You’ve probably seen ads or heard people say you can get a free boiler in the UK. But is it really free? Or is there a catch?
That’s a fair question. After all, boilers are expensive. A brand-new boiler with installation can cost over £3,000. So, how is it possible that some people get one without paying anything?
In this article, we’ll break it all down for you. We’ll explain who can get a free boiler through a Boiler Grant, how it works, what the rules are, and if there’s anything to watch out for. We’ll also help you figure out if you could be eligible.
Can You Really Get a Free Boiler in the UK?
Yes — some people in the UK can get a new boiler for free through a government scheme called ECO4.
ECO4 stands for Energy Company Obligation, version 4. It’s a real, government-backed programme that helps low-income households. It started in April 2022 and runs until March 2026.
The idea is simple: help people who can’t afford a new boiler get one for free. At the same time, helps the country use less energy and lower carbon emissions. So yes — if you meet the rules, you won’t pay anything for the boiler or the installation.
Who Pays for the Free Boilers?
The cost isn’t covered by the government directly. It’s paid for by big energy companies like British Gas, E.ON, and others. These companies are required by law to help households that:
- Are low income
- Claim certain benefits
- Live in homes with poor energy ratings
- They cover the cost of the boiler, installation, and sometimes insulation upgrades too.
Who Can Get a Free Boiler?
Not everyone qualifies for a free boiler. But if you’re on a low income, or get certain benefits, there’s a good chance you do.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the main rules:
- You must own or privately rent your home
This scheme is for homeowners and private tenants. If you rent, your landlord must agree to the work.
- You must have an old or broken boiler
Your current boiler must be inefficient, broken, or over 20 years old. Some homes without any central heating may also qualify.
- Your home must have a low EPC rating
You need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F, or G. These homes lose heat easily and cost more to heat.
- You must receive qualifying benefits
To get the free boiler, someone in the home must be claiming at least one of these:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related ESA
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
Even if you don’t get any benefits, some councils allow people to apply through something called LA Flex — we’ll explain that next.
What If You Don’t Get Benefits?
Good news — you may still qualify through the LA Flex route. LA Flex means “Local Authority Flexibility.” It lets councils decide who needs help, even if they don’t claim benefits.
You might qualify if:
- Your total household income is under £31,000 a year
- You have health conditions that get worse in the cold
- You live in fuel poverty (spending too much of your income on heating)
Each council has different rules, so it’s worth checking with your local authority or a registered installer.
What’s Included in the Free Boiler Grant?
If you qualify, here’s what the grant usually covers:
- A brand-new A-rated boiler
- Full installation by a professional engineer
- Smart heating controls
- Updated pipework or radiators (if needed)
- Safety checks
- Home insulation upgrades (in some cases)
The installer handles everything. You don’t need to buy the boiler yourself or pay for parts. And you won’t be charged after the job is done either.
So, What’s the Catch?
There really isn’t one — but you do need to check carefully who you apply through.
The scheme is genuine, but some companies pretend to offer free boilers when they actually charge hidden fees or offer high-interest finance.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Only apply through approved ECO installers
- Never pay money upfront
- Make sure the work is really free before signing anything
- Ask questions if anything sounds unclear
If it sounds too good to be true, do a quick check online or speak to a trusted advisor.
How to Apply for a Free Boiler
The process is simple and takes only a few steps:
Step 1: Check if you qualify
You can use online eligibility checkers or speak to an ECO installer. They’ll ask about:
- Your income or benefits
- Your current boiler
- Home’s EPC rating
Step 2: Share your documents
If you qualify, you’ll be asked for:
- Proof of benefits or income
- EPC certificate (if you have one)
- Basic ID and address info
Step 3: Book a home survey
A qualified assessor will visit your home. They’ll look at your boiler and your home’s insulation.
Step 4: Get your free installation
If all goes well, an engineer will come and install the new boiler. It usually takes a day.
That’s it! You now have a modern, safe, energy-efficient boiler — and you didn’t pay a thing.
What Are the Benefits of Replacing Your Old Boiler?
Getting a new boiler has lots of upsides:
- Lower bills: New boilers use less gas. You could save £200 to £300 a year on heating.
- Warmer home: A modern system heats your home faster and keeps the temperature steady.
- Less maintenance: New boilers break down less often and usually come with a warranty.
- Better for the planet: New boilers release fewer emissions. They help the UK cut down on carbon.
- Safe and reliable: Old boilers can leak gas or carbon monoxide. A new one gives you peace of mind.
Do You Have to Pay Anything at All?
In most cases, no. If you qualify through ECO4 or LA Flex, the boiler and installation are completely free. However, some homes may need small contributions, especially if extra work is required (like installing insulation or fixing the gas supply).
Always ask the installer upfront: “Is everything covered by the grant, or will I need to pay anything?”
If they say you must pay, get that in writing.
Can Tenants Get a Free Boiler Too?
Yes — but only if:
- You pay your own energy bills
- Your landlord agrees to the work
- The home meets all the ECO4 rules
Tenants often worry the landlord won’t agree. But many landlords say yes — because they don’t have to pay either, and the home becomes more energy-efficient.
The Bottom Line
So, is boiler replacement really free in the UK? Yes — for many people, it truly is. Thanks to the ECO4 Scheme, low-income households or people on certain benefits can get a brand-new boiler and professional installation — all without spending a penny.
There are no tricks or hidden costs if you go through trusted providers. Just make sure you check your eligibility and only apply through approved ECO installers.
If your boiler is old or broken and you’re finding it hard to stay warm, don’t wait. You could be just a few steps away from getting a new boiler for free — and saving hundreds on your bills every year.
