PROPERTYSPARK ARTICLE

Can Property Owners and Landlords Still Get Free Boiler Grants?

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve likely come across the concept of Free Boiler Grants. It’s a program aimed at replacing old, inefficient boilers with eco-friendly, money-saving A-rated combi units. These initiatives have been instrumental in promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints in households across the UK.

However, many of the boiler replacements facilitated by the Free Boiler Grants scheme were carried out under the ECO3 initiative, which officially ended in April 2022. With the conclusion of this program, homeowners may wonder if they can still benefit from a new boiler installation.

In this article, we will explain what was ECO3 and ECO4 and the types of free boiler grants you can get under those schemes.

Can property owners and landlords still get free boiler grants?

Although the ECO3 scheme has concluded, homeowners can still seek assistance for boiler replacements through other available initiatives or funding channels. It’s essential for homeowners to actively seek out alternative options and stay updated on any new programs or schemes launched by the government or energy providers.

By staying informed, homeowners can take advantage of opportunities to enhance their homes’ energy efficiency and potentially access support for necessary upgrades.

What was ECO3?

The ECO3 (Energy Company Obligation) program, often referred to as the Free Boiler Grant scheme, was renowned for financing the replacement of aging boilers in households. To qualify, residents typically needed to receive certain benefits and have a boiler that was at least six years old and in poor condition. This made it relatively easy for eligible households to secure funding for a new boiler.

However, as with many initiatives, ECO3 eventually came to an end, making way for ECO4. With the transition came significant changes to the available energy-saving measures and the eligibility criteria for assistance.

Homeowners now need to stay updated on the latest developments and requirements to ensure they can access support for upgrading their home heating systems.

ECO4

ECO4 marks a significant shift in focus from simply installing new boilers to prioritizing energy retention measures like insulation. This holistic approach to domestic energy conservation aims to improve overall energy efficiency in homes. To qualify for funding under ECO4, homes typically need to score a D or below on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Various measures can be implemented under ECO4 to enhance energy efficiency. These include internal wall insulation, ideal for solid brick properties like Victorian terraced homes common in the North West. You can also focus on loft insulation, often overlooked but essential for conserving heat. Additionally, underfloor insulation is applied to suspended floors using mineral wool between joists.

Some also offer room-in-roof systems, ventilation solutions, and upgrades such as new boilers, smart controls, and zoning for enhanced energy management. However, the availability of these opportunities may vary based on changing criteria. Keeping abreast of these changes is crucial for homeowners seeking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Can you still get a new boiler under ECO4?

If someone in your household receives qualifying benefits and your property has a non-condensing boiler, you might be eligible for funding under ECO4. However, if your boiler is newer than 2005, which, despite being a while ago, likely means it’s a condensing boiler, there may not be funding available for replacement.

This is because condensing boilers are already more efficient, and funding is currently prioritized for homes with greater heating needs.

It’s worth checking if your property has an old back boiler eligible for replacement under the scheme. Additionally, if your property lacks central heating but has a mains gas connection, you may still qualify for assistance.

In the past, you could get a free boiler if you got a certain benefit, but that’s changed with ECO4. For example, under ECO3, you could get a free boiler on attendance allowance, which is no longer a qualifying benefit under ECO4. However, you can still receive a free boiler upon meeting other eligibility criteria.

Keeping an eye out for these opportunities can help you access funding for necessary home upgrades under ECO4. By staying informed about eligibility criteria and program updates, you can maximize your chances of securing assistance for energy-efficient improvements to your home heating system.

A First Time Central Heating Grant

For many homes that have never had gas-fired central heating but receive a mains gas supply, a first-time central heating grant offers the opportunity to install a complete central heating system, including a new boiler, pipes, smart controls, and zoning.

The grant requires qualifying benefits, but the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) score is typically low enough for funding approval, especially since there is currently no existing central heating system in place.

This grant can significantly improve the comfort and energy efficiency of the home, providing reliable heating throughout the property. With the installation of a modern central heating system, residents can enjoy greater warmth and convenience while potentially reducing their energy bills.

Eligible homeowners need to explore this option and take advantage of the available funding to upgrade their properties. By accessing this grant, they can make their homes more comfortable and environmentally friendly while also potentially increasing the value of their property.

What about rented properties on ECO4?

In many cases, the owner’s absence from the property and its status as a rental unit do not affect eligibility, as long as one of the tenants qualifies for benefits and a Retrofit Assessment approves the work.

This means landlords could benefit greatly from seeking grants for their tenants. Not only does this improve the property’s comfort and rental value, but it also helps landlords comply with upcoming Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations.

These regulations are expected to become stricter in the coming years, making it crucial for landlords to upgrade their properties to maintain rental income.

By taking advantage of grants for energy-efficient upgrades, landlords can enhance the quality of their rental properties while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

This proactive approach benefits tenants by providing better living conditions, as well as protecting landlords’ investments and helping them stay ahead of future regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

While the ECO3 scheme may have ended, opportunities still exist for homeowners and landlords to access assistance for boiler replacements and energy-efficient upgrades.

By exploring alternative options and staying informed about new programs or schemes introduced by the government or energy providers, individuals can continue to improve their homes’ energy efficiency and potentially reduce their carbon footprint.

The transition from ECO3 to ECO4 signifies a shift in focus towards energy retention measures like insulation, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to domestic energy conservation.

Homeowners must stay updated on the latest developments and eligibility criteria to ensure they can access support for upgrading their home heating systems.

With initiatives like first-time central heating grants and opportunities for rented properties under ECO4, there are avenues for individuals to enhance their homes’ comfort, energy efficiency, and value. By taking advantage of available funding and grants, homeowners and landlords can make meaningful improvements to their properties while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Overall, staying informed and proactive is key to maximizing opportunities for energy-efficient home upgrades and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. By leveraging available resources and assistance, individuals can create warmer, more comfortable homes while reducing energy consumption and costs in the long run.