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Old homes usually have a low EPC rating due to inefficient heating and insulation. This, in turn, puts more financial pressure on those households who have low-income. While a new boiler cost is not within the budget of many, some people seek free boiler replacement.
But exactly who qualifies for the free boiler scheme under the ECO4 at present. This blog will highlight all the requirements that if any of you fulfils will get a new boiler with free installation at absolutely zero cost.
Who Provides Funding for the Free Boiler Replacement?
The boiler replacement grant is mainly funded by top energy companies under the umbrella of the UK government. These companies help eligible low-income households through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, which helps save energy and reduce harmful emission. The goal is to make every UK home more energy-efficient by reducing energy consumption. These Funding helps both the environment and people simultaneously.
Why Does the Government Give Free Boilers?
The government wants to reduce pollution and save energy. Older boilers are more expensive to operate and consume more energy. Existing non-condensing boilers are being replaced with modern models to save energy costs. It also benefits the environment by lowering toxic gas emissions. For this reason, qualified individuals might get free boilers & installation from the UK government through the ECO4 scheme.
Who Can Replace Old Boilers for Free in 2024-2025?
To replace your back boiler at zero cost, you must meet certain conditions. It is not available to everyone. You must be:
- Homeowner
- Private Tenant
Being a homeowner or private tenant does not guarantee to get a free boiler. You must meet other ECO4 requirements to apply for the boiler grants.
Replace Your Old Boiler Today!
Eligibility Criteria
- Your property should have a gas metre installed before April, 2022.
- EPC rating of your property should be below D
- You or any of your household should claim ECO4 qualifying benefits
- Your property should have no existing boiler or have a non-condensing boiler installed before 2005.
ECO4 Qualifying Benefits
If you are on certain benefits, you qualify for a free boiler replacement. These include:
- Income-based Job seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support Allowance (ISA)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
Benefits Which Make You Disqualify for Boiler Grants
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Child Benefit with income above the set limits
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
How Do I Apply for the Free Boiler Scheme?
First, you need to fill out a simple form available on our website that will hardly take 60 seconds. After you know your eligibility, our grant experts will schedule a visit by our expert surveyor to assess your property. If your free boiler scheme application is approved, a new boiler will be installed into your property without any charges. Our grant experts will assist you for free throughout the application.
1. Apply If You are a Homeowner
Homeowners are eligible if they receive certain benefits. They should also meet other criteria including low EPC, boiler category, and gas metre requirements. Since homeowners are in charge of maintaining their heating systems, they are the main target of the ECO4 scheme. It is worthwhile to find out whether you qualify for the boiler grant if you are a homeowner.
2. Apply If You are a Private Tenant
Tenants can also apply, but they need permission from the landlord, and should be living in a privately rented property. After all, it’s the landlord’s property, so any installation or construction-related work should be done with the landlord’s consent. Moreover, only those tenants are eligible for the boiler replacement grant whose household can show a benefit letter.
Are Landlords Eligible for a Boiler Replacement Grant?
If their tenants meet the requirements, landlords can definitely benefit from the grant. They are unable to apply directly, but only eligible private tenants can apply with their permission. Landlords should take full advantage of this scheme to increase their property worth. By providing an energy-efficient heating system, the free boiler scheme assists landlords in attracting new tenants or selling property at a high value.
What Type of Boilers Are Replaced for Free?
The boiler grant focuses on replacing outdated and inefficient boilers installed before 2005. They are non-condensing boilers that use more energy to provide less heat. Moreover, these old boilers frequently break down too often and require repairing.
Back boiler replacement scheme removes these inefficient boilers and install condensing models. This means lower energy bills and a more reliable heating system at no financial burden to your pocket. A new boiler can make a big difference in the comfort of your home and increase your annual savings.
How Long Does the Application Process Take?
The application process for a free boiler replacement is fast. It can take a few days from applying to getting the boiler installed. First, the company will check your eligibility. Then, they will inspect your home and your current boiler for assessment. After that, they will schedule the installation. The entire process usually takes around 3 days if all your documents are verified.
How Early Should You Apply for the Free Boiler Replacement Grant?
It is highly recommended to apply early before the extreme winters start in December 2024. This will save you from possible delays due to various unforeseen causes. On the flip side, if you wait for the ECO4 deadline, your chances might be lower. This is because if you are eligible today, it is not guaranteed that you will remain eligible in the future.
Tips to Get a Free Boiler Quickly Under the Scheme
To speed up your application:
- Have all your documents ready, which includes proof of ownership/tenantship, benefits letter and income.
- Applying early can also help you avoid long waits.
- Being prepared in advance can make the process smoother and faster.
- Apply through Grant Boilers for faster results.
- Keep in touch with the installer to ask for application status.
What If You Do Not Qualify for the Boiler Replacement?
If you do not qualify, then don’t be disappointed! You should look for discounts or low-interest loans, as few energy companies offer payment plans for new boilers. Even if you don’t meet the ECO4 eligibility, you can apply to Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) or ECO Flex if you are on a long illness. Do not give up if you do not qualify. There may still be ways to make a new boiler more affordable.
Conclusion
If your energy bills are sky-rocket, the government free boiler scheme can improve your home efficiency. It may keep your property warm and help you save a big amount every year. The ECO4 boiler scheme aims to assist people who are most in need.
Either a homeowner or a private tenant can apply if he or his household is on certain government benefits. It is an excellent chance to upgrade your heating system without paying a single penny. Apply as soon as possible to benefit from a warmer house this winter!
Frequently Asked Questions
You should look for three things:
- No condensate white pipe exist beneath your boiler
- Your boiler is installed before 2005
- Your boiler has a high running cost.
Your chances will be 100% only if you meet the eligibility criteria as mentioned in this blog. Not meeting any criteria may reduce your luck to enjoy a brand new boiler installed for free.
