Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4 Grant
A number of government energy grants are available for those seeking free boiler upgrades in the UK, including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4).
These Energy Crisis Support Schemes are designed to help homeowners and tenants improve the energy efficiency of their properties, particularly those with EPC rating D and lower.
Not all boilers can be replaced under ECO4; eligibility depends on individual circumstances and a property survey. Start below to find out if your boiler qualifies for replacement, along with other heating measures that can enhance your home’s energy efficiency
Boiler replacement grant applications under ECO4 are now open for: April 2024
Am I eligible for upgrade boiler grant under ECO4? You can check if you qualify below:
If you own a property and receive the correct combination of OFGEM approved qualifying benefits there’s a good chance we can enhance your home’s energy efficiency at no cost to you. Begin your application below to discover if you’re eligible?
- Homeowners or Private Tenants (with landlord permission)
- Recipients of qualifying benefits
Why Would You Need to Upgrade Your Boiler?
It’s a good idea to upgrade your boiler for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption that you can monitor on a smart meter, which translates into lower energy bills.
Secondly, it’s an environmentally-friendly move, reducing carbon emissions and helping the UK to meet its climate change targets.
Thirdly, newer boiler systems tend to require fewer repairs and maintenance, saving you money and hassle in the long term.
Lastly, upgrading your boiler can increase the value of your property, making it a sound investment.
- Improved Energy Efficiency
- Lower Utility Bills
- Reliability
- Safety
- Better Heating Control
- Space Saving
- Meeting Regulations
- Environmentally Friendly
Funding and Grants: Navigating the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4
It is possible to upgrade your boiler heating system through both the BUS grant (Boiler Upgrade Scheme UK) and ECO4 if you qualify.
The BUS will cover up to £6,000 of the cost of replacing your old boiler with a more energy efficient heating system. With ECO4, you can replace your boiler and have other heating measures installed at no cost to you.
Let’s explore the details, so you can know the difference and whether you qualify for free energy efficiency upgrades.
£5,000 Boiler Grant and Other Financial Support
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme in the UK offers a grant for boiler upgrade up to £6,000 (£5000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump or biomass boiler and £6000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump). This financial support can be a an answear for many households looking for help with gas and electric bills. It is part of the government’s boiler grant to encourage the use of more efficient heating systems. You can apply for it on the government website.
Understanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The UK government boiler upgrade scheme doesn’t only support traditional boiler systems. Part of the UK boiler upgrade scheme grant is the Heat Pump Initiative, a move to introduce more sustainable heating solutions. The grant to replace old boiler such as back boiler or oil boiler with air source heat pump (ASHP), ground heat pump or biomass boiler is one such initiative under the BUS or ECO4 that helps residents transition to greener alternatives.
The scheme does not allow replacing an old boiler with a new one. A more energy-efficient heating system, such as a heat pump or a biomass boiler, must be implemented.
Comparison: Boiler Upgrade Scheme vs ECO4
Navigating the landscape of energy efficiency measures improvement schemes can be complex, particularly when deciding between options such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4. We’ve compared the two, highlighting their key similarities and distinct differences, to help you make an informed decision on the most suitable path for your home improvement needs.
Key Similarities
They also both offer support to qualifying homeowners and tenants as the help to decrease energy bills by improving your home’s heating system.
Distinct Differences
While the two schemes share similar goals, there are notable differences. The Boiler Upgrade Grant primarily supports boiler replacements with financing up to £6,000 pounds, while the ECO4 scheme covers a broader range of heating measures, including loft and cavity wall insulation and installation of low carbon heating system.
Furthermore, the ECO4 can cover the full cost of the boiler replacement, making it a more comprehensive solution.
How to Apply for a boiler upgrade through ECO4?
ECO4 Boiler Upgrade Scheme Application Process
Apply for boiler upgrade scheme via ECO4 in a three-step process:
Step 1 – Eligibility check
First, you’ll need to find out if you’re eligible to receive the grant.
