Government Boiler Replacement Grant UK 2025
YES, you can get a FREE boiler replacement through the UK Government ECO4 scheme. Complete guide to eligibility, application process, and claiming your £3,000-£7,000 grant.
Hamza Moeen
ECO4 Analyst • 12+ years experience
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100% FREE Government Funding
No upfront costs, no repayments—covers entire £3,000-£7,000 installation value
Wide Eligibility Criteria
Benefits recipients, LA Flex, EPC D-G properties across England, Scotland, Wales
£300-£500 Annual Savings
New A-rated condensing boilers reduce energy bills significantly year-on-year
Fast 7-14 Day Approval
Priority processing for vulnerable households, installation within 2-4 weeks
Renters Can Qualify
Private renters eligible with landlord permission—free upgrade for both parties
Gas Safe Guaranteed
All installations by certified engineers, 5-10 year warranties, Boiler Plus compliant
Understanding Government Boiler Replacement Grants
The UK Government boiler replacement grant is delivered through the ECO4 scheme (Energy Company Obligation), a government-mandated programme that requires major energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for qualifying households. This isn't a loan or voucher—it's 100% FREE funding worth £3,000-£7,000 that covers your entire boiler replacement with absolutely no repayments required.
Since its launch, the ECO4 scheme has helped over 150,000 UK households replace their inefficient, broken, or dangerous boilers with brand-new A-rated condensing boilers. The scheme runs until March 2026, with £4 billion in government funding allocated specifically for heating improvements. If you're struggling with high energy bills, living with an unreliable boiler, or receiving means-tested benefits, you could qualify today.
What the Government Grant Covers
- Full boiler removal and disposal (old unit safely disconnected and recycled)
- New A-rated condensing boiler supply and installation (Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal, or Baxi brands)
- All pipework, flue, and controls upgrades (smart thermostats, magnetic filters, inhibitors)
- Gas Safe registration and certification (legally compliant installation, Building Regulations approval)
- Full system commissioning and handover (engineer demonstrates controls, provides warranty documentation)
- 5-10 year manufacturer warranty (parts and labour coverage for complete peace of mind)
The grant is funded by a legal obligation placed on large energy companies (British Gas, E.ON, EDF, OVO, Scottish Power, etc.) to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. They achieve this by partnering with approved installers who deliver free boiler replacements to eligible households. You don't deal directly with the energy companies—our approved ECO4 installers handle all applications, surveys, and installations on your behalf.
Important: The ECO4 scheme is 100% FREE for qualifying homeowners. If any company asks you for upfront deposits, survey fees, or "admin charges," they are NOT legitimate ECO4 providers. Report them to Ofgem immediately and contact us for genuine free grant assistance.
Who Qualifies for Government Boiler Replacement Grants?
Eligibility for the government boiler replacement grant is surprisingly wide. You must meet ALL four of these core criteria, plus additional income/benefit requirements explained below:
Property Ownership
You must own your property (freehold or leasehold) OR be a private tenant with landlord permission. Social housing tenants must apply through their housing association.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating
Your property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. Check your rating free at freeboilerupgrade.uk/epc-checker. If you don't have an EPC, we arrange a free assessment during your home survey.
Inefficient Existing Boiler
Your current boiler must be non-condensing (over 15 years old typically), over 10 years old and inefficient (Band D+ on boiler efficiency chart), or broken beyond economical repair (replacement quotes exceeding £500).
Location
Property must be located in England, Scotland, or Wales. Northern Ireland has separate schemes (contact NI Housing Executive for Affordable Warmth Scheme details).
Qualifying Benefits & Income Routes
In addition to the core criteria above, you must meet ONE of these income/benefit requirements:
If you receive ANY of these benefits, you automatically qualify:
Proof required: Recent benefit award letter (within 12 months) or screenshot from Universal Credit online account.
