For the right household, there may be a way to pursue a free boiler installation. When times are hard, the last thing you need is a failing or inefficient boiler. When you need a new boiler and high-quality installation, what are your options? Let’s look into why that might be, and who is eligible for a free boiler installation.
Can I get a free boiler from the government?
There are several schemes set up to help certain households with their heating. The exact provisions under each of these schemes differ between themselves, so here’s a brief overview of the ones currently available:
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme
This scheme has been running since 2013 and was set up to push energy companies to help their customers, particularly those who might suffer from fuel poverty.
There is a short but tight list of requirements to qualify for help towards the cost of repairing or replacing your boiler, including certain benefits and a lack of energy efficiency for your property.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Households looking to move on from oil or gas-burning boilers to biomass boilers or heat pumps might benefit from this scheme.
This scheme gives access to a grant of up to £5,000 towards the installation, though you need a valid EPC certificate for your property that doesn’t recommend upgrading loft or cavity insulation.
Given the general cost of alternative heating solutions, this grant may not amount to a free boiler and installation, but it’s certainly worth exploring.
The scheme will run to 2028 after an extension in March 2023.
The Great British Insulation Scheme (a.k.a. ECO+)
This overhaul of the ECO scheme is set to launch in summer 2023. It will be made available through large energy suppliers like its predecessor, but doesn’t have the same requirements for eligibility.
Under ECO+, homes with EPC ratings of D or worse can apply even if they aren’t in receipt of benefits. This applies to homes in council tax bands A-D.
Note that this scheme does not involve free boiler installation, but low-income groups can receive heating controls.
Who is eligible for a free boiler?
Generally, those who fall beneath certain income thresholds and rely on benefits to help them get by are eligible for help with boiler costs.
It depends on the scheme you’re claiming under, so check the requirements for each and see if you qualify.
It may be that you can’t fully claim the cost of a boiler through the government, but receiving some help thus making your boiler installation cheaper, could make all the difference.
If you’re unsure whether you need a brand-new boiler installation or just a competent boiler repair, contact our team at Bumblebee and arrange a service. We serve a wide range of homes in the North West and one of our highly trained engineers can advise on the lifespan of your existing boiler.
To arrange a visit, please get in touch with our team today.
