There have been several different grants and government schemes to fund replacement boilers and insulation, so you may have energy saving questions.
The most common questions we’re asked are answered below. If you have any other questions about home energy grants, please contact us. We’re happy to talk to you and answer your queries.
No. The Green Deal was a government-backed loan scheme to help homeowners pay for double-glazing, insulation and new boilers, but funding for the scheme has now been pulled.
There is a new ECO Help to Heat scheme that provides grants in 2019.
If you are on benefits, you can apply for one of these grants to pay for a new boiler, electric storage heaters or insulation.
If you receive one of the following benefits, you can apply below:
Some applicants will qualify for a full grant to cover their new boiler or storage heaters and insulation. Some applicants will qualify for part funding and will need to make a contribution towards the work.
The UK government is aiming to reduce fuel poverty. They also wish to cut carbon emissions from inefficient heating systems and poorly insulated homes. Both of these can be dealt with via the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) boiler scheme.
Funded by the government, British Gas and the six biggest energy suppliers in the UK, the ECO boiler scheme is a collaborative venture.
The idea is that low-earners and benefit claimants who might not be able to afford the cost of a new boiler, can access one through this scheme. Anyone who meets the criteria can get the cost of a new boiler fully or partially covered.
Grants are available through the scheme for gas, oil and LPG boilers. Newer, more energy efficient boilers will also help to cut fuel bills.
The scheme aims to help reduce fuel bills.
Supplying and installing a new boiler can cost anywhere between £1,500 and £4,000 (updated costs for 2019). The cost of the boiler itself depends on the make and model of the boiler and also the type of boiler – whether it’s a gas boiler, oil boiler or LPG boiler. Installation costs will vary depending on whether it’s a straightforward replacement or whether it’s a more complicated job.
You should expect your boiler to last at least 10 to 15 years without a problem, especially if you have it serviced regularly.
If your boiler is more than 10 years old and it keeps failing, then it may be time to look at getting a new boiler.
The new A-rated boilers can save you up to £305 a year off your fuel bill, depending on how efficient your current boiler is. This means that even if you don’t qualify for a full grant, a new boiler is likely to pay for itself within a few years.
If you are claiming benefits then it’s likely that you do qualify for a boiler grant. The quickest way to find out is to check whether your postcode area is eligible for the grant funding.
If your area is eligible, spend a couple of minutes filling in the online application. We’ll then be able to let you know whether you qualify for a boiler grant.
If you are receiving one of the following benefits then you may be able to get help to replace your old boiler:
If you are in receipt of tax credits or universal credit, your grant eligibility will be subject to a maximum income amount. This is based on how many adults and children live in your home.
Please see the tables below, or contact us for more information.
If you believe you are eligible for a grant, you can speed up your application by getting the person who receives the benefit to complete the online eligibility check form here.
Please bear in mind that sometimes the boiler grants are not enough to carry out the work completely free of charge, and a contribution may be required.
We may also be able to offer you loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or internal or external wall insulation free of charge or at a reduced rate.
If you have a gas boiler, oil boiler or LPG boiler, and you receive one of the benefits listed above, then you may be eligible.
To find out whether you can access a grant through the ECO Help to Heat scheme, apply here.
No, the government boiler scrappage scheme has now closed. But there are other ways you can get a free or part funded boiler.
Apply above to see if there are free boiler grants available in your area.
Yes – there are grants available for fitting environmentally friendly air source heat pumps.
Using natural heat in the air outside, these pumps can drive warm air convectors, heating and hot water.
You could get up to £12,000 towards renewable heating costs with the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) grant scheme.
You can apply by checking your area is eligible and then filling in an online application form.
Yes, your landlord is responsible for ensuring your boiler is running properly and serviced regularly. If you have a gas boiler your landlord must also have an annual gas safety check carried out by a registered engineer, and supply you with a copy of the safety check.
It is up to you to report any problems with your boiler to your landlord.
Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, you have the right to expect your landlord to carry out repairs in a ‘reasonable time’. If you have no heating or hot water your landlord should take steps to fix this within 24 hours, although it may take longer than this for them to get an engineer to call or to get the right parts for your boiler.
If your boiler keeps failing, you may want to apply to see if you are eligible for a free boiler grant. Most landlords are happy for you to do this.
Yes, and if you are in receipt of one of the following benefits then you may qualify:
If you are receiving tax credits or universal credit, your grant eligibility will be subject to a maximum income figure. This amount is based on how many adults and children live in your home.
Please see the tables further up this page, or contact us for more information.
If you believe you are eligible for a grant, you can speed up your application by getting the person who receives the benefit to complete the online eligibility check form here.
Please bear in mind that sometimes the boiler grants are not enough to carry out the work completely free of charge, and a contribution may be required.
We may also be able to you loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or internal or external wall insulation free of charge or at a reduced rate. We can check whether you need additional insulation at your free home survey.
