially A-rated ones, are over 90% efficient. This is a big leap from the older models, which may only operate at an approximate 65% efficiency or less.
Decreased Carbon Footprint
It can also help you reduce your carbon footprint. So, you can play your part in reaching the UK’s carbon reduction targets.
Lower Repair Costs
The old boilers glow red hot and are prone to breakdowns, with high costs of repair. A newly installed boiler minimises boiler failures and costly repairs, allowing you to be at peace.
Increased Comfort at Home
New boilers provide more even heating in your house. Those cold spots disappear, therefore making your living space much warmer and cosy during winter.
Can't Afford a New Boiler? Free Grants Have Got You Covered
If you find yourself worried about the replacement cost of a new boiler, then the ECO4 scheme is just what you want. The government-assisted scheme provides free boiler grants for low-income homes to install new energy efficiency boilers in place of older, inefficient ones. You will not need to pay any upfront costs because the scheme covers both the boiler and the installation of this boiler.
It can’t get any easier: see if you qualify, apply, and you have a warmer but more energy-efficient home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you might qualify for a free boiler grant, thanks to the UK government through the Energy Company Obligation scheme. You have to meet certain criteria in order for them to decide whether you are qualified enough or not.
In the UK alone, a new boiler can cost anything between £500 and £3,500 without an installation fee. The price depends on the model and brand of boiler you choose.
If you cannot afford a new boiler, this is where the ECO4 scheme can help. It could get you a free replacement. The grant covers the whole cost with no upfront expenses. Check your eligibility today and apply through an accredited provider!
Yes, you are. The free boiler grant incorporates homeowners who are in receipt of Universal Credit, whose current boiler is over 15 years old, or whose property EPC rating is below D.
