Government Boiler Scheme
12-14 Midland Street, Manchester, M12 6LB

Government Boiler Scheme

GovernmentBoilerScheme
  • 2024-09-14T09:41:00+04:30
  • 2024-09-14T09:41:00+04:30
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    If you're considering a boiler replacement in 2024, now is a great time to act. The cost of a new boiler typically falls between £1,500 and £4,500. However, with various government grants available in the UK, upgrading your old boiler to a new A-rated model could be significantly more affordable or even free.

    Heating accounts for around 55% of your household’s energy bills, so replacing an inefficient boiler with an energy-efficient one could save you hundreds of pounds each year. While the exact savings depend on factors like the efficiency of your new boiler, the type of fuel it uses, and your overall energy consumption, the Energy Saving Trust estimates that swapping an old, non-condensing boiler for a modern A-rated condensing boiler could reduce your annual energy bills by £160 to £280.

    energy bill saving by replacing old boiler statistic

    Beyond financial savings, upgrading your boiler also benefits the environment. A new, energy-efficient boiler could lower your household’s carbon footprint by up to 1,500 kg of CO2 per year, making a positive contribution to environmental sustainability.

    Check Your Eligibility with ByEco

    Ready to check your eligibility? Fill in our online form, and we’ll guide you through the process. If you qualify, we’ll handle the grant application and manage the entire process, ensuring you receive your boiler upgrade as quickly as possible. Best of all, our services are completely free of charge.

    Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)

    The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is the latest phase of this scheme and is set to run from April 2022 to March 2026. ECO4 builds on the previous phases of ECO scheme and adapts a more holistic and comprehensive approach to upgrading UK homes’ energy efficiencies.

    Whole-House Approach

    Unlike previous phases of the Energy Company Obligation scheme, ECO4 looks at the house as a whole to determine what combination of energy efficiency upgrades can maximise the property’s EPC rating. These measure can include:

    ECO4 Boiler Replacement Grants

    Under ECO4, the focus is on replacing outdated and inefficient boilers with modern, energy-efficient models. However, ECO4 places a greater emphasis on repairing existing boilers where possible rather than replacing them outright, to extend the life of efficient systems and reduce waste. To be eligible for a free boiler upgrade under ECO4, your current boiler has to be non-condensing or installed before 2005.

    ECO4 Boiler Exclusions

    As part of the UK government’s strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, they have excluded certain types of boilers. They no longer provide grants for coal-fulled boilers and also boilers fuelled by oil and LPG. These systems are considered less environmentally friendly compared to other boiler types and ECO4 encourages the adoption of greener alternatives like heat pumps and biomass boilers.

    Eligibility Criteria for ECO4
    Income-Related Benefits:
    • Households must be receiving at least one of the following means-tested benefits:
      • Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
      • Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
      • Income Support
      • Universal Credit
      • Working Tax Credit
      • Child Tax Credit
      • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit)
      • Housing Benefit
      • Child Benefit (with income thresholds depending on household composition)
    Property Eligibility
    • The property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. Homes with a higher EPC rating are not eligible for boiler replacement under the scheme.
    • The scheme prioritizes the least energy-efficient homes, focusing on those in the lower EPC bands.
    Boiler Condition
    • The existing boiler must be either non-condensing or beyond economic repair. The scheme aims to replace older, inefficient boilers with A-rated condensing boilers.
    • If the boiler can be repaired, the scheme may cover the costs of repair rather than replacement.
    Additional Criteria
    • Local Authority Flexibility (LA Flex): Up to 50% of the ECO4 funding can be allocated through Local Authority Flexibility, allowing councils to set their own criteria for households that may not be receiving benefits but are still in need.
    • Owner-Occupied and Privately Rented Properties: The scheme primarily targets owner-occupied homes but also extends to privately rented properties, provided the tenants meet the benefit criteria and have landlord permission.

    These criteria ensure that the ECO4 scheme effectively targets those most in need of assistance in improving their home's energy efficiency.

    Local Authority Flexibility
    ECO4 LA Flex

    To extend the benefits of the ECO4 scheme to a wider range of households, the LA Flex was designed. It allows local authorities to identify and refer households that may not meet the standard eligibility criteria but are still in need of energy efficiency improvements, such as boiler upgrades. There are four distinct routes under LA Flex:

    • Low-income households: Through this route, households with a combined income of £31,000 and less are eligible, regardless of the size or type of property.
    • Health and vulnerability: This route is for households where one or more residents have health conditions that are exacerbated by cold or damp living conditions. It includes both physical and mental health issues. Common conditions include cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, and mobility challenges.
    • Homes in fuel poverty: Households that spend a significant portion of their income on energy bills, typically defined as over 10%, are eligible under this route. This focuses on those struggling to maintain a warm home, especially during winter.
    • Bespoke targeting route (Route 4): This is a more flexible route where local authorities and energy suppliers can identify and assist households that do not meet the standard criteria but are still in need. These cases are submitted to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for approval, allowing for tailored support.

