The Government typically give you bugger all. In 2024, they're largely true to form.
If your boiler breaks down, or, is beyond economical repair and you need a new boiler replacement, it's not going to be cheap.
If you can't afford the lump sum in one hit, you may be entitled to use one of the various - and super elusive - grant schemes to secure a boiler grant to subsidise a portion of the cost or potentially the full cost (a.k.a free boilers).
In recent times gone by, various forms of assistance including boiler grants and eco-schemes, which can help with a portion, or the full cost of a new boiler.
[2024 update]
2024 however is a different landscape, with almost all of the free boiler schemes being eradicated. Instead, greener technologies (heat pumps) are largely being pushed with grants of up to £7,500 available to anyone.
Alternatively, pay monthly boilers allow you to spread the cost over time.
Not everyone will meet the eligibility criteria for these schemes, so in this article, we’ll explore the available options and provide all the most important details to help you make the best decision for your circumstances.
If you’re in need of a new boiler, read our new boiler replacement guide for a full summary of the factors you should consider.
Curious to know which boiler brand performed worst? Find out in our report of the worst boilers.
Boiler Grants - Free and Subsidised
There are three main types of "boiler grant" funding available, first:
Energy Companies Obligations Scheme (ECO Boiler Scheme) Boiler Grants
The 'ECO' scheme was implemented for two reasons.
Firstly, to help the UK Government meet its challenging carbon footprint reduction targets - helping to save the planet by helping private tenants and landlords replace old boilers with modern energy-efficient models.
Secondly, the scheme aims to help low-income households and some of the countries more vulnerable people get easier access to a new boiler, either completely free of charge or a large portion of the cost subsidised.
Although this scheme does seem ideal, the reality is that very few people are eligible due to rigorous eligibility requirements.
For instance, to qualify for the ECO scheme you must be in receipt of certain benefits, such as:
Tax credits
Income support
Job seekers allowance (JSA)
Income related support allowance (ESA)
PIP
Universal Credit
DLA
Carers allowance
Pension credit
Child benefit
You must also be a homeowner.
Private tenants and Landlords are no longer able to apply for the free boiler scheme.
The ECO grant scheme is offered by some of the UK’s biggest energy companies and is part of their obligation to help low-income households. These companies include the following:
British Gas
Co-operative Energy
EDF Energy
Eon
Shell Energy
Npower
Ovo
Scottish Power
SSE
Utilita
Utility Warehouse
If you are eligible to apply for the scheme, the energy company will usually notify you. If you aren’t, then you can still apply for the ECO scheme and may be awarded a grant if you meet the requirements. Apply for the free boiler scheme here.
Alternatively, contact the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.
Boiler Grant Funding via The LA Flex Scheme
A 2018 update to the scheme means that from September, local councils will have much more influence over which of their constituents are able to qualify for a funded boiler.
Sadly, they aren't able to just pick and choose based on requests though.
They'll have already agreed amongst themselves who they believe to be the most at-risk or vulnerable group people in their community, for example; many towns and cities will be well aware that they have a high level of pensioners struggling to keep their home warm in winter - in this instance are most likely they would opt to help these people.
Don't worry - LA stands for Local Authority, not Los Angeles
Councils of poorer areas may simply decide to push more help the way of people on low household incomes, regardless of any benefits they may or may not be in receipt of.
The list goes on but the LA Flex scheme means that the local councils of the country can look to provide help where they know for a fact that it is needed.
To apply, or see if you qualify for LA Flex boiler grant funding, call your local county council.
Affordable Warmth Obligation
This scheme replaced the Warm Front scheme and is a part of the ECO scheme.
It assists with boiler replacement costs, boiler repairs and support is also offered for a range of other energy-efficiency improvements.
Like the regular ECO scheme, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify. Individuals in private property, renters and social housing can be eligible. For those in social housing, in order to be approved, it must be the first time a new heating system has been installed.
Your property would also have to have an E, F or G energy rating, which can be determined from your building’s Energy Performance Certificate.
If you would like to find out more about the Affordable Warmth Obligation scheme, you can contact 0300 123 1234.
Boiler Scrappage Scheme
The Boiler Scrappage Scheme is no longer operating, but it awarded money-off vouchers when replacing your old boiler with a new, energy-efficient model.
It had similar eligibility criteria as the ECO scheme and was popular at the time. However, the funding was finite and once used was replaced by the other schemes.
When this Government scheme came to an end, some private companies took this as an opportunity to offer money-off vouchers.
Boilers on Finance
If you are not eligible for any of the government grants, then you may have stumbled across boiler renting deals or boiler financing.
These are offered by private lenders and allow you to avoid the hefty upfront costs of a boiler replacement and instead pay for your boiler monthly.
If you meet the lender's eligibility criteria, you can potentially pay for your boiler in monthly instalments over 3, 5, 7 or 10 years.
Read all about financing options in our guide to boilers on finance.
Pay monthly boiler finance summary:
No deposit required (up to 50% optional)
Make overpayments with no penalty
Spread the cost over 3, 5, 7 or 10 years
Interest rates from 9.9% APR
Partial Funding For New Boilers
If you are in receipt of the correct benefits but you don't live in a house that's deemed particularly inefficient, then you may only qualify for partial funding.
This means that you will have to pay a contribution towards the cost of the boiler and its installation.
The contributions vary depending on your current property and fuel type, but, below is a rough guide to common contribution amounts for homes with a mains gas supply.
Bear in mind that the older the property, the more funding you're likely to receive, due to their perceived lack of efficiency.
House TypeBedroomsPotential Contribution | ||
Terraced | 2-3 | £800 - £1850 |
Bungalow | 2-3 | £800 - £1850 |
Semi-det | 2-3 | £500 - £1000 |
Semi-det | 3+ | £500 - £800 |
Detached | 2-3 | £400 - £600 |
Detached | 4+ | £200 - £400 |
Where can you apply for partial funding for boiler grants?
Checking whether you could qualify free boiler is the easy part... head over to boilergrants.org.uk and apply online.
The above advice and table contents are to be used as a guide only and are not binding or claimed to be 100% accurate in any way. All contribution data is based on estimates from installer partners of BoilerGrants.org.uk.
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