Boilers play a big role in warming houses in the UK. Old boilers, however, waste energy. They also make it take longer to get your home warmed up and cost you more to run. According to leading property maagement company, phoenixpropertymanagement.biz, many families pay huge bills every year without even knowing it.
That is where boiler replacement grants come in. Boiler replacement grants enable you to replace your old, faulty, or inefficient boiler at low or even zero cost. And when you have a new boiler, your household is much more energy efficient.
Here, we explain how boiler replacement grants work and how they make your home better, cheaper to run, and more comfortable.
Why an Old Boiler Wastes Energy
Older boilers aren’t as efficient as newer ones. They lose a great deal of heat and burn extra fuel to deliver heating to you. Here’s why:
Low Energy Efficiency
- The efficiency of most older boilers is 60-70%.
- What it means is that 30-40% of the energy is lost as heat.
- Today’s boilers are 90%+ efficient, using less fuel to provide the same quantity of heat.
Increased Operating Expenditures
- An older boiler uses extra gas to supply heating to water.
- It increases monthly energy bills.
- Replacing it with a high-efficiency boiler lowers heating costs by as much as £580 per year.
Uneven Heating
- Older systems struggle to distribute heat evenly.
- Some rooms tend to be colder than others.
- A new boiler provides efficient heating across your home.
More Carbon Emissions
- Boilers that combust fuel emit carbon dioxide (CO₂) when burned.
- An inefficient boiler releases extra CO₂ into the environment.
- New boilers cut carbon emissions, supporting the UK’s drive towards reaching net zero.
What Are Boiler Replacement Grants?
Boiler replacement grants provide free or discounted new, energy-efficient boilers to qualifying households. They are supported by the UK government and energy companies through schemes such as:
ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation)
- Pays the full amount of a new boiler to low-income households.
- Available to homeowners and some private tenants.
- Highlights the replacement of inefficient, non-condensing boilers
Great British Insulation Scheme
- Financing home energy improvements, i.e., insulation upgrades.
- Assists middle-class families to increase efficiency.
- Can include a customer’s modest contribution.
Local Government Grants
- Some councils provide additional funding to replace boilers.
- They usually get awarded to fuel poor households.
- If you qualify, you can have your old boiler replaced with a new energy-efficient one without paying the up-front costs.
How Boiler Replacement Grants Improve Your Home’s Efficiency
Let’s get to the point here—how precisely the grants make your home energy efficient.
- Enhanced Heating Performance
Old boilers lag behind, especially during winter. They might heat some rooms slowly or not at all.
Your house warms up sooner when you get a new A-rated boiler. Your home stays warm longer. You don’t need to leave the heating on throughout the day. This makes your heating system both efficient and reactive.
- Lower Gas Consumption
More modern boilers don’t waste as much gas as older boilers. They trap and reuse the flue’s (the tube that vents waste gases) heat. This reduces fuel needs.
That is, your house needs less energy to be heated, which is better both for your wallet and the planet.
- Smarter Heating Controls
Boiler grants under ECO4 tend to include free heating controls like smart thermostats, radiator valves, and programmers.
These tools enable you to:
- Set different temperatures in different rooms
- Control heating from your phone
- Switch off heating when not in use
- Keep your home at the ideal temperature
It makes your heating system smarter and more efficient overall.
- Fewer Break-Downs and Repairs
They are more dependable. They come with 10-year warranties, and replacement parts are easy to get. You will have fewer repairs and fewer nights without heating. It also leads to efficiency and peace of mind in the long run.
Who is Eligible for a Boiler Replacement Grant?
You might be qualified to receive a free boiler under the ECO4 scheme or other funding schemes if you fall within the following criteria:
Homeowner or Private Tenant
- You either have to own your own property or be privately renting.
- Tenants in social housing do not receive free boiler grants but could be provided with help with insulation.
Low Income or Benefits
Either you or a member of your household should be receiving certain benefits, including:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Low-income households without benefit entitlement could also be considered.
Inefficient Boiler
- Your current boiler is probably inefficient, damaged, or outdated.
- If your boiler is already A-rated, you will not qualify.
Energy Efficiency Rating
- Your property’s EPC grade will be either D, E, F, or G.
- Poorly insulated houses tend to be more likely to be qualified.
If you’re not sure, you can ask for a free assessment to check your eligibility.
How to Apply For a Boiler Grant
Applying for a boiler replacement grant is simple. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Eligibility Check
- Use an online eligibility checker.
- Enter details about your home, income, and existing boiler.
Step 2: Free Home Assessment
- If you qualify, a surveyor will visit to evaluate your boiler and energy efficiency.
- They ensure your property needs to have its insulation improved before installing a boiler.
Step 3: Grant Approval
- If approved, the boiler installation is arranged by the grant provider.
- Most grants provide the full amount, so you don’t pay anything upfront.
Step 4: Boiler Installation
- A qualified engineer fits the new energy-efficient boiler.
- It usually requires one day.
How Much Can You Save with a New Boiler?
An effective new boiler lowers heating costs. Here’s how much you could save per annum:
- £580 – If you replace a G-rated boiler with an A-rated boiler.
- £350 – When you replace your old, less efficient boiler with a newer one.
- £200-£300 – To install a smart thermostat to better regulate heating.
Over 10 years, that is a saving of anywhere between £3,000 and £5,000, which is a sensible long-term investment.
The Bottom Line
UK houses can become more energy-efficient with boiler replacement grants. If you have an old and inefficient boiler, you could have it replaced free of charge under the ECO4 scheme or other funding.
A new boiler reduces heating costs, reduces carbon emissions, and heats your home. With rising energy prices, this is a perfect way to save on household expenses and boost comfort.
If you believe you qualify, apply for a grant on your boiler today and start saving on your energy bills.
