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UK grants for upgrading boilers in 2024

grants for upgrading boilers in the UK
  • 8th May 2024
  • 08/05/2024
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By switching to new eco-friendly boilers, you can benefit the environment while saving money. Thanks to the UK government's new initiative, the "Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4," available to citizens of England and Wales, you may qualify for a grant to cover some or all of the costs associated with replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler.

In order to reduce carbon emissions and help people manage their rising energy bills.ECO4 funding, also known as the Energy Company Obligation which is the latest version of a scheme outlined to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the UK with FREE government grants. One of the primary goals of the ECO plan is to provide free boiler grants to eligible homes. A new boiler can considerably enhance a home’s energy efficiency, reduce energy bills, and lower carbon emissions.

Eco-Friendly Boiler Saving Energy and Money
Tackling Energy Poverty: Meet ECO4

In the UK, many people struggle to afford energy bills, even though prices have dropped slightly, resulting in a substantial total debt of over £3.1 billion for energy bills, affecting about six million households, particularly hitting vulnerable groups like disabled people and pensioners. To address this issue, the UK government has introduced the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), a program aimed at making homes more energy efficient, cutting carbon emissions, and assisting families struggling with high energy bills. The newest phase of this initiative, ECO4, running from April 2022 to March 2026 and worth £4 billion, focuses on providing energy-saving upgrades to low-income households, with the goal of easing financial burdens and enhancing living standards for those in need. Boiler upgrade is one of the improvements that can be obtained through ECO4.

Boilers Upgrade Scheme (BUS):

The Boilers Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government initiative in the UK that helps homeowners and tenants replace their old, inefficient boilers with more energy-efficient models. Unlike other schemes, BUS specifically focuses on upgrading boilers to reduce carbon emissions and lower heating costs. By providing financial assistance and incentives, BUS encourages people to switch to greener heating options, such as heat pumps or biomass boilers, making homes more eco-friendly and saving money on energy bills in the long run. Both BUS and ECO4 share common goals of decreasing energy usage and carbon emissions while enhancing property energy efficiency. They offer assistance to eligible homeowners and tenants, aiming to lower energy bills by enhancing the heating system in your home. However, there are significant differences between the two schemes. While BUS primarily focuses on providing grants for boiler replacements, offering financing of up to £6,000, ECO4 encompasses a wider range of heating improvements, including loft and cavity wall insulation, and the installation of low carbon heating systems. Additionally, while ECO4 can cover the entire cost of boiler replacements, BUS provides financial assistance of up to £6,000, making it a more targeted solution for boiler upgrades.

How to get a grant for upgrading my boiler in 2024?

In the UK, individuals dealing with outdated boilers can benefit from the Boilers Upgrade Scheme (BUS), a government program offering complimentary boiler replacements to improve energy efficiency and lower heating costs.

Are you a homeowner, landlord, pensioner, tenant, or recipient of government support? If yes, you could be eligible for free boiler grants in the United Kingdom. Simply fill out the ByEco form to check your eligibility. Feeling unsure about whether you qualify for a complimentary boiler grant? Don't worry! Various household types may be eligible for assistance under the Boilers Upgrade Scheme or ECO4.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme and ECO4 benefits, showcasing boiler installation and energy efficiency improvements by ByEco
Discover BUS: Go Green, Save Green!

Getting a new boiler can be expensive and depends on factors like the type of boiler, your home's size, and how complex the installation is. But with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), you could receive £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler. This scheme aims to encourage more people to switch to eco-friendly heating options.

Eligibility for Boiler Upgrade Scheme:

To qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, your property must meet the following criteria:

  • Property Type: Your property must be a home or small building in England or Wales.
  • Heating System Capacity: The maximum installation capacity for the heating system should not exceed 45kWth.
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Your property must have a valid EPC rating of D or below and must be commissioned on or after April 1, 2022.
  • Biomass Boilers: You can get a grant for a biomass boiler if your property is off the gas grid, in a rural location, and your boiler has an emissions certificate showing that polluting emissions are kept to a minimum. Note: You cannot get a grant to install a biomass boiler in a self-build property.
  • Existing System Replacement: You must replace an existing fossil fuel or electric heating system with the upgrade.
  • Funding Restrictions: Funding from multiple public sources is not allowed, but separate funding for energy efficiency upgrades is permitted.
  • Ineligibility: Most new-build properties, social housing, and properties already receiving government funding or support for a heat pump or biomass boiler are not eligible.

