Boiler Funding Explained: How to Get Full Funding for Your Boiler Upgr
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Boiler Funding Explained: How to Get Full Funding for Your Boiler Upgrade in 2024

BoilerFundingExplained:HowtoGetFullFundingforYourBoilerUpgradein2024
  • 2024-08-12T10:16:00+04:30
  • 2024-08-12T10:16:00+04:30
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    Are you planning to replace your old boiler? Did you know that you might be eligible for full funding under UK government grants? With generous schemes available for boiler replacements, 2024 is an ideal year to upgrade your heating system. Switching from an old boiler to a new A-rated model can save you around 30% on your annual energy bills. Not only will you save money, but you'll also contribute to a greener planet. By upgrading your boiler, you can reduce your carbon emissions by up to 1.5 tonnes per year, helping to create a more eco-friendly future.

    In this article, we introduce you to UK government grants for boilers in 2024, detailing their eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and the application process, so you can take full advantage of these opportunities.

    What is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme?

    eco4 scheme

    The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is the UK's most comprehensive government grant that provides free boilers. Launched in 2013, ECO is now in its fourth and final phase, known as ECO4.

    Energy suppliers fund this scheme and it features a £4 billion budget. This initiative is part of the UK's broader goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It has a whole house approach and doesn’t just stop at boiler replacements. You can receive funding for other energy-efficiency measures, such as solar panels and insulation.

    In fact, insulation is part of upgrading your heating system, since improper insulation can lead to heat loss, causing your new boiler to waste energy. ECO4 aims to help households achieve maximum efficiency so after a full assessment of your home and determining your eligibility, they might also insulate your home for free as a prerequisite to installing your new boiler.

    Not everyone qualifies for this funding; it targets those who genuinely need support in improving their heating systems and reducing energy costs, like those with a low income who may struggle financially in upgrading their old boilers.

    Who qualifies for boiler funding under ECO4?

    To qualify for funding under the ECO4 scheme, you must meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria:

    Income-Based Benefits

    Households receiving certain income-based benefits are eligible for ECO4. These benefits include:

    • Universal Credit
    • Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
    • Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
    • Income Support
    • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
    • Working Tax Credit
    • Child Tax Credit
    • Housing Benefit
    Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating
    • Properties must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. The scheme prioritises the least energy-efficient homes, focusing on those in the lower bands (E-G) for social housing and private rented accommodation.
    ECO4 Flex Route
    • Up to 50% of households who receive ECO4 funding, are eligible through the ECO4 Flex Scheme. This allows local authorities to choose households based on additional criteria such as:
      • Low income (less than £31,000 per year)
      • Health conditions that make them vulnerable to the cold (e.g., cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions)
      • Households with specific vulnerabilities, including mental health conditions, elderly residents, or young children.

    Do Single Parents Qualify for ECO4 Boiler Grants?

    Single parents in the UK can receive boiler funding through the ECO4 scheme, which is designed to help households improve energy efficiency. Recognizing the financial challenges single-parent families often face, this scheme aims to help everyone who struggles to upgrade to a modern efficient boiler enjoy reduced energy bills and a warm and comfortable home.

    To be eligible for a boiler grant, single parents must meet specific criteria. They need to be homeowners or private renters receiving certain benefits. The existing boiler must also be inefficient and at least 7-8 years old to ensure that the new boiler will significantly enhance the home's energy efficiency.

    If you meet these criteria, act quickly to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. Fill in this form to check your eligibility and apply for free boiler grants.

    Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

    boiler upgrade scheme funding amount for biomass boiler and heat pump

    The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government initiative that helps residents of England and Wales upgrade their old boilers to more efficient biomass boilers or heat pumps. It was launched in 2022 and will run until 2028 and provides substantial support for those looking to transition to renewable heating solutions.

    Initially, the scheme had a funding pool of £450 million for the first three years. From 2025 to 2028, an additional £1.5 billion has been allocated to extend its benefits. This significant funding is designed to encourage UK households to move away from fossil fuel-based heating systems and use environmentally friendly alternatives.

    While the BUS does not cover the full cost of a new boiler or heat pump, it offers considerable financial assistance, making it an excellent option for those who do not qualify for the ECO4 scheme. By providing partial funding, the scheme aims to make renewable heating solutions more accessible and affordable for a wider range of households.

    Heat Pump Funding

    The BUS offers a substantial £7,500 grant to help cover the upfront costs of installing air source and ground source heat pumps. These efficient systems use electricity to transfer heat instead of generating it from fuel. Much like air conditioners or refrigerators, heat pumps extract heat from the outside air or ground to warm your home in winter, and they can reverse the process in summer to cool your home. This makes them a versatile, eco-friendly solution for maintaining a comfortable home year-round.

    Biomass Boiler Funding

    Biomass boilers are renewable energy systems that use organic materials like wood pellets, chips, or logs as fuel. If you're thinking about upgrading to a biomass boiler, you can get a £5,000 grant through the BUS to help with the upfront cost. These boilers are highly efficient, typically reaching 85-90%, and they significantly cut down on carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel boilers. By choosing a biomass boiler, you not only save on energy costs but also help create a greener, more sustainable environment.

