Free Boiler Scheme/Grants 2024

As the UK advances into 2024, ensuring that homes are efficiently heated while also maintaining a commitment to reducing carbon emissions remains a key focus of government initiatives. Among such initiatives are schemes and grants designed to assist residents with upgrading to more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating systems. 

Of particular note is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which provides grants to offset the costs of installing low carbon heat technologies, like heat pumps and biomass boilers, in place of less efficient and more polluting fossil fuel heating systems.

Navigating the landscape of grants can be complex, with schemes differing in their eligibility criteria, offerings, and regional coverage. Affordability remains a central concern—these schemes often aim to alleviate the financial burden of switching to greener heating solutions, which can be significant without assistance. 

Additionally, each area of the UK might present variances in what is available to residents, from the overarching Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) to specific regional programmes. It's important for those interested in taking advantage of these opportunities to understand the full range of benefits, as well as to stay informed on how the schemes evolve or are replaced by modern initiatives aimed at fostering the adoption of advanced heating technologies.

Affordable Warmth Obligation 2024

The Affordable Warmth Obligation in 2024 continues to play a crucial role in the UK Government's commitment to increase energy efficiency and support underprivileged households through the Energy Company Obligation scheme.

Key info

In 2024, the Affordable Warmth Obligation aims to reduce fuel poverty by providing necessary upgrades to make homes more energy-efficient. This initiative is part of the wider Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), which is a government-led scheme involving the UK's largest energy companies. Central to this obligation is its focus on offering measures like the free boiler scheme and boiler upgrade scheme, both designed to replace outdated and inefficient heating systems with low-carbon and more efficient solutions.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for the Affordable Warmth Obligation is determined by a set of criteria centred on income, benefits, and property types. Specifically, individuals may be eligible if they:

• Receive certain state benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support.

• Own their home or privately rent (permissions from landlords required for tenants).

• Have an inefficient, faulty, or old boiler.

To confirm eligibility, interested parties must provide evidence of their benefit status and own the property where the heating system will be installed.

How to apply

To apply for the Affordable Warmth Obligation, applicants should:

1. Ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.

2. Collect necessary documentation to prove eligibility.

3. Contact an energy supplier participating in the ECO4 scheme.

It is the energy supplier that will guide through the application process and arrange a survey if the initial checks are positive. The supplier can clarify the detailed steps and documentation required for a successful application. Assistance may also be available from local councils or energy-efficiency advice services.

Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) 2024

In the realm of energy efficiency and support for vulnerable households, the Energy Companies Obligation for 2024 stands as a crucial government-led initiative. Its focus is to enhance heating systems and reduce energy costs for eligible parties in the UK.

Key info

ECO, in its fourth phase known as ECO4, has been set up collaboratively between the government and UK's largest energy suppliers. It aims to assist in upgrading heating systems, such as boilers, specifically for those in need. Since commencing, each iteration of ECO has brought forward modifications and enhancements, with ECO4 running until 2028, emphasising sustainability and fuel poverty alleviation.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for the ECO scheme revolves around certain factors:

• Homeowners or those residing in social housing may apply.

• Residents must be recipients of qualifying benefits such as disability living allowance, child benefit, or others indicating low income or fuel poverty.

• The property in question must possess an Energy Performance Certificate that indicates a need for energy efficiency improvement.

• The scheme specifically targets homes with inefficient boilers.

However, not every application is guaranteed success, as the programme has set guidelines, which form the basis of an eligibility criterion that must be satisfied.

How to apply

To commence the application process for a boiler grant under ECO4, the following steps should be followed:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure your circumstance aligns with the criteria set forth by the ECO scheme.

2. Gather Necessary Documents: These may include proof of occupancy, benefits, and your property's Energy Performance Certificate.

3. Contact an Approved Supplier: Major energy companies partnering with the government are equipped to process applications.

4. Assessment: The supplier will assess your boiler's efficiency and your home's overall energy needs.

5. Approval and Installation: If eligible, an upgrade or replacement will be scheduled.

Bear in mind that each energy supplier may have its process for applying, thus it's critical to communicate directly with them or through the official ECO4 support avenues.

The LA Flex Scheme 2024

The LA Flex Scheme 2024 is part of the broader Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), emphasising the transition to low carbon heating and energy efficiency for eligible households.

Key Info

Under the LA Flex Scheme, local authorities possess the authority to nominate households that might not otherwise meet the national eligibility criteria of ECO4. This scheme facilitates installations of energy-saving measures in qualifying homes, including but not limited to boiler replacements, installation of insulation, and low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps.

Eligible improvements cover a range of areas, from cavity wall insulation to loft insulation, addressing the need for more energy-efficient homes. The LA Flex Scheme recognises the essential role of heat pumps, including air source and ground source varieties, in reducing reliance on fossil fuel heating systems.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for the LA Flex Scheme can include households not covered by traditional benefit-related criteria. The LA Flex Scheme is open to:

• Residents identified by local authorities as living in inefficient homes

• Households without the means to improve their home's energy efficiency without assistance

It's important to note that eligibility is also influenced by factors such as the household's existing energy efficiency level and the occupant's income.