Additionally, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Homeowner or Tenant: You must be a homeowner or a private tenant.
  • Current Boiler Age: Your current boiler must be at least five years old.
  • Benefit Recipients: You must receive certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Universal Credit.
  • Own the property you’re applying for, including if it’s a business, a second home, or a property you rent out to tenants.
  • Be replacing fossil fuel heating systems, such as oil, gas, electric, or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).
  • Still eligible if you’ve already had funding to make your property more energy efficient, for example, by insulating it.

In addition to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, individuals may explore alternative options such as the Great British Insulation Scheme, which offers additional support for energy-efficient upgrades.

Eligibility criteria for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, highlighting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and government grants by ByEco

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) previously known as ECO+

"Are you ineligible for ECO4? Don't worry! The Great British Insulation Scheme, formerly known as ECO Plus Scheme, might be just for you. Unlike ECO4, which targets social housing or low-income households, GBIS aims to help a wider range of customers facing rising energy costs. With the UK Government planning to launch GBIS in spring '23, it's set to run until March '26, with potential earlier delivery in 2023 through collaboration with energy suppliers.

GBIS offers up to 80% funding for energy-efficient upgrades, like insulation, without the need for government benefits. This £1 billion initiative will cover 75% of installation costs, benefiting over 300,000 homes

Accompanying GBIS is an £18 million public campaign offering energy-saving tips, aligned with the UK's carbon neutrality goals by 2050.

To qualify, your home must have an EPC rating of D or below and fall within specified Council Tax bands. Don't miss out on this opportunity to save on energy bills and contribute to a greener future!"

Why Choose ByEco for the Boiler Upgrade Grant?

ByEco, your partner in renewable heating solutions, makes applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) seamless and stress-free. Fully supported by the UK government, we handle everything from assessment to installation at no extra cost for eligible homes. Our aim is to break down financial barriers, ensuring you can upgrade your boiler efficiently and sustainably. With ByEco, every upgrade enhances your comfort while contributing to a greener planet.

Get Started with ByEco

Embark on your journey to an energy-efficient home by booking a free consultation with our experts today. We'll assess your existing system, guide you through eligibility requirements, and assist with applying for the UK government-backed Boiler Upgrade Scheme. By upgrading your boiler to a more eco-friendly solution, you'll reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. Transform your heating system effortlessly with our grant-supported service by filling out our online form or contacting us directly.

FAQs

Quick, Essential Answers

Eligibility criteria include homeowners and private tenants whose current heating system is fossil fuel-based or electric. Additionally, recipients of government benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit, and properties with an EPC rating of D or below are also eligible.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a UK government initiative that provides grants of up to £5,000 to help households replace fossil fuel heating systems with more efficient and eco-friendly heat pumps or biomass boilers.

To apply for the Boiler Upgrade Grant, reach out using the ByEco form to verify your eligibility. Our team will provide a free assessment of your home and existing heating system, guiding you through the application process. We'll handle the application submission on your behalf, ensuring all necessary documentation is included, so you can receive the grant offer promptly. Once approved, we'll assist in scheduling the installation with a registered installer.

Generally, funding from multiple public sources is not allowed. However, separate funding for complementary energy efficiency upgrades (e.g., insulation) is possible.

The Great British Insulation Scheme (formerly ECO+) is an initiative that offers grants covering up to 80% of insulation costs to a broader audience, including those not eligible for ECO4 or other schemes.

To qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you must own a property in England or Wales with an EPC rating of D or below. The existing heating system must be a fossil fuel or electric system, and the new heating system should not exceed a capacity of 45 kWth. You can fill out the ByEco form so we can check if you're eligible.

Yes, biomass boilers are only eligible for properties that are off the gas grid and located in rural areas. The boiler must also have an emissions certificate that shows compliance with environmental regulations.

Yes, private tenants can apply for the grant if their landlord provides permission and the property meets the eligibility criteria.

Yes, landlords can apply on behalf of their tenants as long as they provide all necessary documentation and the property meets the eligibility requirements.

No, grants are generally not available for second properties, vacation homes, or properties used for business purposes.