The cost of heating a house is one of the largest expenses a family has to face. Old boilers waste fuel. Old boilers waste fuel. Repairs are more expensive. This can be a very difficult situation for families who are on benefits. Government-sponsored schemes can help.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is one of the most important. This article explains what ECO4 is, who qualifies, and what to expect. It also explains why it’s often a good idea to replace an old boiler.
I explain how Grant Boilers, a trusted partner of the scheme, works with it to provide free heating upgrades. This article was based on research and used official sources. Learn how to determine your eligibility, how to proceed, and how much money you can save by reading on.
The cost of heating and living is linked. About 13.0% of English households will be fuel poor by 2023. This is approximately 3.17 million households.
Fuel poverty is when a family can’t afford to heat a home at a level that is safe and comfortable on a low-income. These numbers show the extent of the problem, and why it is necessary to help.
What is the ECO4 scheme and how does it work?
ECO4 refers to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) for 2022-2026, which is backed by the government. The big energy companies must finance improvements to people’s houses. The goal is clear. The aim is to reduce fuel poverty, and carbon emissions.
The scheme provides funding for improvements such as improved heating systems and insulation. Sometimes, the entire boiler is replaced. ECO4 is run by energy suppliers and installers who are approved.
The scheme will pay for all or part of the costs if a household is eligible. The policy and delivery guidelines set out the requirements for suppliers and installers.
ECO4 is intended to assist those who are vulnerable, and those with low income. The program targets households with low energy ratings, as well as those who receive certain benefits. Installed measures are designed to last years.
The measures installed reduce costs and increase comfort. Ofgem, the government and other agencies provide guidelines and rules for ensuring that work is genuine and safe. Before any work is done, homeowners should check the installers’ credentials and ensure that they are genuine.
Who can qualify for a free boiler replacement?
Different factors can determine eligibility. It is important to know your benefits status. It is also important to consider the type of house. Receiving eligible benefits can be a common way to qualify for private homeowners or private renters.
Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Income Support are some of the benefits that qualify. Others include Jobseeker’s Allowance based on income, Employment and Support Allowance based on income, Child Benefit and Housing Benefit.
You may also qualify for assistance if you live in a social housing property with a low EPC. Before a boiler can be replaced, some homes require additional measures.
Energy suppliers and local councils are able to explain your exact rules. Check with your local council or the official guidelines.
The EPC rating of the property is a common requirement. The likelihood of receiving a complete upgrade package is higher for homes with lower EPCs.
The ECO4 guide lists which houses and measures are eligible. Not all old boilers are automatically eligible.
Your benefits status, your home’s energy rating and the efficiency of the old boiler all influence the outcome. You can find out if you qualify for the rebate by contacting a trusted installer or getting an energy assessment.
What kinds of boilers and savings are typical?
Many older boilers are inefficient. Modern boilers have a much higher efficiency. Modern condensing gas boilers recover more heat from the flue gases. They are therefore more efficient than older non-condensing boilers.
The cost of heating and hot water is usually over half of the annual household energy bill. Therefore, improved boiler efficiency will make a significant difference to your bills.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a modern boiler that is efficient can save you money compared to older units. In reality, replacing an old inefficient boiler with a more efficient one can significantly reduce heating costs.
Many studies and industry guides claim that you can save hundreds of pounds a year. However, the amount will depend on your home, the way the heating is used and the fuel price.
According to an industry guide, replacing a boiler that is 10 years old could reduce heating costs up to 30%. Energy advice bodies also use a practical figure of around PS300 to PS600 in potential savings per year for households that switch from old boilers to condensing ones and improve insulation.
These figures vary depending on the region, type of fuel and size of home. These figures should not be viewed as guarantees, but rather as realistic examples.
How the process usually works for a family on benefits
You must first check your eligibility. This can be done through your local council or energy provider. Many charities and installers run online checks that only require your postcode and benefits details.
An energy assessor will visit your home if you are eligible or perform a remote assessment. The assessor will check your EPC and the boiler’s efficiency and age, as well as other factors such insulation.
Installers prepare a quote for the job if the assessor recommends that a new boiler be installed. The energy provider must then approve the estimate. The installer will book the job once it has been approved.
A certified engineer replaces the boiler. New boilers will be installed to meet safety and efficiency standards, and they come with a warranty. The property should now be more comfortable and cost-effective to heat.
Keep copies of all paperwork. Before accepting an offer, check the installer’s credentials, the warranty on the work, and the promises made. Contact Citizens Advice, Ofgem, or your local council if you are unsure.
Old Boiler vs New Efficient Boiler
| Feature | Typical old boiler | New efficient boiler |
| Efficiency | Often below 70–75% | Often 90%+ (condensing) |
| Annual heating cost | Higher by hundreds of pounds | Lower; often saves £300+ a year |
| Repair needs | Frequent repairs likely | Less frequent; new warranty |
| Carbon emissions | Higher | Lower |
| Comfort | Uneven heating, cold spots | More consistent heating |
Common pathways to eligibility under ECO4
| Situation | Likelihood of qualifying |
| You claim qualifying benefits and live in private housing with EPC D–G | High |
| You live in social housing with EPC E–G | High |
| You own home with EPC A–C and no benefits | Low |
| You are a private renter and landlord refuses upgrades | Variable; may need landlord consent |
Why a free boiler replacement through ECO4 is valuable for families on benefits
The free old boiler replacement grant can solve several problems simultaneously. Reduces the need for repair. Reduces your energy bill. Reduces winter stress. These savings can add up for families who receive benefits.
Lower bills mean more money to spend on essentials. Modern boilers are safer and reduce the chance of malfunctions. New boilers fitted with ECO4 come with standards and checks to protect your household.
A modern heating system is a great addition to insulation. The new boiler will operate more efficiently when a home is better insulated. This combination can often produce the greatest long-term benefit.
Targeted interventions, such as ECO4, are the best way to warm up homes and make them cheaper to operate for households that suffer from fuel poverty. This is a major way to achieve fuel poverty targets, according to government and charity reports.
Grant Boilers – a trusted partner for ECO4 heating upgrades
Grant Boilers, a company that offers heating upgrades through ECO4 or other grant schemes, is one of the companies that works with Grant Boilers. They offer free or funded upgrades for eligible households.
Grant Boilers, a trusted partner within this sector, offers assessment services to qualifying households and coordinates with approved contractors to deliver new boilers.
The company presents itself as a way for families receiving benefits to get a “free upgrade” in heating under ECO4. Check local reviews, confirm installation details and warranties prior to using their service. You can then confirm that the offer is real and meets your requirements.
How to start
Start by locating your EPC, or ask your landlord. Verify the benefits you are entitled to and collect proof. Use the official eligibility checker provided by your energy provider or council.
A no-obligation survey of your home can be requested from an accredited installer. Verify the installer’s credentials and seek advice from Citizens Advice or Ofgem if an offer sounds too good to be real. Take photos before and after the installation to record.