Government Boiler Grant Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Applying for your free government boiler replacement is straightforward. Follow these 4 simple steps to claim your grant:
Start with our 60-second online eligibility checker. You'll need to provide:
- Your postcode (to check coverage area)
- Property ownership status (owner, private tenant, social tenant)
- Current boiler type and age (if known—don't worry if unsure)
- Benefits you receive OR household income details
Alternatively, call our eligibility hotline: 07375 868046
Once eligibility is confirmed, we'll schedule a free home survey at a time convenient for you. During this 1-2 hour visit, our certified assessor will:
- Conduct an EPC assessment (if you don't have a current certificate)
- Inspect your current boiler and heating system (age, efficiency, condition)
- Measure your property (room sizes, radiator count, hot water needs)
- Check gas supply and flue routing for new boiler location
- Verify your eligibility documents (benefit letters, income proof, medical evidence)
- Recommend the correct boiler size (24kW, 28kW, 35kW combi based on property needs)
What to have ready: Recent energy bills, benefit award letters, property ownership documents (deeds or tenancy agreement with landlord consent).
You don't need to complete any complicated paperwork—our surveyor handles everything. They will:
- Submit your ECO4 grant application to the funding obligated energy company
- Upload all required documentation (EPC, benefit proof, survey report, photos)
- Request LA Flex declaration from your local council (if applicable)
- Liaise with the energy company to ensure fast approval
Approval timeline:
- • Standard applications: 7-14 business days
- • Priority (vulnerable households, no heating): 2-5 business days
- • LA Flex applications: 10-21 days (requires council declaration)
Once your grant is approved, we'll contact you to schedule installation at your convenience. On installation day:
Morning (Arrival & Preparation - 8am-10am)
- • Gas Safe engineer arrives with new boiler and equipment
- • Protective floor coverings laid throughout work area
- • Existing boiler system drained and isolated
Midday (Old Boiler Removal - 10am-12pm)
- • Old boiler disconnected from gas, water, and electrical supplies
- • Unit carefully removed and taken for recycling
- • Pipework assessed for upgrades or modifications
Afternoon (New Boiler Installation - 12pm-3pm)
- • New boiler mounted securely (wall-hung or floor-standing)
- • Gas supply connected and tested for leaks
- • Water pipes, flue, and condensate drain fitted
- • Magnetic filter and inhibitor added to protect system
- • Smart thermostat/controls installed and wired
Late Afternoon (Testing & Handover - 3pm-5pm)
- • Full system pressure test and leak checks
- • Boiler fired up and commissioned (all safety checks)
- • Radiators bled and balanced for even heating
- • Engineer demonstrates controls and settings to you
- • Gas Safe certificate issued and Building Regulations compliance confirmed
- • Manufacturer warranty registered in your name
- • All packaging and waste removed from property
Total installation time: 4-6 hours for standard combi boiler replacement. System boilers may take 6-8 hours if hot water cylinder also needs upgrading.
Financial Benefits & Annual Savings Breakdown
Replacing your old inefficient boiler with a new A-rated condensing boiler through the government grant delivers significant financial benefits beyond the upfront £3,000-£7,000 installation cost you avoid:
Annual Energy Bill Savings
£300-£500
Per Year Typical Savings
Replacing a 15+ year old G-rated boiler (60-70% efficiency) with a new A-rated condensing boiler (92-94% efficiency)
£3,000-£5,000
10-Year Cumulative Savings
Total energy cost reduction over typical 10-15 year boiler lifespan (accounting for energy price inflation)
Complete Financial Benefits Breakdown
The government grant covers the entire installation cost that you would otherwise pay privately:
- • New A-rated combi boiler: £1,800-£2,500 (Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal brands)
- • Labour and installation: £1,000-£1,500 (Gas Safe engineer, 1-2 day job)
- • Additional parts: £500-£800 (magnetic filter, inhibitor, smart thermostat, new pipework, upgraded flue)
- • Old boiler disposal: £100-£200 (waste carrier licence required)
- • Gas Safe certification: £100-£150 (Building Regulations compliance)
- • System upgrades: £500-£1,500 (power flush, radiator upgrades if needed)
Total private replacement cost: £4,000-£7,000 | Your cost with ECO4 grant: £0
New A-rated boilers convert 92-94% of fuel into usable heat (vs 60-70% for old non-condensing boilers):
Example Household (3-bed semi, gas central heating):
- • Old boiler annual gas cost: £1,200 (12,000 kWh @ 10p/kWh avg)
- • New boiler annual gas cost: £850 (8,500 kWh @ 10p/kWh avg)
- • Annual saving: £350
- • 10-year saving: £3,500 (plus £500-£1,000 if energy prices rise)
Savings vary by property size, insulation levels, and heating usage patterns. Larger homes (4-5 bed) may save £500-£700 annually.
