How to get a free boiler or grant?

Can I get a free boiler or grant?

Are you left wondering whether you can get a free boiler? Read through our article as you will have a clearer idea if you are eligible for a boiler grant from the government, or even a completely free new boiler.

If you already have a boiler in your property there may come a time where the boiler breaks down and you will need to pay for a replacement, however, you may be able to save money by claiming a grant towards some of the cost of the boiler, or even a completely free boiler, from one of the governments schemes.

There are a number of boiler grants, eco-schemes, rental schemes and finance options for boilers that will help you to avoid that initial outlay. The only downside is that not everyone is eligible for these schemes, therefore it is important to read further on to find out if you meet these eligibility criteria.

Can I get a free boiler or grant?

Grants For Free Boilers & Subsidised Boilers

The Energy Companies Obligation scheme is backed by the government and under this scheme some homeowners, landlords and private tenants can get their old boilers replaced completely free of charge through a replacement boiler grants or have the cost of replacing the boiler heavily subsidised.

The scheme was set up to help low income families reduce their carbon footprint, improve the efficiency of their home and overall reduce the level of fuel poverty currently being experienced in the United Kingdom. There are a number of criterias that must be met before you can qualify for a replacement boiler grant and your boiler must be more than 8 years old.

The main drawback of the ECO scheme is that government funding is limited and the benefits dependent criteria are quite stringent. You need to be in receipt of at least one benefit, such as income support or child tax credit from the list of eligible benefits.

In addition to these rules you must be earning less than £20,000 per annum as a household. You will also need to own your own home or have consent from your landlord to carry out the replacement of the boiler. This usually involves getting your landlord to sign a document agreeing to the changes being made.

You can apply for a ECO boiler grant by visiting the bottom of this article or clicking the button underneath (this will take you to our boiler grant application form at the bottom of this page).

Affordable Warmth Obligation

Another scheme to take advantage of is the Affordable Warmth Obligation. This scheme is also part of the ECO initiative and it allows homeowners to get help with the cost of replacing or repairing your boiler, as well as other energy saving improvements.

Again, just like the main ECO scheme, you will need to be receiving certain benefits to qualify, and either own your own home or be renting privately. Your home will also need to have an energy rating of E,F, or G as the scheme needs to ensure that properties in need of energy efficient improvements are being prioritised.

Affordable Warmth Obligation

Rent a Boiler

If in the unfortunate case you are not eligible for any boiler grants then you could consider renting a new boiler. These are normally referred to as pay monthly boilers. Most companies will install a valiant, ideal or Worcester boiler with no upfront cost but you may be tied into a 10 – 12 year contract with monthly payments of up to £39.99 a month.

There may also be increases in the payments year on year so this way of acquiring a new boiler must be taken carefully and remember to always read the terms and conditions.

In general terms you could end up paying £1700 more by renting a boiler than paying for a new boiler outright, but remember you do not have to outlay the full cost whereas if you were to buy one you would need to pay the cost upfront.