Are you a UK homeowner looking to replace your old boiler? Good news! The ECO4 scheme, run by the government, offers free boilers to eligible households.
This scheme aims to make homes across the country more energy-efficient. By joining, homeowners can lower their energy bills and help the environment. Let’s look at how you can get a free boiler through ECO4 and make your home more energy-efficient.
What is ECO4?
ECO, short for Energy Company Obligation, is a government scheme introduced in 2013. Its main aim is to reduce carbon emissions and help those struggling to pay energy bills by making homes more energy-efficient.
Under ECO4, energy companies must invest in improving the energy efficiency of low-income and vulnerable households. This helps families use less energy and save money.
What Does ECO4 Cover?
ECO4 helps homes become more energy-efficient in different ways. It focuses on improving a home’s structure first to reduce energy use. The scheme supports installing eco-friendly heating systems like air-source heat pumps and biomass boilers, which can cut energy bills by up to 25%. It also helps repair or upgrade existing boilers to boost their efficiency. Solar panel installation is also an option if heat pumps or biomass boilers aren't suitable for your home.
Understanding EPC Ratings in ECO4
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings are crucial in the ECO4 scheme. These ratings show how energy-efficient a property is, graded from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). To be eligible for ECO4, your property should have a rating of D, E, F, or G.
Eligibility for ECO4
ECO4 mainly helps low-income and vulnerable households, including those on certain state benefits, living in fuel poverty, or with health conditions affected by cold homes. Properties with lower EPC ratings are also eligible. The eligibility criteria may vary, but the following groups usually benefit from this initiative:
Low-income families
People on certain state benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support
Those living in fuel poverty
Individuals with health conditions that may worsen due to a cold home
Properties with lower EPC ratings (typically D or lower)
Check out our Eligibility page for a more in-depth overview.
Combining ECO4 With Other Grants
You can’t combine ECO4 with other government grants like the Warm Home Discount or Green Home Grant. But you can explore other grants that complement ECO4, like the Renewable Heat Incentive or Green Home Grant.
Grants that you can't combine with ECO4:
Warm Home Discount (WHD)
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF)
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG).
Getting a Free Boiler with ECO4
If you qualify for ECO4, you can get a free boiler if you’re struggling with low incomes, receive government benefits, live in an energy-inefficient home, or have an old boiler. By joining ECO4, you can lower your energy costs and make your home more comfortable and eco-friendly.
Contact Future Proof Homes today for help with boiler replacements and insulation services to improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort.
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