New boilers aren’t cheap – but if you’re on a low income, have high energy bills, or live in a poorly rated home, you may not have to pay the full cost yourself.
Several UK boiler grant schemes can help with free or subsidised boiler replacements, usually as part of a wider package of home energy improvements.
This guide walks through:
- The main boiler grant routes in 2025
- Who is likely to qualify (in broad terms)
- How boiler grants fit alongside wider home‑energy funding
- What to do if you’re not eligible but still need a new boiler
For a detailed cost breakdown, read New Boiler Cost UK (2025): Complete Price Guide. For EPC‑first upgrades, see 27 Ways to Improve Your EPC Rating.
Important: Schemes and eligibility rules change. Treat this as a high-level overview and always check current official guidance or speak to a qualified adviser before making decisions.
1. How boiler grants typically work
Most boiler grants:
- Are funded via government‑backed schemes and energy suppliers.
- Target households that are struggling with costs and living in inefficient homes.
- Are often delivered through installers or managing agents on behalf of suppliers or local authorities.
You usually:
- Check eligibility (or an installer does this for you).
- Have your home assessed.
- Get a tailored package of upgrades – often including insulation and heating improvements, not just a boiler.
Boiler grants are rarely “boiler only, no questions asked” – they’re part of broader efforts to reduce fuel poverty and emissions.
2. ECO4 and ECO‑type schemes (England, Wales & Scotland)
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a major source of boiler and heating funding. The current phase, ECO4, focuses on:
- Low-income or vulnerable households.
- Properties with poor EPC ratings (typically D–G).
- Whole‑home solutions – insulation plus heating upgrades.
Under ECO‑type schemes, eligible households may receive:
- A free or heavily subsidised boiler replacement where appropriate.
- Other measures such as cavity wall, loft or floor insulation.
Eligibility can consider:
- Income and benefit status.
- Health and vulnerability factors.
- Property type and existing EPC rating.
To explore options, many installers and advice services offer ECO4 eligibility checks; local authorities and energy‑advice charities can also help.
3. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (heat pumps and low‑carbon options)
While not a traditional “boiler grant”, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is relevant if you’re deciding between replacing a gas boiler and switching to a heat pump.
BUS offers grants towards low‑carbon heating systems, such as:
- Air source heat pumps.
- Ground source heat pumps.
Typical grants (subject to change) can be worth several thousand pounds off installation costs, but you usually:
- Need to own the property.
- Have a reasonably efficient building fabric (or commit to upgrading it).
If you’re weighing up gas boiler vs heat pump, read Boiler vs Heat Pump: Cost Comparison and Air Source Heat Pump Costs UK.
4. Local authority and regional schemes
Many councils and combined authorities run their own schemes or partner on national funding streams, for example:
- Area‑based insulation and heating programmes.
- Targeted schemes for cold homes or specific neighbourhoods.
These can sometimes include:
- Free or subsidised boiler upgrades.
- Whole‑house retrofits combining insulation, windows and heating.
To find out what’s available:
- Check your local council’s energy or housing pages.
- Contact local energy‑advice services or Citizens Advice.
- Watch for mailers or community outreach about area‑wide programmes.
5. Who is most likely to get a boiler grant?
While each scheme is different, you’re more likely to qualify if:
- Your home has a low EPC rating (typically D, E, F or G).
- You’re on a low income or receive certain means‑tested benefits.
- Someone in the household has health conditions affected by cold homes.
- You live in an area targeted by local authority programmes.
If you’re a landlord, rules can be tighter, but some schemes do support improving rental stock – especially where tenants are fuel‑poor. Start with EPC Rules for Landlords in 2025–2030 and EPC Exemptions for Landlords for the regulatory side.
6. How boiler grants fit into wider home‑energy funding
Boiler grants sit alongside other types of support, including:
- Insulation grants (loft, cavity wall, solid wall, floor).
- Heating control upgrades (smart thermostats, TRVs).
- Renewables support (heat pumps, solar PV).
For a whole‑home view, see Home Energy Grants UK 2025: Complete Guide to Funding (/insights/home-energy-grants-uk). It’s often more effective to:
- Improve fabric first (insulation, draughts).
- Then decide whether to upgrade to an efficient boiler or a heat pump.
Our improvement hub, 27 Ways to Improve Your EPC Rating, shows how these pieces fit together.
7. What if you’re not eligible for a boiler grant?
Many households won’t qualify for a free boiler, but you still have options:
- Use New Boiler Cost UK (2025): Complete Price Guide to benchmark fair prices.
- Look at finance or payment‑plan options from reputable installers (while watching interest and fees).
- Prioritise fabric improvements (insulation, draught proofing) to reduce boiler size and running costs.
- Consider whether a heat pump with grant support might be more cost‑effective long term.
If you’re borderline on affordability, local advice organisations can sometimes signpost you to discretionary support or hardship funds.
8. Landlords and boiler grants
For landlords, boiler grants are more complex:
- Some schemes allow works in rented properties, particularly where tenants meet eligibility criteria.
- Landlords may be asked to contribute or to agree not to increase rent solely because of funded works.
Regardless of grants, landlords must meet minimum EPC standards and may face fines for non‑compliance. See:
9. FAQs
Can I get a completely free boiler in 2025?
Some households will qualify for free or near‑free boiler replacements through schemes like ECO4, but eligibility is targeted. You normally need to meet income, vulnerability and property‑efficiency criteria. Many others will receive partial funding or none at all.
Are boiler grants available to everyone across the UK?
No – schemes vary by nation and region, and local authorities may add extra conditions. Always check what applies in your area and whether you meet the criteria.
Do boiler grants cover heat pumps as well?
Some schemes (like BUS) specifically support low‑carbon systems such as heat pumps, while others may include them as part of broader upgrades. Read Boiler vs Heat Pump: Cost Comparison if you’re on the fence.
Will taking a grant affect my ability to sell or remortgage?
Typically, schemes aim to improve property performance and therefore marketability. However, always read the terms: some grants may include conditions about how long you must retain the property or how rent can be adjusted.
What should I do next?
- Check your property’s EPC rating using our EPC checker.
- If it’s D or below – or you’re struggling with bills – look into ECO‑type schemes via trusted installers or advice services.
- Use New Boiler Cost UK (2025): Complete Price Guide to understand non‑grant costs.
- Build an upgrade plan combining funding, affordable improvements and EPC gains using our wider improvement and grants content.