Making the switch from a traditional heating system you’ve relied on for years can be daunting—but when it comes to upgrading, the choice between a back boiler vs combi boiler is one many homeowners eventually face.
I will be exploring in this article the pros and cons of both types of boilers and explain how you might be able to access a free boiler upgrade through the ECO4 grant scheme. I will also walk you through the three qualifying routes, including one that applies to many NHS-referred health conditions like high blood pressure and asthma.
Back Boiler vs Combi Boiler: What’s the Difference?
What is a Back Boiler
A back boiler is typically installed behind a fireplace and heats your home as well as providing hot water via a hot water tank. This was common in the UK for several years, but they are now seen as inefficient and outdated, it has been illegal to install a new back boiler since 2005. They take up more space, are harder to repair, and no longer meet modern energy standards.
Combi Boiler
A combi (also referred to as a combination) boiler is a compact, wall-mounted system that provides both central heating and hot water directly from the mains. With a Combi, there’s no need for a separate hot water tank, making it ideal for smaller homes or households wanting to free up space and reduce heating bills.
Which One Is Better?
The combi boiler wins in nearly every category when comparing a back boiler vs combi boiler. But see for yourself;
- Energy Efficiency: Combi boilers can exceed 90% efficiency, saving you money.
- Compact Design: Saves space and fits neatly in kitchen cupboards or utility rooms.
- Lower Maintenance: Newer systems are easier to service and repair.
- Instant Hot Water: Hot water is delivered on demand without a storage tank.
So you don’t want to keep relying on a back boiler when you literally have one free of charge as long as you meet the requirement to get one through the government ECO4.
Upgrade for Free: The ECO4 Boiler Grant
The Energy Company Obligation phase 4 (ECO4) is a UK government initiative launched in 2022 to tackle fuel poverty and cut down on carbon emissions. The purpose of ECO4 is to provide funding to low-income and vulnerable households to upgrade their homes’ energy performance, and one of the most valuable offers is the free boiler replacement.
With energy prices at record highs, accessing an upgrade to a more efficient combi boiler could help you save hundreds of pounds annually while enjoying a more comfortable living environment.
How can you qualify? Here are the 3 Routes:
- Means-Tested Benefits Route
If anyone in your home receives qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, you may qualify under this route. - Low-Income Household Route (Income Route)
If your total household income is less than £31,000 per year before tax, you could still qualify—even if you’re not receiving any government benefits. This is perfect for working households that are struggling with high energy bills but don’t claim benefits. - NHS Referrals (Health Route)
Many of our applicants qualify under this route. If someone in your home has a health condition worsened by a cold home, you may be eligible for a free boiler upgrade. Common qualifying conditions include:
- Mobility issues: such as arthritis, limited mobility, or physical disabilities.
- Cardiovascular conditions: high blood pressure, heart failure, or stroke.
- Respiratory illnesses: such as asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung diseases.
- Immunosuppressed individuals: including patients with cancer, those who have had a splenectomy, or people managing rheumatological diseases.
In fact, most homes have at least one person who can qualify through this NHS health referral route, making it one of the most common paths to eligibility.
Choosing between a back boiler vs combi boiler is easy when you consider the benefits of modern heating systems. Combi boilers offer better efficiency, reliability, and cost savings. With the ECO4 grant, switching to a combi boiler might not cost you a penny.
Choosing between a back boiler vs combi boiler ? Now you know better. Save more money on heating bills and help the environment in the long run.
If your household includes someone with asthma or high blood pressure, or if your income is below £31,000, there’s a good chance you qualify. Why wait?