Replacing your outdated boiler can improve the comfort and safety of your entire home. With a new heating system you’ll notice that your home takes less time to heat up, hot water will be delivered faster from your various outlets, and you could save as much as £630 per year on your energy bills (Energy Savings Trust).
In addition, getting a new boiler in the UK will reduce your home’s environmental impact. New central heating boilers can lower CO2 emissions by around 30 per cent to 35 per cent per home, as less fuel will be used to produce heat.
Despite these benefits, the financial strain of a boiler replacement prevents many people in the UK from upgrading their heating systems.
To tackle rising fuel poverty, and to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock, the UK government does offer support to those that need help replacing their boiler. For those specifically looking to replace their oil boiler, check out our latest Best Oil Boiler guide.
There are also various regional grants for those living in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. This support comes in the form of various boiler grants and schemes.
Help to Upgrade Your Heating: Boiler Grants in the UK
These schemes cover a wide range of energy-saving upgrades, from insulation improvements to new renewable technologies and optimising heating systems. New boilers included among these grants include gas boilers, biomass boilers and oil boilers. Here’s a snapshot of the grants currently offering help towards new boiler upgrades across the UK.
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation Scheme) – England, Scotland, Wales
Period: April 2022 – March 31 2026
The ECO4 scheme addresses fuel poverty through heating system upgrades and enhanced insulation for low-income households, as funded by the largest energy suppliers in the UK.
This scheme sets its sights on eradicating fuel poverty by enhancing heating systems and bolstering insulation for households in the lowest energy efficiency category. For those who are eligible, a new boiler replacement is part of the package. To qualify, you must a homeowner or tenant who receives certain means-tested benefits.
0 per cent VAT Scheme – England, Scotland, Wales
Period: April 2022 – March 31, 2027
Between April 2022 and March 2027, homeowners can catch a break through the 0 per cent VAT scheme, slashed down from 20 per cent.
This scheme was introduced with the aim of reducing the financial burden on homeowners installing energy-efficient products, including biomass boilers, by offering a reduced VAT rate of 0%.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) – England, Wales
Period: April 2022 – April 2028
The BUS aims to help facilitate the shift towards low-carbon heating systems by providing financial support for gas boiler replacements with air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and biomass boilers (for rural homes off the gas grid).
Running until April 2028, the BUS steps in to make low carbon heating systems more accessible. For those in rural areas, off of the gas grid, and who meet the eligibility criteria, the government may also provide £5,000 towards a new biomass boilers.
Home Upgrade Grant, England
Period: April 2023 – March 2025
The Home Upgrade Grant has will contribute a substantial £1.4 billion for energy efficiency improvements across homes in England. With an emphasis on low-income households, properties off the gas grid, and homes with an energy efficiency band of D-G.
The grant is available to those living in any one of the 45 local authorities that have applied to participate in the scheme. It is estimated that 115,000 homes across England will benefit from this grant.
Warm Homes Nest Scheme – Wales
Period: 2011 – 2023 (Expected iteration beyond this closure)
Available for private sector tenants and homeowners alike, this scheme focuses on enhancing energy efficiency and comfort in Welsh homes.
This scheme provides free consultations and home energy improvements, including boiler/central heating replacement, insulation, and solar panels. This support is available to homeowners or private renters who receive certain means-tested benefits or have respiratory, circulatory or mental health conditions.
Warmer Homes Scotland
Period: Ongoing since September 2015
Warmer Homes Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government. This scheme aims to cover the costs of energy-saving improvements, which includes boiler replacements and insulation, through home visits to assess energy-saving needs.
The scheme primarily targets households struggling to keep warm or keep up with the cost energy bills. The Warmer Homes Scotland initiative is extended to both private sector tenants and homeowners, contributing to more energy-efficient and cost-effective living in Scotland.
Boiler Replacement Scheme – Northern Ireland
Period: Ongoing since September 2012
The Boiler Replacement Scheme in Northern Ireland is a proactive step toward addressing energy inefficiency and upgrading heating systems.
This longstanding initiative supports Northern Irish homeowners with an eye on energy efficiency. To benefit from this scheme, you must be a homeowner that earns less than £40,000 per year and your existing boiler must be at least 15 years old. Through the scheme, you can receive a new gas boiler, oil boiler, or biomass boiler.
This is a submitted article.