Old boilers (10+ years) suffer frequent breakdowns. A new boiler eliminates these costs:
- • Emergency callout fees: £80-£150 per breakdown (often winter when most needed)
- • Annual servicing: £80-£120/year (older boilers need more frequent maintenance)
- • Parts replacement: £100-£500/year (heat exchangers, pumps, PCBs, pressure valves)
- • System power flush: £400-£600 (needed when sludge from old boiler damages system)
New boilers come with 5-10 year manufacturer warranties covering parts and labour, plus modern boilers have 30-50% fewer breakdown rates.
A new boiler and improved EPC rating directly increase property value:
- • EPC rating improvement: Moving from E/F to C/D adds £5,000-£10,000 property value (Nationwide Building Society study 2023)
- • Buyer appeal: Properties with new boilers sell 15-20% faster (no immediate replacement cost for buyers)
- • Rental income: Landlords can charge 5-8% higher rent with better EPC ratings and modern heating
- • Carbon emissions reduction: 1.5-2.5 tonnes CO2 annually (equivalent to 4,000-6,000 miles driving)
- • Improved home comfort: Better temperature control, faster heat-up times, consistent hot water
- • Health outcomes: Warmer homes reduce respiratory infections, cardiovascular stress, and mental health impacts
- • Safety improvement: New boilers eliminate carbon monoxide risks from cracked heat exchangers in old units
Boiler Types Covered by Government Grant
The ECO4 government grant covers all types of gas condensing boilers that meet current UK regulations. Your surveyor will recommend the correct boiler type based on your property's existing heating system and hot water needs:
Combi boilers heat water on-demand directly from the mains supply—no hot water cylinder or cold water tank needed. They're the most space-efficient option and account for the majority of ECO4 installations.
Best For:
- • Small to medium properties (1-4 bedrooms)
- • Households with 1 bathroom (or 2 bathrooms if willing to take turns)
- • Properties without loft space for cold water tanks
- • Flats and apartments with limited space
Advantages:
- • Instant hot water: No waiting for cylinder to reheat
- • Space-saving: No cylinder cupboard or loft tanks required
- • Energy efficient: Only heats water when you need it (no standing losses)
- • Mains pressure: Powerful showers without pumps
- • Lower installation cost: Fewer components than system/regular boilers
Limitations:
- • Single outlet use: Flow rate drops if shower and tap running simultaneously
- • Mains pressure dependent: Poor performance if mains supply is weak (below 1.5 bar)
- • Not ideal for large families: Struggles with multiple bathrooms in heavy use
Popular Grant-Funded Combi Boiler Models:
- • Worcester Bosch Greenstar 2000 (25kW/30kW): 10-year warranty, 94% efficiency
- • Vaillant ecoFIT pure (25kW/30kW/35kW): Quiet operation, 93% efficiency
- • Ideal Logic Max (24kW/30kW/35kW): Budget-friendly, 7-year warranty
- • Baxi 800 (24kW/28kW/34kW): Compact design, 10-year warranty
Boiler Plus Regulations: All government-funded boilers must comply with Boiler Plus regulations, which mandate minimum 92% ErP efficiency rating, weather compensation controls or load compensation controls, and time and temperature controls (smart thermostats). These are included automatically in your grant installation.
Can Renters Get Government Boiler Grants? (Yes - With Landlord Permission)
YES, renters CAN qualify for the government boiler replacement grant—but you need written landlord permission. The scheme is designed to help vulnerable households, whether they own their home or rent privately. Here's everything tenants and landlords need to know:
Landlords receive significant benefits at zero cost:
£3,000-£7,000 Free Property Upgrade
New boiler installed at zero cost to you—increases property value immediately
Improved EPC Rating
Likely improvement from F/E to D/C—meets legal minimum EPC C by 2025 requirement
Higher Rental Income Potential
Properties with better EPC ratings command 5-8% higher rent
Reduced Maintenance Costs
New boiler eliminates emergency callouts, repairs for 5-10 years (warranty period)
Happier Tenants (Longer Tenancies)
Warm, comfortable homes reduce tenant turnover—saves void period losses and advertising costs
Faster Property Sales
New boilers and better EPC ratings make properties sell 15-20% faster
Tenant Application Process (5 Steps)
Check Your Eligibility First
Complete the online eligibility checker to confirm you meet benefit/income requirements. You must qualify as a tenant—landlord's circumstances don't affect your eligibility.
