Replacing your boiler is a big investment. While it can deliver cost savings regarding the amount of power you use, the initial outlay can seem more than a little prohibitive. The good news is there may be a boiler grant available across England, Wales and Scotland, if you meet the right criteria.
These are mostly government and energy company funded boiler grants but there are what are called Local Authority Flexible Energy Schemes that you may also want to investigate more closely. #Here’s our quick guide.
Who Can Apply for a Boiler Grant?
With most initiatives, there are eligibility criteria that you will need to meet to qualify for a grant. This can include whether or not you are on a low income, whether you wish to swap up to an eco-friendly solution like a heat pump, the energy efficiency rating of your home and, for local grants, where you live.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government initiative aimed at helping homeowners in England and Wales transition to low-carbon heating systems. This scheme provides grants to support the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers. You can only get a grant if you are switching from a fossil-fuel heating system to a low-carbon one.
Under the BUS, you could receive:
- £7,500 towards an air source heat pump
- £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump
- £5,000 towards a biomass boiler
You need to own the property that you are applying for but you don’t need to receive benefits to qualify for this type of boiler grant. However, your property will have to meet certain energy efficiency standards, and the installation must be carried out by a certified installer.
There are a few important things to also take into account:
- You need space to install a heat pump outside. If you are investing in a ground source or water source heat pump you will need to budget for the extra cost of excavation for installation.
- Heat pumps provide low but constant heat so your property needs to be sufficiently insulated. You may also need to switch your existing radiators for larger ones that can provide the coverage to heat your home.
Find out About Heat Pumps Here.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
The ECO4 scheme means that large energy companies are required to help households in England and Wales improve their energy efficiency. In some cases, this can include funding for new boilers, insulation, and other energy-saving measures. Again, it is available for homeowners only. If you are a tenant, then you will need to contact your landlord.
To be eligible for ECO4, you usually need to be receiving certain benefits, such as:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Child Tax Credits
- Working Tax Credits
A key factor here is the energy efficiency of your home. The scheme is designed to help upgrade energy efficiency in homes that are low-income. When it comes to boiler grants, then the age of the boiler needs to be taken into account. If it is less than 10 years old, you are unlikely to qualify.
ECO4, however, does have lots of other support for improving energy efficiency, including updating loft insulation and installing cavity wall insulation.
Home Energy Scotland
Scotland has its own dedicated scheme for home energy improvements, known as Home Energy Scotland. This scheme offers a range of support, including advice, interest-free loans, and some grants for eligible homeowners. While the focus isn’t solely on boiler replacements, they are often included as part of a wider package of energy efficiency measures.
Who is eligible for a Home Energy Scotland Boiler Grant?
Eligibility for Home Energy Scotland support varies depending on the specific type of assistance. You will need to be the homeowner, but you do not need to be in receipt of benefits.
Currently, the offer for grants is similar to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales and is available for those wishing to switch from a fossil-fuel heating system to a low-carbon one. Home Energy Scotland also provides loans for other systems such as solar and district heating scheme connections.
You will need to contact Home Energy Scotland directly to discuss you needs and grants and loans are judged on an individual basis. Find out more here.
Local Authority Flexible Energy (LA Flex) Schemes
Some local authorities have their schemes, often referred to as LA Flex, which allow them to set their own criteria for who can receive a boiler grant. These schemes are designed to help households that might not qualify for ECO4 but are still in need of assistance. This focuses on those on low incomes and those with health problems that are exacerbated by living in a cold home or with old technology such as a non-condensing boiler.
For example, if you’re on a low income but don’t receive benefits, or if you have a health condition that’s worsened by living in a cold home, you might be eligible under an LA Flex scheme. It’s worth contacting your local council to find out what’s available in your area.
If you want to find out more about LA Flex in your area and if there are any boiler grants available, then complete the form below.
I’m Not Eligible for a Boiler Grant, What Can I Do?
The eligibility for grants can mean that many people don’t qualify for assistance. The Green Deal is a way to help you make energy improvements to your home and find the best way to pay for them.
You will first need to get an assessment through a registered Green Deal Assessor. They will produce a report with recommendations which may include upgrading your existing boiler. You will then need to contact a Green Deal Provider who should be able to offer you a low cost financial plan to pay for the installation.
What Are the Benefits of a New Boiler?
New boilers are much more energy-efficient than older models, which means they use less fuel to heat your home. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills, especially if your old boiler was particularly inefficient.
- Modern boilers produce fewer carbon emissions, which is better for the environment. By upgrading to a new boiler, you’ll be doing your bit to help reduce the UK’s carbon footprint.
- New boilers are more reliable and provide better heating performance. You’ll notice that your home heats up more quickly and stays warm for longer, making it more comfortable during the colder months.
- A new boiler can also increase the value of your property. If you ever decide to sell your home, having a modern, energy-efficient boiler will be a big selling point for potential buyers.
If you are thinking about upgrading any time soon, it’s important to look at the boiler grants available. To find out what you might be eligible for, complete our grant checker below.
