Boiler Grant Qualification

    How do you qualify for a free boiler?

    Has your boiler broken down with no warning? These days it’s almost impossible to get through the winter without a working boiler. But, if you weren’t anticipating the additional expense then you may not be prepared to replace your old boiler or even get it repaired. That’s where government grants like the ECO scheme come in.

    With these financial assistance plans, you can qualify to get a free boiler. But only if you meet their criteria. So what are the requirements?

    Do you qualify for a free boiler?

    Finding out whether you meet the basic criteria for a free boiler is simple. You don’t need to pull out a dozen bills or a calculator. Instead, ask yourself these four questions?

    1. How old is your boiler and what state is it in?

    The first point to note is that your boiler needs to be suitably run down. Remember, the fund isn’t for fixing or repairing your machine. You’re going to get a free, new boiler, which means your old boiler needs to be at least 8 years old. Overall, the older the boiler the more your chances of getting it replaced. Alternatively, if your boiler is 5 or more years old but has a serious defect that makes it unusable you can qualify for a grant.

    Also, consider the efficiency of the boiler. The purpose of the ECO scheme is to reduce carbon damage. Brand new boilers work at high efficiencies of around 90 percent. But an old and run-down one will work around 60 to 75 percent. Here, a professional will be sent to your property to check your boiler’s efficiency. The potential carbon savings have to be high enough to justify the cost of a new boiler.

    2. Are you a homeowner?

    If you intend to apply for a free boiler grant you must own the property you live in. Renters do not meet the criteria. Similarly, the property must be large enough to result in significant carbon savings. So flats and apartments will not meet the mark, simply because the carbon output is not considered damaging enough to validate installing a new boiler.

    3. Does your boiler run on gas?

    Your boiler must have a direct connection to the mains gas supply if you want to qualify for the ECO scheme. Setups that work on oil or LPG are not eligible.

    4. Which of these benefits are you getting (just one is needed)?

    Lastly, you must already be receiving one or more government benefits. This legitimises your financial need. Some of the benefits in question include:

    • Pension Credit
    • Child Tax Credit
    • Income Support
    • Job Seekers Allowance
    • Working Tax Credits
    • Universal Credit
    • Disability Living
    • And others

    Look into the specific component requirements, among other options that may allow you to qualify for the ECO boiler scheme. If you are already receiving any benefits you can check whether they make you eligible to receive a free boiler.

    How do you receive a free boiler?

    Now that you know what you need to qualify, the question becomes how do you get a boiler? Ideally, if you meet the criteria the boiler companies will contact you themselves. However, funding for the program has been cut severely in recent years so you might have to take the first step. 

    The program began in 2013 and many companies have since met their targets for carbon emission cut downs. This means the list of involved firms has shortened considerably.

    Approach the relevant companies and explain why you qualify for the grant. If a specific company has not met their government allotted targets they will look into the matter and send a professional down to your property. Make sure you contact as many people as possible and speak to them about your boiler problem. 

    Which boiler companies are involved in the ECO scheme?

    According to the ECO scheme, energy supplying companies involved in the programme are obliged to install free replacement boilers for people who meet the criteria. Now, you may not think your need is great enough to qualify. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still apply. Even if you don’t get a free boiler you may still get a grant that covers a huge chunk of the cost.

    You can use the money to replace your boiler or insulate your house. This is especially valid for people who are living in rental houses with energy ratings of E, F and G, or in social housing. No matter what your situation is, you shouldn’t be discouraged because there’s a chance you could still benefit from the scheme. And you won’t know unless you try.

    The list of companies that may be able to help you get a new boiler in 2021 includes:

    • EDF Energy 
    • Avro Energy 
    • Bulb 
    • Utility Point
    • Eon 
    • Utilita 
    • Ecotricity 
    • Octopus Energy 
    • E 
    • Ovo Energy 
    • Pure Planet 
    • Shell Energy 
    • British Gas 
    • SO Energy 
    • Utility Warehouse 
    • Scottish Power 

    Approach representatives from each company with your case. Contact their helplines and send emails until you get a response.

    Final Steps

    Finally, the inspecting officer will take into account the overall state of your property. If it appears run-down and inefficient you are more likely to get a free boiler. But if it looks relatively efficient you may receive a partial grant. That’s why you should look into the process even if you don’t think your need is large enough to qualify for a free boiler. Because at the very least you may receive partial financial compensation. 

    Conclusion

    Is all the above process putting you off? Don’t worry, there’s an easier way to apply for a new boiler and that’s through the free application and vetting process offered by a specialist company such as EnergiHaven.

    To take advantage of this free service simply fill out the simple form on this page and we’ll do the rest.