Discuss with Your Landlord
Explain the benefits to your landlord (free upgrade, higher property value, better EPC rating, reduced maintenance). Emphasize this is a government scheme with zero cost to them.
Download our Landlord Information Pack:
ECO4 Landlord Benefits Guide (PDF)Obtain Written Landlord Consent
Your landlord must provide written permission for the boiler replacement. This can be:
- • Signed landlord consent form (we provide template)
- • Email from landlord confirming permission
- • Clause in tenancy agreement allowing energy efficiency improvements
Home Survey & Application (Same as Homeowners)
Once landlord permission secured, the process is identical to homeowner applications. We conduct the survey, submit the grant application, and handle all coordination with the landlord if needed.
Installation (Coordinated with Landlord)
Installation scheduled at a mutually convenient time. Landlord doesn't need to be present, but we provide them with all completion certificates and warranty documentation.
Important for Tenants: Landlord Cannot Increase Rent
UK housing law protects tenants from rent increases solely due to property improvements funded by government grants. Your landlord cannot raise your rent during your fixed-term tenancy because they received a free boiler upgrade. Any rent increase must follow normal legal procedures (end of fixed term, proper notice period, market rate justification).
What If My Landlord Says No?
If your landlord initially refuses, try these approaches:
Emphasize Legal EPC Requirements
Remind landlord that rental properties must achieve EPC C by 2025 (currently E minimum). A free boiler upgrade helps meet this legal requirement without cost.
Offer to Coordinate Everything
Reassure landlord that you'll handle all communication, scheduling, and liaison with installers. They simply need to sign one consent form.
Highlight Property Value Increase
New boilers add £5,000-£10,000 to property value (Nationwide study). It's a smart financial decision for landlords.
Involve Their Letting Agent
Contact your letting agent if you have one. Agents often advocate for energy efficiency improvements as they know it benefits landlords.
Request We Contact Them Directly
We can call your landlord to explain the scheme professionally, answer their questions, and address any concerns. Many landlords approve once they understand there's zero cost or risk.
Common Questions & Concerns Answered
We've answered over 10,000 enquiries about government boiler grants. Here are the most common questions and concerns we hear:
What Our Customers Say
"I couldn't believe it was completely free. They replaced my 18-year-old boiler with a brand new Worcester Bosch in just one day. My energy bills have dropped by £35 a month already. The engineer was professional, explained everything, and left no mess. Brilliant service from start to finish."
Margaret Johnson
Sheffield • Pension Credit Recipient
"As a single mum on Universal Credit, I was dreading the cost of replacing our broken boiler in December. The ECO4 grant covered everything—new Vaillant boiler, smart thermostat, even a system flush. The kids are so much warmer now and I'm saving £40 a month. Thank you so much!"
Sarah Patel
Birmingham • Universal Credit
"I was skeptical at first—how can a boiler be free? But it's a genuine government scheme. The whole process took 3 weeks from initial call to installation. They handled all the paperwork, did a professional job, and now I have a 10-year warranty. My landlord was delighted too as it increased the property value. Highly recommend!"
David Kim
Manchester • Private Renter (PIP)
"My husband has severe COPD and cold temperatures make his breathing worse. We qualified through the LA Flex medical route even though we're not on benefits. The new boiler keeps our home at a steady temperature and his health has noticeably improved. Forever grateful for this scheme."
Rita Thompson
Bristol • LA Flex Medical Route
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ready to Claim Your Free Government Boiler Grant?
Join over 7,000 UK homeowners who've saved £3,000-£7,000 on boiler replacements through the ECO4 government scheme. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds—it's 100% FREE with no obligations.
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Limited Time: ECO4 scheme runs until March 2026. Apply now to secure your free boiler replacement before funding ends.
- Gather all eligibility documents before your survey (benefit letters, energy bills, property deeds)
- Check your EPC rating first using our free online checker to confirm you're D-G
- Apply before winter heating season for faster installation scheduling
- Vulnerable households (children under 5, over 65s, disabled) get priority processing
Need More Information?
Our ECO4 grant specialists are available 8am-8pm daily to answer your questions