How to Apply

To apply for the LA Flex Scheme, one must follow these steps:

1. Contact your local authority to express your interest and enquire about your potential eligibility.

2. Submit necessary documentation as required by the local authority, which may vary depending on the household's circumstances.

3. If referred by the local authority, the energy provider will assess the property to determine the appropriate energy-saving measures.

Applicants should be aware that the scheme's approval and the subsequent steps can vary by location, given that local authorities have to discretion to operate the scheme tailored to their community's needs.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) 2024

In 2024, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants to cover partial costs of replacing outdated fossil fuel heating systems with cleaner alternatives, like heat pumps and biomass boilers. This initiative is geared towards enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.

Key info

The scheme provides financial support for installations of air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and biomass boilers, which are sustainable heating technologies. The grants aim to incentivise the adoption of low-carbon heating systems by offsetting the initial installation costs, thereby encouraging a shift from conventional fossil fuel systems to more eco-friendly solutions.

• Grant Values: Up to £7,500 for both air and ground source heat pumps.

• Not Eligible: Hybrid systems combining heat pumps with fossil fuel boilers.

• Key Proviso: Installations must be carried out by an MCS-accredited installer to ensure quality and compliance.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is determined by specific conditions.

• Property Type: Applicable to homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales.

• Existing Heating: Only properties with existing fossil fuel heating systems qualify.

• Installer Requirements: The installer must be MCS-accredited.

• System Requirements: Only certain types of heating systems are eligible under the scheme.

Applicants should verify their eligibility before proceeding with installations or applications to avoid any disqualifying factors that may preclude them from receiving the grant.

How to Apply

To apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a straightforward application process must be followed:

1. Quote Acquisition: Obtain quotes for the installation from an MCS-accredited installer.

2. Installer Submission: Your chosen installer will help submit the application on your behalf, registering the project with Ofgem.

3. Grant Payment: Following approval, the grant is paid directly to the installer, reducing the total cost of installation that you must cover.

The application process has been designed to alleviate the financial burden of upgrading to a greener heating alternative, contributing to lower energy bills and a step towards achieving net-zero energy goals. Applicants should ensure they obtain all relevant quotes and confirm their chosen installer’s accreditation status before proceeding.

Financial Considerations for Schemes/Grants 2024

Navigating the financial landscape of boiler schemes and grants in 2024 requires a concise understanding of upfront costs, accessible loans, and obligations by energy companies. These programmes are crafted to alleviate the burden of replacement and upgrade costs for UK homeowners.

Upfront Costs and Savings

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme often enables homeowners to receive grants that significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing eco-friendly heating systems. For example, air source heat pumps that may cost approximately £10,000 can be subsidised to around £5,000. Energy bills are projected to decrease subsequently, yielding a long-term saving that could be as considerable as £6,700 for some households.

Interest-Free Loans and Payment Plans

To supplement grants, interest-free loans and payment plans have been developed to spread the financial load over time. These pay-monthly boiler plans are crafted to ensure the monthly outlay aligns with the expected energy bill savings, thereby preventing any undue financial strain on the homeowner.

Energy Companies Obligations

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme obligates the larger energy firms to help low-income households improve their home's energy efficiency, which includes upgrading boilers. Other initiatives under this umbrella are the Warm Home Discount and Affordable Warmth Obligation, focusing on rebates and assistance to ensure energy costs are manageable for vulnerable demographics. Additionally, schemes like the Great British Insulation Scheme offer subsidies for home insulation, further reducing energy bills and enhancing household energy efficiency.

Regional Variances 2024

The landscape of boiler grants in 2024 shows notable differences across various regions of the UK. Property owners should pay close attention to these variances in order to understand the support available in their specific location.

Scheme Differences Across the UK

In England, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a primary initiative, with grants of up to £7,500 for replacing fossil-fuel heating systems with lower-carbon alternatives such as heat pumps or biomass boilers. Not all English regions offer identical grants; the details can vary depending on local council involvement and funding availability.

For example, SSE and British Gas, as part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), have committed to helping vulnerable households through the upgrade of their heating systems. The ECO4 scheme is more prevalent in some areas compared to others, owing to the energy companies' varying contributions and regional energy demands.

Wales and Scotland Specifics

Wales and Scotland have introduced their own specific schemes that align with their devolved energy efficiency strategies. In Scotland, the government’s area-based schemes potentially provide additional support for energy-efficient heating systems, tailoring assistance to the colder climate and unique housing stock.

In Wales, focus is placed on driving up energy efficiency in homes, particularly in communities that are harder to heat. Welsh homeowners may have access to schemes that differ slightly in terms of eligibility criteria and the amount of funding available, reflecting the devolved government's priorities.

