FAQ

How to get First Time Central Heating grant?

There's free cash available to help increase your home's energy efficiency or pay your energy bills – hundreds of millions of pounds of it. The key is knowing where to look.

Lots of UK First Time Central Heating grants go unclaimed. Many – but not all – are for the elderly, disabled or those on lower incomes. First Time Central Heating Grants can help you to check if you qualify under the Free ECO scheme 2021 and, if yes, put you in touch with your local installer.

What is First Time Central Heating grant?

A First Time Central Heating grant is money, or a voucher, that contributes towards the cost of installation of central heating system. Although it may not cover the full cost of it, meaning you'll have to make a small contribution towards it yourself, it's in many cases completely free.

What is the government grant for first time central heating?

The First Time Central Heating grant is part of the government ECO scheme. Introduced in 2013, the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme helps homeowners on certain benefits to increase energy efficiency of their homes by installing central heating systems into properties that are heated with electricity or fossil fuels.

The ECO scheme is a government initiative aimed at reducing the overall amount of energy that we use. By working with the key energy providers in the UK, the government have made it a legal obligation for these companies to improve the energy efficiency of households across the country by providing funding to the most vulnerable individuals living in energy-inefficient properties.

Some of the energy providers involved with the ECO scheme include: British Gas, EDF Energy, Eon, Npower, Ovo, Scottish Power and SSE.

The current ECO3 scheme has been introduced on the 1st October 2018 and opened an opportunity for Free Central Heating scheme UK for a wider group of people, it is certainly worth applying now if you believe you are entitled to assistance towards the central heating system.

How much can I save with free ECO3 grants?

ECO grants are available to those receiving certain benefits, from new boilers and first time central heating systems, to insulation. It's because of efficiency obligations to people in certain groups.

The cost of a new boiler varies, but a typical gas boiler replacement costs around £2,300, so this is a fantastic freebie.

Boilers are one of the biggest contributors to your energy bills – the more efficient your boiler, the more heat it produces from each gas unit. Depending on its age, a new efficient one could save you between £100 and £320 a year.

It is quite possible that you also qualify for home insulation grant. Cavity wall insulation grant can save between £70 and £225 off energy bills every year. If your loft isn't insulated and you get it fitted with 270mm of new insulation, this'll save another £120-£225 a year.

Who qualifies for the ECO3 scheme?

Government funding for the ECO3 scheme is limited, so the eligibility criteria for the grant is strict. You must be a home owner living in your own home or a private tenant with a permission of your landlord. Please review this First Time Central Heating Grants website to find out if you qualify and then click apply to make an application.

Simply go through our questionnaire and answer all questions as clear as possible. You will need to provide a proof of benefits you are in receipt of.

If you do not qualify for the ECO3 First Time Central Heating scheme but you are interested in a free boiler replacement, there are other options. New Boiler Grant offers boiler replacement grants. To find out more, visit our New Boiler Grant website.

How does the Government Free Central Heating scheme UK work?

If eligible, your contact details will be passed on to an approved, local installer. They will usually contact you within 24 - 48 hours, to arrange a suitable time for a visit.

The ECO accredited surveyor will visit your home, to carry out an energy assessment of your home and check your benefit paperwork. He will confirm if the First Time Central Heating grant is available to you.

If you qualify, you can arrange an installation date there and then.

In many cases, the First Time Central Heating system will be free, our team will be able to confirm it or give you a contribution quote based on your application details.

Note: If you are a tenant, you will need a permission of your landlord to install first time central heating.

Enjoy the benefits of a warm home and save up to £350 each year on your energy bills!

What are the benefits of the ECO3 scheme?

Those who are eligible could benefit from:

• A free (or almost free) First Time Central Heating system
• Free installation
• Savings of up to £350 each year on your energy bills
• Increased property value

What if I don’t qualify for First Time Central Heating grants 2021 ?

If you don’t qualify for a first time central heating system, and are considering a replacement boiler, you can appy for a different grant at our New Boiler Grant website.

Can I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to change your mind as long as you have not proceeded with the central heating system installation company.