Complete Oil to Gas Conversion Guide
As an ECO4 analyst with over 12 years of experience, I've guided more than 1,200 successful oil to gas boiler conversions. Converting from expensive, polluting oil heating to clean, economical gas heating is one of the best decisions UK homeowners can make - and with ECO4 covering the £6,000-£11,000 boiler upgrade costs, it's never been more accessible.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll explain exactly how ECO4 covers oil to gas conversion, what costs you're responsible for, the complete conversion process, and how you'll save £1,200+ annually on heating bills. I'll also address common concerns about gas connection availability, property suitability, and timeline expectations.
Whether you're fed up with expensive oil deliveries, concerned about environmental impact, or simply want modern, efficient heating, this guide provides everything you need to make an informed decision about ECO4 oil to gas conversion.
What ECO4 Covers for Oil to Gas Conversion
The ECO4 scheme provides comprehensive coverage for oil to gas boiler conversion, but it's essential to understand exactly what's included and what costs fall outside the scheme. ECO4 focuses on the heating system upgrade itself, while gas supply infrastructure typically requires separate payment.
Fully Covered by ECO4 (£0 Cost)
- ✓New A-rated gas condensing boiler (92-94% efficient, worth £4,000-£6,000)
- ✓Complete professional installation by Gas Safe registered engineers
- ✓System upgrades: pipework, radiators, valves as needed
- ✓Modern heating controls and programmable thermostat
- ✓Old oil boiler disconnection and removal
- ✓Oil storage tank decommissioning and removal
- ✓Site restoration and cleanup
- ✓Gas Safety certification and Building Control compliance
- ✓System commissioning and testing
- ✓Manufacturer warranty registration
Typically Homeowner Pays
- →Gas supply connection from street to property (£500-£2,500 distance-based)
- →Gas meter installation (usually £150-£300, sometimes free)
- →Excavation/reinstatement if crossing driveways (£200-£500)
- →Any structural work needed for boiler location changes
LA Flex Additional Support
Some Local Authority Flex programs offer additional funding toward gas connection costs for vulnerable households or rural properties. Ask your ECO4 provider about supplementary grants available in your area.
Who Qualifies for ECO4 Oil to Gas Conversion
ECO4 oil to gas boiler conversion eligibility combines household income/benefit qualification with property and heating system requirements. Most UK homeowners currently using oil heating can qualify through one of two main routes.
Route 1: Qualifying Benefits (Income Route)
Route 2: LA Flex (Local Authority Referral)
If you don't receive qualifying benefits, your local council can refer you through LA Flex based on:
Property Requirements
Priority Groups
ECO4 prioritizes conversions for:
- • Pensioners on Pension Credit paying high oil heating costs
- • Families with children in fuel poverty
- • Disabled or chronically ill residents struggling with heating bills
- • Rural off-gas properties with expensive oil deliveries
- • Properties with very old, inefficient oil boilers (15+ years)