Northern Ireland Inclusions

The scheme coverage in Northern Ireland is distinct from the rest of the UK. Northern Irish property owners have their unique support measures which focus on combating fuel poverty and encouraging the uptake of renewable heating technologies. They must navigate a separate set of guidelines and funding levels, which are influenced by local authorities and the Northern Ireland Executive's policies on energy.

Benefits of the Scheme

The boiler upgrade scheme provides multiple benefits, ranging from environmental gains to social advantages. These initiatives are designed not only to upgrade heating systems but also to contribute to the UK's broader decarbonisation goals.

Environmental Impact

The replacement of fossil fuel heating with low carbon heating systems through the scheme significantly contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions. Heat pumps and biomass boilers, supported by the initiative, are more energy-efficient than traditional heating systems. Energy efficiency is crucial in battling climate change, making this a turning point in the UK's decarbonisation efforts.

Economic Advantages

The economic benefits for property owners are twofold. Firstly, the initial costs of installing an energy-efficient heating system can be defrayed through grants. For example, grants of up to £7,500 towards an air or ground source heat pump installation are available. Secondly, these modern heating systems can lead to lower energy bills in the long run, easing the financial burden on homeowners in England and Wales.

Social Benefits

The social implications of the scheme are profound. Improving the energy efficiency of homes can contribute to the alleviation of fuel poverty, an issue faced by many vulnerable households. By ensuring that heating systems are more efficient and affordable, the scheme supports the most disadvantaged in society, creating a healthier and more comfortable home environment.

Obsolete schemes/grants

The landscape of energy grants in the UK has seen various schemes come and go, each designed with the intent to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Some of these schemes are no longer available to consumers, having been replaced or phased out over time.

Boiler Scrappage Scheme

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme, rolled out in 2010, offered homeowners in England a voucher worth £400 towards the cost of a new, energy-efficient boiler. The scheme targeted older, inefficient boilers to reduce energy consumption. However, it is no longer active, as it was a limited-time offer that has since expired.

Other void schemes/grants

Apart from the Boiler Scrappage Scheme, there have been other programmes that are now obsolete. Previous iterations of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme have been replaced with newer versions, such as ECO4 which was understood to be running in 2024. These earlier schemes provided measures such as insulation and new boiler installations, but the specific conditions and offers have evolved over time, rendering the old ones void.

Within the context of energy efficiency, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) has represented a significant investment, offering grants for the installation of low-carbon heating systems, like air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps. 

While the BUS and its grants are current, they may eventually join the list of obsolete schemes, making way for future initiatives aligned with advancements in technology and shifts in policy. The BUS grant typically takes the form of a voucher to offset the cost of installing a new boiler or heat pump.

Modern Heating Technologies

With the transition towards low carbon heating systems, modern heating technologies are focusing on both energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints. These technologies are being developed and improved upon, offering viable alternatives to traditional heating solutions.

Advancements in Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are at the forefront of this transition. Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) extract heat from the outside air, even at low temperatures, to warm the home efficiently. Their Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) makes them a particularly attractive option, as it indicates the heat output obtained for each unit of electricity consumed across seasons. An advanced heat pump can achieve a SCOP much higher than that of traditional systems.

On the other hand, ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) rely on heat absorption from the ground. These systems offer a consistent temperature source, typically leading to higher efficiency levels compared to their air source counterparts. The installation of GSHPs, though more intrusive due to the need for ground loops, results in long-term energy saving and reduced utility bills.

Both types of heat pumps are integral to the UK's aim for increased use of low carbon heating technologies. Their implementation has been supported by government schemes, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which reduce the financial barrier for households wishing to switch to greener alternatives.

Innovations in Insulation

Innovations in insulation contribute significantly to the efficiency of modern heating technologies. Improved insulation materials and methods enhance a home's ability to retain heat, directly impacting the effectiveness of heating systems like heat pumps. Proper insulation means a reduced workload for these systems and thus, better energy efficiency.

This, coupled with heat pump technology, creates a potent combination for low carbon heating systems. Additionally, biomass boilers, which are also supported by certain government grants, are another alternative technology utilising renewable materials as fuel; they require good insulation to maximise their efficiency and performance. When combined with state-of-the-art insulation, biomass boilers can offer a sustainable heating solution with a more stable and less carbon-intensive fuel supply.

Modern heating technologies, particularly when effectively insulated, are key in the UK’s effort to combat climate change and transition to sustainable living.

iHeat New Boiler Costs

Boilers can be a daunting purchase for many people as they’re an appliance with a lot of responsibility, providing heat for you and your family is something you want to get right. Boilers aren’t exactly a quickly disposable item either, potentially lasting you a decade.

Effectively, new boiler cost can be split into two segments: the first is the actual boiler itself (unit price), and the second is the cost of the boiler being installed (set up) in your property by an expert engineer. 

Here at iHeat, we want to remove all of this undue stress and make the decision making process of upgrading to a new central heating system, as easy as possible.

Boiler costs can vary depending on a number of factors including their brand, model, fuel, output, warranty, labour and installation type. Typically a new boiler will cost between £1,845 and £3,500, below is a list of average boiler installations offered by iHeat (guide only).