Step 2 – Survey
If you qualify, our advisor books a no-obligation survey, to inspect your boiler and find out what other measures can be improved
Step 3 – Installation
Finally, once approved your new heatingmeasures are installed, you start saving money while keeping your house warm and cosy.
The new Boiler Grant Scheme: ECO4 Eligibility and Requirements
Homeowners and private tenants with low incomes are likely to be eligible for the ECO4 grant and have their boiler and/or heating measures upgraded. You can find out more about who qualifies for a boiler grant in the UK on our blog. UK Energy Support team may be able to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency, at no cost to you, if you receive qualifying benefits:
Credits and Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Child Benefits
- Housing Benefit
Rebates
- Warm Homes Discount
Income related
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
The Best Choice for UK Residents when it Comes to Boiler Upgrade Schemes
While you can get a boiler upgrade through both schemes, ECO4 often proves to be the better choice than BUS. This is because it can cover the full cost of boiler replacement as well as install other heating measures at no cost to the homeowner, fully funded by the government energy support initiative ECO4.
However, it’s always wise to explore both options – the boiler upgrade scheme and the ECO4, to see which best suits your needs. Regardless of the choice you make, you’ll be contributing to a greener UK while enjoying the benefits of a more efficient and cost-effective heating system.
Remember, however, you cannot apply for both and you must choose which one is more suited to your needs.
If you’re with EON, Scottish Power, EDF, Octopus, or British Gas a new boiler could be a game-changer in terms of your home’s comfort and energy consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4
How does the boiler upgrade scheme help in achieving the government's heat and net zero ambitions?
The boiler upgrade scheme aims to replace traditional boilers, typically oil or gas boilers, with low carbon alternatives such as air source or ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers. By doing so, the scheme is cutting carbon emissions and contributing to the government’s net zero ambitions, as recommended by the Climate Change Committee.
What types of low carbon heating systems are covered under the grant to upgrade boiler?
The boiler upgrade scheme primarily covers air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and biomass boilers as part of the transition towards low carbon heating systems. However, other energy efficiency upgrades such as cavity wall insulation can also be included under the ECO4 scheme. These replacements are designed to replace existing fossil fuel systems with more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Are there any prerequisites for applying to the boiler upgrade scheme (BUS)?
Yes, to be eligible for the boiler upgrade scheme, you will need a valid energy performance certificate for your property. The scheme is aimed at encouraging homeowners to make energy-saving upgrades, so properties with energy saving materials and systems may be prioritised. Also, only properties that have not received separate funding for similar upgrades can apply.
How does the upgrade boiler scheme work in different regions, such as England and Wales?
The boiler upgrade scheme is available across the UK, including England and Wales. However, the scheme might have slightly different regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check the governemnt website for more details.
How much funding can property owners expect from the boiler upgrade scheme and are there other grants available?
Apart from the upgrading boilers, the clean heat grant is another source of funding for property owners as well as the ECO4 grant. Always ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
How successful has the take-up of the boiler upgrade grant UK been so far?
While the exact figures vary, there’s evidence to suggest that the scheme has had a successful take up, particularly among homeowners looking to replace their existing fossil fuel system. Nonetheless, the government is keen to quickly address areas with disappointingly low take-up rates and has several measures in place to encourage more homeowners to take advantage of the scheme.
What considerations are made when installing a new heating system under boiler upgrades schemes?
Several factors are considered during the installation of a new heating in a home. These include the type of existing heating systems, which could be a gas boiler, direct electric, or off gas grid. The type of property, whether it’s a self-build or an already built property, also plays a part.
Moreover, the chosen heating system, whether a heat pump or biomass boiler, must be capable of providing full space heating. Additionally, properties with an insulation exemption or those that need more than one installer might have different cost and installation considerations.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that the boiler upgrades are part of the wider buildings strategy to create green homes. As such, its implementation adheres to the outstanding recommendations for the entire period of the scheme.
gov.uk boiler upgrade scheme
Don't wait! Apply Today
The ECO4 grant has launched in April 2022. The applications are now open so hurry if you don’t want to miss out on free boiler upgrades before the scheme is gone.