It is very likely that you have stumbled on this article because you are searching for a free boiler installation or you have an inefficient boiler on your property, probably a boiler over 15 years old. Interestingly, you could be eligible for a free boiler installation through the government ECO4 boiler grant scheme. This initiative is designed to help low-income households, vulnerable individuals, and those living in energy-inefficient homes to access energy-saving upgrades without the financial burden. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for a free boiler, who qualifies, and how you can benefit from this incredible opportunity.
What is the ECO4 free Boiler Grant?
ECO4, better known in full as The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, is the latest government-backed program aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes across the UK. The Energy Company Obligation has been running since January 1 2013. The ECO4 scheme replaces the previous ECO3 program and focuses on reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty.
One important aspect of this scheme is free boiler installation for eligible households. By replacing old, inefficient boilers with new, energy-efficient models, homeowners can save hundreds of pounds annually on heating costs. The grant covers the full cost of the boiler and its installation, making it an excellent opportunity for those who qualify.
How to Apply for a Free Boiler Upgrade
Applying for a free boiler installation under the ECO4 scheme is a simple process. Here’s how you can get started:
- Check Your Eligibility: Before applying, ensure you meet the qualification criteria (I will share more details about this later in this article).
- Find a Registered Installer: Only accredited and approved installers are permitted to work under the ECO4 scheme. GotoEco works with approved and experienced installers, so you can be rest assured of this.
- Complete the Application: Fill in a quick eligibility form provided by the installer or grant service. You need to provide information about your income, benefits, or health conditions, depending on the qualifying route you fall into.
- Property Survey: Before the grant is awarded, an energy assessor will visit your property to conduct a free survey. This is to ensure your property and existing heating system qualify for the grant.
- Installation: After you are approved, a date will be arranged by our installer for your free boiler installation. In most cases, the process is quick and completed within a day.
You must act quickly on this information, as funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who Qualifies for the Free Boiler Upgrade?
Eligibility for a free boiler installation under the ECO4 scheme falls into three main qualifying routes. Let us break down each category:
1. NHS Referral (Health Conditions)
If you or someone living in your household suffers from specific health conditions, you may qualify through an NHS referral. These health 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.
We have made this process easy. For any NHS referral, we will request a repeat prescription which can be signed by our onboard GP.
ALSO READ: Free Home Insulation through ECO4 Grant Scheme
2. Means-Tested Benefits
If you couldn’t qualify under the NHS referral another common route to qualify for a free boiler installation is by receiving certain means-tested benefits. If you or someone in your household receives one or more of the following, you could be eligible:
- Pension Savings Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
To apply through this route, recent documentation proving you received one of these benefits will be requested from you. This route is one of the easiest ways to access a free boiler under the ECO4 scheme.
3. Low-Income Households
If you don’t qualify under any of the two routes already mentioned above, you might still qualify based on your household income. To be eligible under the low-income route: To qualify under this route, your combined household income before tax must be below £31,000 annually.
Many working families who don’t claim benefits can still struggle with heating costs, so this makes this pathway crucial.
Why You Should Consider a Free Boiler Installation
Upgrading your old boiler isn’t just about reducing your energy bills (although the savings are significant). Here are some other key benefits:
- Increased home comfort: Enjoy a warmer, more comfortable living environment during cold months.
- Added value on property: A modern, efficient heating system will increase the value of your home.
- Environmental impact: New boilers are much more efficient, helping you reduce your carbon footprint.
- It is free: There is no reason why you shouldnt benefit from this Inasmuch you qualify.
By applying for a free boiler installation through the ECO4 scheme, you make an investment in your home’s future, the environment and your quality of life.
In Summary
The ECO4 boiler grant is a too-good-to-be-true opportunity for eligible households to receive a free boiler installation. Whether you qualify through an NHS referral, means-tested benefits, or as a low-income household, the process is designed to be accessible and straightforward.
You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to upgrade your heating system without the crazy cost of a boiler upgrade. At GotoEco, we pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer journeys from the point of receiving your details to the point where your brand-new boiler is freely installed. In fact, we will hold your hand throughout the journey to get you a safer and more efficient boiler.