Free boiler grants are a part of the Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme and help reduce fuel poverty and decrease carbon emissions. These schemes are run by the Big Six energy suppliers and offer UK homeowners brand new boilers for free or a fraction of the cost.
It’s important to understand how the ECO scheme works and if you could qualify for one of these grants. Here are some of the basics:
Who is eligible?
As the name suggests, free boiler schemes are intended to help families in need of new heating systems, especially those on lower incomes. Those who qualify will be able to have a new boiler installed in their home either completely for free or at a large discount. These schemes are run by the government through their Energy Company Obligation Scheme or local energy companies, and they offer financial assistance in exchange for a more efficient heating system.
The main criteria for eligibility are that you must be a homeowner (or a private tenant who has the landlord’s permission) and that your household income is below a certain threshold. In addition, the current boiler in your home must be deemed as being particularly energy-inefficient and it should be at least five years old.
A new boiler can save you up to PS3,500 a year on your energy bills, so it’s important that you apply as soon as possible. To do so, you will need to fill out an application form that asks for details about your existing boiler and your household income. It’s important to be honest and accurate when answering these questions, as discrepancies or inaccuracies could result in your application being rejected.
The ECO boiler grant is designed to give people in the UK access to new, highly energy-efficient boilers. These are able to reduce household energy bills significantly, so that more money can be put towards other essential living costs. The ECO boiler scheme is backed by the Big Six energy providers, which are legally required to participate in order to avoid penalties for failing to meet carbon emissions targets.
It is estimated that around 2.5 million households across the UK could benefit from a new boiler through this programme, so it’s worth finding out whether or not you are eligible for a free boiler. Keep in mind that the ECO scheme only covers a portion of the cost of the boiler, so you may be expected to contribute to the total installation fee. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to get support with paying for other household energy-efficiency upgrades as well.
What are the criteria?
If you are receiving benefits such as Pension Credit Savings, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you might qualify for a new boiler grant. The ECO scheme (Energy Company Obligation) is a government initiative that provides grants to help reduce the number of UK households in fuel poverty by upgrading their energy efficiency. The criteria for eligibility is quite complex, with both the household earning and the home itself having to meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for a replacement boiler.
The specifics of the ECO scheme change over time, with some benefits being added and others removed, so it’s important to keep track of any updates. The best way to do this is by contacting your current energy supplier. They should be able to tell you if you are eligible, and then provide the application process details.
When applying for a Free boiler grant, it is important to be completely honest and truthful in order to avoid any rejections or delays. You will need to fill out a form with information about your existing boiler, heating system, household income and the types of benefits you receive. It is also a good idea to keep receipts and other documentation handy in case any questions or issues arise.
The main eligibility requirements are that you receive one of the above benefits and your home is in need of an upgrade to make it more energy efficient. Generally speaking, older properties are more likely to be in need of a new boiler because they tend to be less energy-efficient than modern homes. A new boiler can reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, helping to keep you warm whilst reducing your bills.
It’s a great way to save money, as well as improve your quality of life, especially for those on a low income. If you’re interested in finding out if you’re eligible for a free boiler, get in touch with us today. We have years of experience in the industry and can handle everything for you, from organising your Grant, conducting a home assessment to installation and aftercare.
How do I apply?
It’s no secret that a boiler is expensive to replace. Especially when you’re a homeowner on a low income. Fortunately, the government has provided a way to get a new boiler without having to shell out all of your own money. This is thanks to the ECO Scheme, or Energy Company Obligation.
Essentially, the government’s ECO scheme is designed to help those who need it most to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This can include replacing old boilers, installing insulation and even completely revamping an entire home’s heating system. It’s all about helping to reduce bills, improve comfort and, most importantly, save money in the long run.
In order to qualify for a free boiler, you need to meet certain criteria. For example, you must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit such as Pension Guarantee Credit, Income-Based Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit. Similarly, you need to have an energy assessment carried out on your property and fall within certain income thresholds.
The good news is, if you fit all of the above criteria, then you may be eligible for a new boiler under the ECO scheme. This scheme is run by the Big Six energy companies (British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE). In fact, it’s one of their legal obligations as part of the ECO scheme.
This means that they’re legally required to deliver free boilers or a substantial rebate on the cost of a new boiler to those who need it most. The ECO3 scheme is currently running and will hand over to the ECO4 phase in 2022.
The application process is relatively straightforward and can be done online. You can either contact your energy supplier directly or use a specialist third party option who will take care of the whole thing on your behalf. They’ll take down the details of your existing boiler and then check if you are eligible for a grant. If you are, they will then refer you to an approved installer to do the rest of the work on your behalf.
What happens if I don’t qualify?
Heating your home can be a costly affair, especially for those on low incomes. It is for these individuals that the free boiler scheme and other energy efficient measures come into play. These schemes, which are run by the government and funded by energy companies as part of the ECO programme, are designed to help alleviate fuel poverty by allowing for free insulation and boiler upgrades.
However, not everyone will qualify for this funding, which is based on certain criteria. These include being a homeowner or a private tenant, having the current boiler in your property be at least 5 years old and if you receive benefits, namely Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit. If you are a tenant of a social housing provider or live in an apartment, you can still apply as long as the landlord agrees to fund your new boiler under the ECO Flex rules.
The ECO programme is a UK-wide initiative that was created to aid homes in enhancing their energy efficiency. The programme, which is financed by energy companies as part of their ECO obligation, will continue to run until 2022. Some of the main objectives of the ECO programme are to aid households with fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions.
A lot of people do not know that they may be eligible for a free boiler and could potentially save thousands of pounds on their household bills. The process to see if you are entitled to a free boiler or energy efficiency measures is quick and simple and can be completed in just minutes online, or by contacting a certified ECO installer.
In a world where the economy can change on a dime, there is always a chance that your circumstances and budget could suddenly change. If this happens, it is always worth checking your eligibility as you never know what the future may hold and a new boiler can be more affordable than you think. If you are unsure about what the best course of action is for you, a WarmZilla specialist will be able to provide you with information on the various options available.