    Easy Eligibility Check for a Free Boiler Grant

    Not sure if you qualify for a free boiler grant? Simply complete our form, and we'll assess your eligibility free of charge. Don't miss out on this opportunity—take the first step towards reducing your energy bills today!

    0% VAT

    The 0% VAT is a significant initiative that encourages UK homeowners to improve their home’s energy efficiency by installing energy-saving material. This government scheme started on 1 April 2022 and will end on 31 March 2027.

    The standard VAT (Value Added Tax) in the UK is 20% and this scheme reduces the VAT on energy efficient measures including certain types of boilers to 0%. It also covers other types of green heating systems such as heat pumps. The measures 0% VAT applies to include:

    • Heat pumps
    • Wood-fuelled boilers
    • Insulation
    • Solar panels
    • Heating controls
    • Batteries for energy storage

    When taking advantage of the 0% VAT scheme, it’s important to understand two key aspects. Firstly, the 0% VAT is specifically designed for energy-saving materials that are installed in residential properties. The goal is to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to improve their home's energy efficiency.

    Secondly, if you decide to purchase these materials without arranging for their installation, the standard VAT rate of 20% will apply. This means that to fully benefit from the tax break, both the purchase and installation need to be part of your energy efficiency upgrade plans.

    This distinction ensures the 0% VAT is directed at those who are genuinely improving their home’s energy efficiency, not just buying materials.

    Simplify Your Boiler Grant Application with Our Free, Expert Assistance

    Applying for a boiler grant in the UK has never been easier. With just a few simple steps, you can be on your way to a warmer, more energy-efficient home—completely free of charge. Here’s how our streamlined process works:

    Step 1: Complete Our Easy Application Form

    Start by filling out our quick online form. It only takes a few minutes, and once submitted, our team of specialists will review your details promptly.

    Step 2: Personalised Home Assessment

    Once we’ve reviewed your application, we’ll contact you to arrange a home assessment at a time that suits you. During this assessment, our expert surveyors will evaluate your eligibility for the various UK government boiler grant schemes. We’re committed to finding the grant that best suits your needs, ensuring you receive the maximum benefit.

    Step 3: Hassle-Free Application Support

    If you qualify, our team will guide you through the entire application process, helping you gather any necessary documents. We aim to make the process as smooth and quick as possible, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.

    Step 4: Professional Installation of Your New Boiler

    Once your application is approved, we’ll take care of everything. We’ll arrange the installation of your new, energy-efficient boiler. Our accredited installers are among the best in the industry, and we personally oversee the entire installation process to ensure the highest standards of quality are met.

    By choosing ByEco, you’re opting for a stress-free, professional service that puts your needs first. Our partnership with the UK government means we can offer this entire service completely free of charge, from the initial assessment to the final installation.

    Ready to get started? Fill in the form today and take the first step towards a warmer, more energy-efficient home with a new boiler, fully funded by the government.

    FAQs

    Quick, Essential Answers

    Eligibility for the ECO4 scheme primarily depends on your household income and whether you receive certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit. Additionally, your property must meet specific criteria, such as low energy efficiency, which can be determined through an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment.

    To apply for a boiler grant, simply complete our online form to get started. Once we’ve reviewed your details, one of our team members will contact you to arrange a home assessment. Following the assessment, we’ll handle your application and oversee the entire process, ensuring you receive your free boiler as quickly and smoothly as possible.

    Under the ECO4 scheme, several types of boilers are eligible for replacement or repair. The scheme covers the replacement of old, inefficient non-condensing boilers with modern, A-rated condensing boilers, which are designed to maximise energy efficiency. However, the scheme places a strong emphasis on repairing existing boilers where feasible, to extend their life and minimise waste. It's important to note that certain boiler types are excluded from the ECO4 grants, particularly coal-fired boilers and those fuelled by oil or LPG, as these are less environmentally friendly. The scheme encourages the adoption of greener alternatives, such as heat pumps and biomass boilers, to align with the UK’s net-zero carbon goals.

    A boiler grant is financial support from the government that doesn’t need to be paid back, helping eligible households replace their old boilers. On the other hand, a boiler loan is a type of financing that you’ll need to repay over time, which can help cover the cost of a new boiler. If you qualify for a grant, it’s usually the better option since it provides the funding you need without the burden of repayment.

    If your boiler breaks down before receiving the grant, you should contact your installer or energy supplier immediately. They may provide temporary heating solutions or prioritise your application, depending on the severity of the situation.

    When applying for a boiler grant, you will need to provide proof of income, benefit entitlement, and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). ByEco will guide you through the documentation process to ensure all necessary information is provided. Apply now to get started!

    Yes, you can often combine a boiler grant with other energy efficiency grants, such as insulation grants, to maximise your home's energy efficiency. However, you should check the specific terms and conditions of each grant to ensure compatibility.

    Yes, landlords can apply for boiler grants if their tenants meet the eligibility criteria. However, the property must be rented out to tenants who qualify for the grant under the ECO4 scheme.

    Check Your Eligibility with ByEco Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Easy Eligibility Check for a Free Boiler Grant 0% VAT Simplify Your Boiler Grant Application with Our Free, Expert Assistance