First Time Central Heating Grants
What are Central Heating Grants in the UK?
Central heating grants under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme are designed to help households struggling with inefficient or non-existent heating systems. These grants make first time central heating (FTCH) accessible to eligible homes, particularly those facing fuel poverty or high energy bills.
Through first time central heating grants, households can benefit from modern central heating systems, including mains central heating, electric storage heaters, heat pumps, and advanced heating control systems. The scheme supports central heating installation in homes that lack proper heating, providing relief to private tenants and homeowners alike.
The central heating grant applications are now open for November 2024
Am I eligible to receive Central Heating Grants under ECO4?
To receive first time central heating for free under ECO4 Scheme you must own or rent a property and receive the correct combination of government benefits. Start your application below to find out what grants are available to you. Who is likely to qualify?
- Homeowners or Private Tenants
- Recipients of government benefits
- Properties with low EPC rating D, E, F or G
How to claim First Time Central Heating Grants in 3 easy steps
If your home lacks gas central heating, you may qualify for a grant to install a first time central heating system.
Step 1 – Submit Your Application
Apply online to see if you’re eligible for a central heating grant. Our central heating fund team will carefully review your application to determine if funding is available for installing central heating in your home.
Step 2 – Home Assessment
After approval, we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation survey to assess your property. This step helps us identify the most suitable central heating systems or options like combi boilers, electric storage heaters, heating pumps and other renewable energy sources to lower your energy bills and maximize your grant.
Step 3 – Professional Installation
Our skilled engineers will handle the installation of your first time central heating system at a time that works for you. Whether you’re looking to reduce your energy costs with efficient solutions or switch to eco-friendly options, we’ll ensure your system helps you save money while improving comfort.
Qualifying Criteria for First-Time Central Heating Grants
To qualify for the Central Heating Grant under ECO4, applicants must be homeowners or private tenants receiving specific benefits. Additional qualifications may apply depending on household income or heating system requirements. Here’s the full list of qualifying benefits.
- Child Benefits (based on household income)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Housing Benefit NEW
- Income based Jobseekers allowance (JSA)
- Income related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit NEW
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Warm Homes Discount Scheme
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
What you get with First time Central Heating Grants?
If you qualify for a first time central heating grant and currently have no central heating, we can provide energy-efficient solutions tailored to your needs. Depending on your property and eligibility, we can install a combi boiler, air source heat pump, or electric storage heaters. Each system meets the required standards set by Ofgem and is designed to improve energy efficiency.
For eligibility, an energy performance certificate will be issued or updates, and we assist both homeowners and private tenants in accessing the benefits of these government energy support grants.
Partnering with accredited energy suppliers, we ensure your new system is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, giving you reliable warmth and reduced energy bills. Let us help you transform your home with a central heating installed by trusted professionals.
Cost Savings on Installation
Central heating grants significantly reduce the financial burden of installing a FTCH system. For those without access to gas central heating, a central heating grant ensures that households can benefit from a new heating system without incurring high costs. The central heating grants scheme, supported under the Energy Company Obligation, can also provide coverage for various energy efficiency measures to further lower expenses such as insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and boilers.
Reducing Carbon Footprint
By integrating energy efficiency measures, central heating grants help lower household emissions. Replacing older systems with a first time central heating grant ensures environmentally friendly heating solutions that align with sustainable energy practices.
Improving Home Comfort
Many households without access to gas central heating can benefit from first-time central heating grants for efficient electric solutions. Installing a modern heating system ensures consistent warmth and enhanced comfort during colder months. With the aid of first time central heating grants, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of a central heating system tailored to meet their needs, improving both living conditions and energy performance.
How much does it cost to install central heating?
The average cost of central heating installation ranges from £3,230–£4,350 for electric systems, £4,500–£6,000 for gas systems, and £5,000–£7,300 for oil systems, depending on the type of system and property size, according to Checkatrade.
However, if you qualify for the first time central heating grant under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, you can have a new central heating system installed in your home at absolutely no cost. These grants are designed to help low-income families experiencing fuel poverty by providing energy-efficient heating solutions, fully funded through the ECO initiative.
