Free boiler scheme and free boiler grant: how the ECO4 boiler replacement scheme works

“Free boiler scheme” is everyday language for support that usually maps to ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) and related routes in Great Britain. Ofgem states ECO is not a grant scheme — obligated energy suppliers fund measures after assessment. ECO4 runs to 31 December 2026. See /eco4-scheme for the mechanism.

Often yes in practice: households searching “free boiler scheme” are usually looking for ECO4 heating and efficiency measures. This page explains that mapping. For Ofgem rules, end date, and measure types, use /eco4-scheme. For a browse of all routes, use /grants.

You may be entitled if you live in private housing and either receive a qualifying benefit (Universal Credit, Pension Guarantee Credit, Pension Savings Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Benefit with income caps, or Housing Benefit) or are identified through ECO4 Flex. The home usually needs an EPC rating of D to G if you own it, or E to G if you rent privately and the owner gives permission (GOV.UK). Social tenants in E to G homes may get insulation or a heating system. Eligibility does not guarantee an installation.

Read more: Eligibility checklist · LA Flex routes

Yes, if you meet the ECO4 rules. ECO4 can fund a boiler repair, replacement or upgrade for eligible households, including a gas boiler replacement. Ofgem says ECO is not a grant scheme and that meeting the criteria does not guarantee an installation: a survey decides what suits your home and the energy supplier decides whether to fund it. Some households are asked to contribute to the cost (Ofgem).

Not as a right. A new boiler is free only if you qualify under ECO4 and a supplier funds it after a survey. You should never pay a fee to apply, and in some cases you may be asked to contribute to the installation (Ofgem), so get the terms in writing before work starts. If you do not qualify, you would normally pay for a new boiler yourself.

Yes, if your household qualifies for ECO4. It is the main scheme that funds a new gas boiler: you need a qualifying benefit or an ECO4 Flex route, and the home must meet the EPC rules. The government sets ECO4 and energy suppliers fund it, so there is no government grant paid to you directly. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives up to £7,500 towards a heat pump, not a gas boiler (GOV.UK).

Read more: Check if you qualify

Not directly from a government department. The government sets ECO4, which Ofgem administers and obligated energy suppliers fund, and it can cover boiler repair or replacement for eligible households (GOV.UK). The Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales is separate and pays towards a heat pump or biomass boiler, not a gas boiler. ApplyFreeBoiler is not government.

Check whether you meet the benefit or ECO4 Flex rules and the EPC band, then have a survey. If a project goes ahead, the energy supplier funds it. You can start with our free eligibility check: ApplyFreeBoiler is run by Reliant Energy Solutions Ltd, an ECO4 installer, which surveys and installs the work and is paid by the energy supplier, not by you. You can also contact your local council or an obligated energy supplier directly (GOV.UK).

Read more: Free eligibility check · How to apply

Yes. ECO4 is open until 31 December 2026 (Ofgem), so the free boiler scheme described on this page is running now. Funding and installer availability can tighten as the end date approaches, so it is worth checking early. This page does not cover any scheme after that date.

Read more: What the ECO4 deadline means

Ofgem’s ECO4 FAQs do not set a timescale, and we cannot promise a date. After the eligibility check comes a survey, then a supplier funding decision, then an installation date, so ECO4 is not an emergency repair service. If you have lost heating or hot water, you may want to arrange a repair separately while a funded replacement is assessed.

You should never pay a fee to apply. For installation works, Ofgem notes contributions may be requested in some cases. Always get a written contract before work starts. ApplyFreeBoiler is run by Reliant Energy Solutions Ltd, an ECO4 installer — not government, Ofgem or a supplier.

It depends on the boiler type, the work needed on pipework or the flue, and the installer, so we do not quote a single price. Get itemised written quotes and compare them. Through ECO4, an eligible household should not pay a fee to apply and in some cases may be asked for a contribution to the installation (Ofgem).

Read more: Boiler types compared

Age alone does not decide it, and Ofgem’s ECO4 FAQs set no boiler age rule. A boiler that old is likely to be less efficient than a modern condensing boiler, so it is worth a check. Ask a Gas Safe registered engineer to assess it, or use our eligibility check to see whether a funded replacement could apply.

Read more: Boiler efficiency calculator

Under the ECO4 Flex health route, a severe or long-term condition made worse by living in a cold home can count, for example a cardiovascular or respiratory condition, limited mobility or immunosuppression. It needs a referral from a GP or NHS clinician. Ofgem says households with disabilities are eligible only where they receive a means-tested benefit or qualify under one of the four ECO4 Flex routes. Your council’s Statement of Intent sets local rules.

Read more: LA Flex scheme

Age alone does not qualify you. Over-60s can qualify through a listed benefit such as Pension Guarantee Credit or Pension Savings Credit, or through an ECO4 Flex route, and the home must meet the EPC rules. A survey then decides which measures suit the property.

Read more: Free boilers for pensioners · Pension Credit

Only income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance is on GOV.UK’s list of qualifying benefits for private housing. Check which type you receive, then check the EPC band and tenure rules.

Read more: Housing Benefit, ESA and JSA guide

Yes, two main ones. ECO4 is the nearest thing to a national boiler replacement scheme: energy suppliers fund boiler repair or replacement for eligible households in England, Scotland and Wales, up to 31 December 2026. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales and pays towards replacing oil, gas, electric or LPG heating with a heat pump or biomass boiler (GOV.UK).

Read more: Grants directory · ECO4 in Scotland · ECO4 in Wales

No. BUS is a separate GOV.UK grant toward a heat pump. The free boiler scheme here means ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) routes that can fund a boiler replacement for eligible homes. We are not the government.

In England and Wales the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can help replace an oil boiler with a heat pump or biomass boiler (GOV.UK); it does not pay for a like-for-like oil boiler. Whether ECO4 can help an oil-heated home depends on the survey and technical rules. Northern Ireland has its own oil boiler schemes.

Read more: Air source heat pump grant · Oil boiler grants in Northern Ireland

Not as a separate British Gas product. ECO4 is delivered by obligated energy suppliers and their partners, and Ofgem says you do not need to switch supplier to access ECO support. Treat cold calls or social ads promising a guaranteed free boiler with caution, and see our trust guide if you are unsure.

Read more: British Gas free boiler scheme explained · Is a free boiler grant a scam?