Free boiler grant checker UK
Wondering if you are entitled to a free boiler or heating support? This guide explains the common UK routes that may help with boiler replacement, heating upgrades or energy efficiency improvements. It is guidance only and final eligibility depends on scheme rules and an installer assessment.
Am I entitled to a free boiler?
Some households may be able to access support for boiler replacement or heating upgrades, but a free boiler is not guaranteed. Eligibility can depend on a mix of household and property factors, including:
- Household income
- Benefits received
- EPC rating
- Property type
- Current heating system
- Local authority route
- Installer or provider survey
What boiler or heating support may be available?
Several routes may support some households with heating or efficiency improvements, but availability and eligibility vary. Worth checking:
- ECO4 — energy efficiency support including insulation, heating controls and boiler replacement in some cases.
- Local authority energy grants — council-led routes with local eligibility criteria.
- Warm Homes style funding — routed through councils for lower-income and vulnerable households.
- Heating upgrade support — repairs, controls or replacements where existing systems are broken or inefficient.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme for heat pumps where relevant — a contribution towards switching from fossil fuel heating to a low-carbon heat pump.
Who may be more likely to qualify?
Some households are more often considered worth checking for boiler or heating support:
- Households receiving certain benefits
- Low-income households
- Pensioners on qualifying support
- Vulnerable households
- Homes with poor energy efficiency
- Homes with inefficient or broken heating
- Homes with EPC D, E, F or G — typically more likely to be worth checking. You can check your EPC rating first.
Do I need to be on benefits?
Benefits are a common route into energy efficiency support, but some local authority flexible eligibility routes may also exist. Local rules can vary and councils may consider lower-income or vulnerable households who are not currently receiving qualifying benefits. See local energy grants for council-led routes near you.
Can pensioners get boiler grants?
Pensioners may be considered if they meet scheme criteria such as qualifying benefits, low income, vulnerability or property requirements. Read more about energy grants for pensioners to see common qualifying routes.
What if I have gas, oil, LPG or electric heating?
Different heating systems may lead to different support routes. Some schemes focus on heating upgrades, insulation first, or low-carbon alternatives such as heat pumps. If you are exploring low-carbon heating, see the heat pump grant checker and the Boiler Upgrade grant guide.
Check your EPC rating first
Your EPC rating can affect whether certain grant routes are worth checking. Lower-rated homes are often more likely to be considered for energy efficiency improvements.
Check your EPC ratingAvoid misleading free boiler claims
Be cautious of guaranteed “free boiler” adverts. Genuine grant routes always involve eligibility checks and an installer assessment. Energy Checker is an independent guidance website and is not government-run.
- Be cautious of guaranteed free boiler adverts
- Check installer credentials before agreeing to work
- Confirm the scheme route the installer is using
- Do not pay large upfront fees without checks
- Get written information about the scheme and installer
- Check company reviews and registration details
See our guidance on avoiding energy grant scams and how to check installer credentials.
Energy Checker is an independent guidance website. This page is for guidance only and does not guarantee eligibility, funding or a free boiler. Final eligibility depends on the relevant scheme provider, local authority, installer assessment and property survey.
Frequently asked questions
Am I entitled to a free boiler?
A free boiler is not guaranteed. Some households may be able to access support for boiler replacement or heating upgrades through routes such as ECO4 or local authority schemes, but eligibility depends on income, benefits, EPC rating, property type, current heating system and an installer assessment.
Who qualifies for a free boiler grant?
There is no single set of rules. Households on qualifying benefits, lower-income households, pensioners on qualifying support, vulnerable households and homes with poor energy efficiency may be more likely to be considered. Final eligibility depends on the scheme provider, local authority and installer survey.
Can pensioners get a free boiler?
Pensioners may be considered if they meet scheme criteria such as receiving qualifying benefits (for example Pension Credit), low income, vulnerability or property requirements. Local authority flexible eligibility may also apply.
Do I need to be on benefits to get boiler support?
Benefits are a common qualifying route, but some local authorities operate flexible eligibility (LA Flex) that can consider lower-income or vulnerable households not on qualifying benefits. Local rules vary.
Does ECO4 cover boilers?
ECO4 can support boiler replacement in some cases, but the scheme prioritises insulation and broader energy efficiency improvements first. A boiler is more likely to be replaced under ECO4 where the existing system is broken or inefficient and other measures support overall efficiency.
Can I get help replacing an oil or LPG boiler?
Some schemes consider non-gas heating, particularly where homes are off the gas grid. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme focuses on switching from fossil fuel heating to a heat pump rather than replacing like-for-like. Local schemes vary.
Is a heat pump grant different from a boiler grant?
Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme contributes towards installing a low-carbon heat pump, not a replacement gas, oil or LPG boiler. Heating system grants and boiler grants can be different routes with different rules.
Check possible boiler and heating support
Answer a few questions about your property, EPC rating, heating type, benefits and postcode to see which grant routes may be worth checking.
Start free grant check