Amid rising energy costs, affording a new boiler might pose difficulties for low-income households. To address this issue, the government is offering a grant for new boiler. This grant program replaces older, in-efficient boilers with new models. Moreover, the scheme targets homeowners with income. Operated under the larger Eco4 scheme, the grants have preset criteria and application processes. Moreover, not all households are eligible to get more expensive and energy-saving boilers.
So it’s highly important to carefully review the details, its merits and demerits, and see if you qualify. On top of that, there could be some other options regarding boiler replacement. You can check with your local council or energy provider.
What’s an energy-saving boiler?
An energy-saving boiler, also known as a condensing boiler, has a secret weapon in its fight against wasted energy. Traditional boilers lose heat up the chimney, but condensing boilers capture that escaping heat with a special heat exchanger. Moreover, this exchanger cools the flue gasses, condensing them into a liquid and extracting more usable heat before it’s expelled. So this method allows condensing boilers to achieve efficiency ratings of 90% or higher. This is too much compared to around 80% of regular boilers. That means a condensing boiler can save you up to 20% on your fuel bills!
Government incentives to install new boiler
The UK government is offering several incentives to households that want to save energy and money on their heating costs. Moreover, it encourages them to reduce their carbon footprint. Below we will look into some of the major incentives that the government offers:
Incentive of the grant
First of all, the government offers grants as an incentive to install a new boiler. All you need to do is to apply for these grants under Eco4 scheme. If you qualify, you may get a brand-new energy-saving boiler. So no need to purchase a boiler from your wallet. Just try and you never know how many people have benefitted. It is a giant energy program of the government. It includes all major energy companies to help households save energy. Next, there is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Like eco4, this too is an amazing grant program. BUS offers grants to homeowners in England and Wales who want to install a heat pump or biomass boiler. Often a heat pump or biomass boiler is highly expensive, but a government grant makes them possible. Furthermore, for the installation of an air-source heat pump, you could get cash – up to £7,500. So that can make a big difference in the overall cost.
Lower energy bills
Lower bills aren’t exactly a government handout, that’s true. But here’s the thing: the government encourages these fancy condensing boilers, right? Why? Because they use way less energy to heat your home. That means you’ll be using less energy overall, which translates to seeing a difference in your energy bills, month after month. So, while it’s not a direct payment, it’s kind of like a hidden perk for going green with your heating system. You save money, and the environment benefits too!
Increased property value
Another cool thing about those energy-saving boilers is that they’re not just good for your wallet with lower bills, but they can also be a selling point when you put your house on the market! Without a doubt, potential buyers are always looking for ways to save money. So a brand new, efficient boiler means they won’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. So, having a modern, eco-friendly boiler could make your home more attractive and potentially even increase its value – a win-win for everyone!
Are you eligible for energy-saving boiler?
Don’t get too excited just yet. There are a few things to consider to see if you qualify for an eco4 or boiler upgrade scheme. While eco4 covers the whole country, BUS is currently only available in England and Wales. Moreover, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own support schemes. So you’ll need to check what’s available in your area. Next, your EPC score must be lower than D. Moreover, your current boiler must be a non-condensing older model. On top of that, you must prove that someone living in your house receives certain government benefits. These benefits include but are not limited to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, etc.
How to apply?
Applying for BUS isn’t like climbing Mount Everest. You don’t need to do it yourself. Just find a qualified installer like Eco Energy Services or Berks Insulation who’s registered with the government. They’ll check your eligibility and handle all the paperwork for you. So just relax!
Can I get more expensive boilers under the grant?
The specific boiler model you receive under the ECO4 scheme won’t be down to your preference. Instead, installers will fit boilers that meet the scheme’s strict energy efficiency standards. These are typically A-rated condensing boilers from reputable brands. So no matter how expensive they’re, if you qualify for the grant, you might get it.
Moreover, some of the leading boiler manufacturers known for their ECO4-compliant models include Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal, and Baxi. These brands are recognised for their reliability and efficiency. So you can be confident that any ECO4-installed boiler will be a significant upgrade for your home’s heating system.
Which boilers are eligible for the grant?
You may get any boiler as per your home heating requirements. The grant covers all types of boilers ranging from combi, systems to regular boilers. Actually, the free boiler grant scheme aims to help low-income households improve their energy efficiency by providing grants for boiler replacements. Secondly, it aims to reduce carbon footprint. Here’s what boiler you can apply for under the eco4 scheme.
Combi Boiler
If your home qualifies for the free boiler grant scheme and you opt for a combi boiler replacement, you can benefit from both hot water and central heating without the need for a separate hot water tank. Moreover, this can be particularly advantageous for smaller homes or properties where space is limited.
System Boiler
With a system boiler replacement through the boiler replacement grant scheme, you can enjoy the convenience of hot water and central heating without the requirement of a hot water tank. So this option is ideal for homes looking to streamline their heating system and potentially save space.
Regular Boiler
For households eligible for the eco4 or BUS, a replacement with a regular boiler allows for efficient central heating without the need for a hot water tank. This type of boiler is often preferred in older properties with existing heating systems and may be the best option for maintaining compatibility with current setups.
Bottom line
In all cases, the grant for a new boiler scheme assists eligible households in upgrading to more energy-efficient heating systems, which can lead to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. So this isn’t about expensive boilers, you could get a boiler from any brand.
