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Guidance
Government Grants and Schemes to Help with New Boiler Costs
- From: Kevin Smith
- Published 14 November 2024
Replacing an old boiler can be costly for many households. Yet, at the same time, it’s essential for making energy efficient homes while adding comfort. Thankfully, the UK government provides grants and schemes to help lower these costs.
For instance, the ECO4 scheme has helped many UK households install new boilers with significant cost savings. The blog explains the types of grants, eligibility criteria, and costs you have to bear when buying a new boiler. Some government grants can make it much cheaper than you thought to buy a new boiler.
Typical Costs of New Boilers in the UK
The average boiler installed in the UK can actually range between £1,500 to £4,000. Combi boilers, of course, are around £2,000 if not more advanced systems for £4,000. Installation will sometimes cost an extra fee of £500 to £2,000 or so when it is rather complicated.
These high prices make government assistance valuable for many households. Understanding these costs can help determine the grant amount you may need.
Overview of the ECO4 Scheme
The ECO4 is one of the government’s schemes for energy efficiency. This pays for energy-saving measures, which include installing boilers, for low-income households. The ECO4 scheme is expected to provide £4 billion over four years, supporting thousands of new boilers.
The scheme offers up to 100% boiler costs for eligible households. The cost is hence considerably reduced, or even eradicated, depending on the source. ECO4 targets carbon emission and utility bills reducing energy-efficient measures.
Eligibility Criteria for ECO4 Boiler Grants
To qualify for an ECO4 boiler grant, applicants must meet specific criteria. Households affected: Households need to fall into low-income brackets or government qualifying benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Saving Credit
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support Allowance
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
Homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below are prioritized, as they need significant energy improvements. The ECO4 eligibility ensures that support goes to homes needing energy efficiency upgrades the most.
How Much Can ECO4 Grants Cover?
ECO4 grants can cover up to 100% of new boiler costs for eligible households. The amount you receive depends on your energy needs and current boiler system. While some may receive partial funding, many applicants benefit from full coverage.
Since the ECO4 scheme has a set budget, funds are prioritized for households needing urgent energy upgrades. With grants often covering installation, households can save up to £4,000 in total costs.
Upgrade Your Old Boiler For Free
If you or any of your household is on benefits, you may be eligible for ECO4 Boiler Grant.
Application Process for Boiler Grants
Applying for an ECO4 boiler grant involves just a few steps:
- You’ll need to confirm eligibility based on your income and energy needs.
- Next, contact an approved ECO4 installer to assess your boiler requirements.
- Then the installer will complete an energy assessment and facilitate your boiler grant application for free.
- Once approved, the installer will schedule the boiler replacement, usually completed within a few days.
This streamlined process ensures eligible homes receive efficient heating promptly.
Benefits of Getting a Government-Funded Boiler
A government-funded boiler provides numerous advantages. It ensures reliable heating, especially during cold months. ECO4 grants aim to reduce heating costs by up to 35%, offering long-term savings.
For this reason, new boilers grants are funded to make homes energy-efficient. It also helps reduce carbon footprint. Government funding helps low-income households get efficient heating systems without spending even a penny.
Additional Grants and Schemes that Sponsor Boiler Costs
Beyond ECO4, other schemes also provide boiler assistance. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides up to £5,000 for a new boiler, an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating.
Additionally, the Warm Home Discount gives eligible households a £150 discount on winter heating bills in some regions. These schemes complement ECO4, offering multiple options for those seeking financial relief on heating costs
Statistics on ECO4 Boiler Installations So Far
Since its launch, the ECO4 scheme has granted over 70,000 boiler installations across the UK. This initiative has already saved households an estimated £15 million in heating costs. ECO4 will assist a further 300,000 homes to its end date in 2026.
The success of the scheme further demonstrates that the government would really like to help families who are less well-off. This in turn improves the energy efficiency of those homes at no upfront cost. These statistics demonstrate the widespread impact of ECO4 on energy bills of those households who are on benefits.
How New Boilers Help Save Energy and Reduce Costs
It also burns less fuel, and the new boiler is much more energy-efficient compared to the old ones. A change to a new boiler should save up to 30% per year on heating bills. They also have less carbon, so they fit well with UK strategies to cut carbon.
ECO4 encourages the free energy-efficient heating upgrading by significantly reducing the financial burden. helping more households enjoy these cost and energy savings. Over time, new boilers reduce overall energy consumption in the United Kingdom.
Tips to Make the Most of Boiler Grants
- To maximize ECO4 or other boiler grants, prepare your documents thoroughly. These include proof of benefits, income statements, and your home’s EPC rating.
- Working with an approved installer also ensures a smooth process, as they handle most of the paperwork.
- Choosing a high-efficiency boiler model maximizes long-term energy savings.
By following these tips, you can ensure timely approval and enjoy the benefits of a new boiler.
Boiler Replacement Scheme for Over 60s
The Boiler Replacement Scheme helps individuals over 60, especially those on low incomes, reduce boiler replacement costs. Seniors often face high heating expenses due to older, inefficient boilers. This grant provides eligible recipients with financial assistance to make heating more affordable.
With the scheme’s support, seniors gain access to safe, efficient heating, enhancing comfort and lowering energy bills. Additionally, programs like ECO4 or the Warm Home Discount help reduce winter energy costs, offering added peace of mind.
Oil Boiler Grant: Help for Non-Gas Households
The Oil Boiler Grant supports homes not connected to the gas grid, often in rural areas, by covering costs for efficient oil boiler upgrades. Off-grid households typically face high heating expenses with oil boilers.
This grant helps by funding replacements, ensuring safe and affordable heating. It also allows for upgrades to renewable options where feasible, aligning with the government’s goal for affordable, environmentally friendly heating for households without gas access.
Combining Boiler Replacement Schemes and Grants for Savings
Homeowners, especially those over 60 or off-grid, can combine various grants to maximize savings. It can help them save a lot on the price of boilers through funding from the Boiler Replacement Scheme for Over 60s, ECO4, or the Oil Boiler Grant.
Savings up to 30% of the costs on energy and government schemes that may help cover 50-100% of the expenses on new boiler replacement based on the terms will be delivered complementarily through these grants.
Affordable Heating Solutions with Government Support
Government grants and schemes make new boilers affordable, especially for low-income households. The ECO4 scheme has already provided substantial financial support, saving households millions in heating costs.
With new boilers being essential for energy efficiency, grants help ensure more households access reliable heating. Applying for a grant could save you thousands of pounds and help you enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
Frequently Asked Question
Of course, if you or someone living in your property receives certain government benefits you can apply for government grants. This is given under ECO4 scheme and Boiler Upgrade Scheme to help low-income households.
A new boiler usually costs between £750 to £3000 based on the type of boiler you buy based on your home heating requirements. However, if you buy a boiler as a part of the whole central heating system, the cost may exceed £8,000.