    Who Qualifies for Boiler Funding under BUS?

    The Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2024 continues to play a vital role in promoting the adoption of low-carbon heating systems in the UK. Here are the detailed eligibility criteria for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme:

    Property Type:
    • The scheme is available to both domestic and small non-domestic properties in England and Wales.
    • New-build properties are generally not eligible unless they are self-build homes.

    Installer Requirements:

    • The installer must be MCS-certified.

    Heating Systems:

    • Your property must currently be heated by fossil fuel systems.
    • Properties must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation.
    • To qualify for a biomass boiler, your property must be a rural property that is not connected to the gas grid.

    0% VAT

    The government has introduced the 0% VAT scheme to encourage homeowners and landlords to invest in energy-efficient materials. This initiative makes upgrades like biomass boilers more affordable by reducing their VAT from the standard 20% to 0%. By eliminating VAT on these materials, the scheme significantly lowers upfront costs, making it easier for property owners to start using energy-efficient technologies.

    This scheme applies to a range of energy-saving material such as:

    • Insulation
    • Solar panels
    • Heat pumps
    • Wind turbines
    • Water turbines
    • Draught stripping for windows and doors
    • Central heating and hot water system controls
    • Micro combined heat and power units
    • Biomass boilers and stoves

    Can I Get Multiple Boiler Grants?

    While multiple grants are available for upgrading your boiler, you can only receive funding from one grant for a new boiler installation. However, you can apply for different grants for various energy efficiency upgrades in your home. This means that while you cannot get multiple grants for the same boiler, you can still apply to other grants for different measures like insulation or solar panels.

    Confused about which grant to apply for each measure? ByEco’s team is here to help, completely free of charge. We will assess your home to identify all the measures eligible for funding through government grants and choose the most beneficial grant for each energy-efficiency upgrade. If you have any questions or need personalised guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us.

    How to Apply for Boiler Funding: ECO4 and Boiler Upgrade Scheme

    Ready to upgrade to an eco-friendly boiler and claim your funding? Applying for boiler grants has never been easier. Simply fill out our application form, and we will provide you with free guidance and support. We will schedule an appointment to assess your eligibility for boiler funding through various schemes available in 2024, such as ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

    Our team will identify the best government scheme to benefit you the most. Once we confirm your eligibility, we will guide you through the entire application process. Thanks to our collaboration with the government, all our services are offered free of charge, ensuring you receive the funding you deserve as quickly as possible.

    After your application is successful, the next crucial step is to have an MCS-certified installer carry out the work. This ensures optimal results and compliance with the scheme’s requirements. To save you the hassle of finding a competent installer, we provide quotes from top-rated installers in your area and oversee the installation to ensure everything runs smoothly.

    Trust ByEco to facilitate your transition to an eco-friendly home and contribute to a greener future. Apply now to take advantage of these fantastic funding opportunities and enjoy the benefits of a modern, efficient heating system.

    FAQs

    Quick, Essential Answers

    Under the ECO4 scheme, qualifying households can receive a new boiler either entirely free or at a significantly reduced cost, depending on their eligibility criteria. Want to know if you qualify for partial or full boiler funding? Fill in this form to find out!

    To qualify for a boiler grant under schemes like ECO4, you need to be receiving certain income-based benefits. These benefits include Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Universal Credit, and Housing Benefit.

    The timeline for obtaining a boiler grant and having a new boiler installed typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks. The process begins with completing an eligibility check and submitting an application, which can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how promptly you provide the necessary documentation. For larger energy companies, the entire process can take up to four months, as they may have more applicants and a longer scheduling queue. In contrast, smaller companies or local installers might complete the process within 8 to 10 weeks.

    Yes, pensioners can qualify for a free boiler grant under the ECO4 scheme. They need to meet specific eligibility criteria and must be receiving Pension Credit, which is an income-based benefit designed to support low-income pensioners. To check if you qualify, fill in this form.

    Yes, the grant typically covers both the cost of the new boiler and the installation.

    You need an EPC to qualify for various government grants and schemes, such as the ECO4 and Boiler Upgrade Scheme. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that provides a detailed assessment of a property's energy efficiency. The certificate includes an energy efficiency rating, which ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), and offers recommendations on how to improve the energy performance of the property. EPCs are required for properties when they are built, sold, or rented, and they are valid for 10 years.

    You can find an approved installer through resources provided by the scheme, such as the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) website. You can save yourself the trouble of hours of research by letting ByEco provide you with quotes from the highest-rated installers in your area. This allows you to quickly compare options and choose the best one for your needs. Simply fill out our form or contact us directly to receive free quotes from top installers.

    While you may not have complete freedom to choose any boiler, the scheme ensures that the installed boilers meet high efficiency and performance standards. Common brands include Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, and Ideal.

    How to Get Full Funding for Your Boiler Upgrade in 2024 What is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme? Who qualifies for boiler funding under ECO4? Do Single Parents Qualify for ECO4 Boiler Grants? Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) Who Qualifies for Boiler Funding under BUS? 0% VAT Can I Get Multiple Boiler Grants? How to Apply for Boiler Funding