What Is the Free Boiler Grants Scheme All About?
As a rule of thumb, a new boiler system may set you back up over £2,000 or sometimes more! However, the new government-backed Boiler Grant Scheme can be a chance for you to get one for free if you’re eligible to apply!
So what is the free boiler grants scheme all about, and how do you know if you qualify for a new boiler?
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the ECO scheme so that you can get your free boiler installed. Let’s dive right in!
What is the Free Boiler Grants Scheme?
The Free Boiler Grants Scheme was launched back at the beginning of 2013. The scheme is a part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) as well as the Electricity and Gas Order.
This obligation was passed back in Parliament in 2012 and should last for 10 years, with aims to provide low-income households with new boilers to improve their energy efficiency, and therefore, reduce energy consumption all across the UK.
Based on this obligation, qualifying homeowners are entitled to a new boiler, which is mainly funded by the big six energy provider companies in the UK, which are:
- British Gas
- EDF Energy
- NPower
- E.ON
- SSE
- Scottish Power
Who Qualifies for the Free Boiler Scheme?
There are many ways to qualify for the Free Boiler Scheme. The easiest way to qualify for the boiler automatically is to have a boiler that is 7 years or older.
The Free Boiler Scheme is designed for homeowners and private tenants that are subscribed to oil, gas, LPG, or electric supply by one of the big energy companies in the UK.
Another way to qualify for the free boiler is to be a recipient of income-related benefits, such as working tax credits, pension credits, child tax credits, universal credit, income-related ESA and income-related JSA.
How is the Boiler Grants Scheme Free?
As previously mentioned, the leading energy companies are the ones responsible for providing new boilers as well as the costs of replacing them, making the process technically free of charge for homeowners.
How Long Does the Installation of a New Boiler Take?
It usually takes anywhere between 2 to 3 month after applying. The duration changes depending on various factors, including the complexity of the job, and availability of staff and equipment in the region.
Is the Free Boiler Grant Scheme Worth it?
The boiler and its installation is theoretically free of charge. However, this is not the only cost-efficient thing about the boilers.
Since the act is mainly to improve energy efficiency, these boilers also provide more energy for the same amount spent, so they can save you up to £300 per year!
Final Words
There you have it! A quick guide to everything you need to know about the Free Boiler Grant Scheme and how it works.
As you can see, transitioning to a new boiler won’t only improve your heating efficiency, but may also save you money in the long run!
Keep in mind that the current ECO grant scheme for free boilers is set to end in March 2022. Make sure that you apply as soon as you possibly can, so you don’t miss out!