Can I get a free boiler?

It’s January – it’s cold, wet and freezing. Frustratingly, boilers tend to break down at this time of year and getting a plumber out for repairs can be easier said than done.  

One way to prevent this hassle is by upgrading to a new boiler. But with replacement costs typically ranging from £600 to £2,500, it's simply out of reach for many. 

But here’s the good news. There are grants and schemes that can help you get a new boiler for free or at a reduced cost.  

Sounds appealing? Keep reading to see what support is available and if you’re eligible. 

Boiler upgrade scheme (BUS) 

BUS provides grants to encourage people to replace old, inefficient fossil fuel heating with low-carbon systems.  

The scheme has been extended to 2028, meaning you have plenty of time to take advantage of it. 

How much can you get?  

• £7,500 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump 

• £7,500 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump 

• £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler 

Are you eligible for a boiler upgrade grant?  

To qualify for a boiler replacement grant, you must meet these conditions: 

You or a household member receive means-tested benefits, including: 

• income-based jobseeker’s allowance  

• income related employment & support allowance  

• income support  

• pension guarantee credit 

• working tax credit  

• child tax credit  

• universal credit  

• housing benefit 

• child benefit 

How to apply 

• Contact an MCS certified installer to get a quote.  

• Confirm you’re eligible (your installer will check). 

• Agree a quote with your chosen installer. 

Energy company obligation (ECO) scheme  

The ECO scheme helps reduce heating costs for low-income and vulnerable households. Energy suppliers are required to promote energy-saving measures, like replacing old boilers. 

What does ECO cover? 

• Boiler replacements 

• Insulation installations 

Are you eligible for ECO funding?  

You could be eligible if you’re on one of the following benefits: 

• child benefit 

• pension guarantee credit 

• income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) 

• income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA) 

• income support 

• tax credits (child tax credits and working tax credits) 

• universal credit 

• housing benefit 

• pension credit savings credit 

But your energy supplier will also have its own criteria for eligibility. Speak to them to find out if you’ll qualify.   

Great British insulation scheme 

This scheme helps households with energy efficiency upgrades, such as insulation and heating system improvements. It’s available to those with lower energy ratings (EPC D-G) or living in specific council tax bands. 

Are you eligible for insulation scheme funding?  

To be eligible, you must: 

• Have a property that requires energy-efficiency upgrades, like cavity wall or loft insulation.  

• Either own your own home or have permission from your landlord, including social housing providers.  

You must receive at least one of the following benefits:  

• child benefit 

• pension guarantee credit 

• income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) 

• income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA) 

• income support 

• tax credits (child tax credits and working tax credits) 

• universal credit 

• housing benefit 

• pension credit savings credit 

What’s available? 

• Cavity wall, loft and floor insulation 

• Solid wall and roof insulation 

• Room thermostats and boiler programmers 

How to apply?  

You can contact any of the energy suppliers taking part in the scheme to find out if they may be able to help you, even if they’re not your supplier.  

Affordable warmth obligation 

The affordable warmth obligation is part of the ECO scheme. It provides financial support for heating improvements, including replacing old boilers. 

Are you eligible for the affordable warmth obligation?  

• You own your home or rent from a private landlord. 

• Your home is energy inefficient and expensive to heat. 

• You or someone in your home is on a means-tested benefit, or has a chronic health condition.  

How to apply:  

• Contact your local council or energy supplier directly. 

• Find participating suppliers on the Ofgem website. 

Rent or pay monthly for a boiler 

If you’re not eligible for a free boiler, you could consider renting one. Many companies offer payment plans, allowing you to spread out the cost. 

Things to consider: 

• Renting a boiler is a long-term commitment, often with contracts up to 12 months. 

• The shorter the contract, the higher your monthly payments. 

• Check the small print to ensure your payments aren’t increasing unexpectedly. 

• Be aware of penalties for missed payments, which can add up quickly. 

Get help with your energy bills 

If you’re struggling with the rising cost of energy, help is available.  

Here’s the support you might be eligible for. 

Want to save more on energy? There’s plenty you can do to reduce your bills. From getting your boiler checked to swapping your oven for an air fryer, we’ve got 50 clever tips to help you slash your bills.