The central heating grant cover ensures that eligible applicants can transition from outdated or inefficient systems to modern electric heating systems, such as electric storage heaters, air source heat pumps, or electric boilers, without the financial burden. By taking advantage of the ECO4 scheme, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce heating costs while enjoying the comfort of a professionally installed, energy-efficient heating system.
Central heating installation cost (based on Checkatrade data, May 2024)
| Cost of installing central heating | Lowest | Highest |
| Oil system | £5,000 | £7,300 |
| Electric System | £3,230 | £4,350 |
| Gas system | £4,500 | £6,000 |
| ECO4 Scheme | 100% free | 100% free |
Understanding the ECO4 Scheme for central heating grants
The ECO4 scheme provides central heating grants specifically targeted at households in need of energy-efficient upgrades. These grants are ideal for homes without an efficient existing central heating system, such as those relying on storage heaters, old boilers, coal and wood burners, or homes with no heating at all. With funding from first time central heating grants, eligible households can have a new central heating system installed to significantly improve energy efficiency.
Government’s Role in Energy Efficiency
The UK government funds time-limited central heating grants to improve access to central heating systems and reduce reliance on outdated systems such as old heaters, LPG boilers. By supporting initiatives like the ECO4 scheme, the government aims to lower energy bills and promote sustainable energy-efficient heating systems.
Who Funds the Scheme?
The central heating grant scheme is primarily funded by energy companies, who contribute under obligations to promote energy efficiency. By enabling households to access first-time central heating grants or replace existing systems, these grants ensure heating systems are efficient, reducing both costs and emissions.
Check if you can apply for ECO4 grant today.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Central Heating Grants
What Are Central Heating Grants?
Central heating grants help UK households improve their heating systems by offering full cost cover financial support for installing first time central heating system (FTCH). These grants, such as ECO4 (see Energy Company Obligation) are designed to reduce energy bills and make heating systems more energy efficient.
Can I Apply Without Receiving Benefits?
No, you can apply for a central heating grant under ECO4 only if you’re receiving qualifying government benefits. Eligibility also depends on factors like your EPC rating D, E, F or G, income level, or status as a private tenant or homeowner but does not apply to housing association residents. Low-income households can also qualify if they lack a gas connection or rely on outdated systems like a solid fossil fuel fire or old electric room heaters.
How to Apply for a Central Heating Grant Under ECO4
For households that do not have gas central heating, we provide tailored solutions through government-supported grants.
In areas without access to gas central heating, we help households transition to renewable and electric heating solutions. To apply for a central heating grant under the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4 scheme), individuals should first check their eligibility on our website. If eligible, we will contact them to schedule a survey. During the survey, we will assess the property’s heating needs, including the replacement of electric boilers or electric storage heaters, or upgrades like installing an air source heat pump.
Once it is determined that the necessary central heating measures can be carried out, we will handle the grant application process and install first-time central heating for free. This may include options like ESH upgrades to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
For properties without a gas boiler, gas meter or gas connection, alternative heating solutions such as replacing solid fossil fuel fires or bottled LPG room heating can be provided.
Does the Grant Cover All Costs?
The first-time central heating grant covers the full cost of installing central heating, including components like an electric boiler or an air source heat pump. Some other grants may also address improvements to existing central heating systems or install a gas meter if required. However when dealing with gas, all works must be carried out by gas safe registered engineers, ensuring safety and compliance.
What If My Home Previously Had Heating?
Even if your home had a system like oil room heaters, you may still qualify for a first-time central heating grant if your property does not currently have a functional central heating system. Under the Energy Company Obligation, grants are available to replace inefficient systems with a new heating system designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Can I get a first-time central heating grant if I don’t have a gas supply?
Yes, even if your property lacks a gas supply or a gas meter installed, you may qualify for a first time central heating grant under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO Scheme). We provide efficient alternatives like electric storage heaters, direct acting room heaters, or an air source heat pump. These solutions are tailored to meet your heating needs without requiring mains gas central heating.
Don't wait! Apply for Heating Grants Today
Contact us to explore your options for the first time central heating grants under ECO4 Scheme. Taking action now can help you manage your energy bills more effectively, regardless of the weather.