If you’ve never had central heating, the First Time Central Heating Grant is your opportunity to install a modern heating system at no cost. Part of the ECO4 Scheme, this grant is specifically designed to support low-income households in the UK, helping them replace inefficient and outdated systems like electric heaters or coal fireplaces with energy-efficient central heating systems. The program with the Free Boiler Scheme aims to reduce fuel poverty, lower energy costs, and enhance home comfort while cutting carbon emissions.
Normally, setting up a new central heating system costs between £3,500 and £10,000, but with the support of this grant, eligible houses enjoy these upgrades absolutely free. The grant covers A-rated boilers, radiators, and smart thermostats and even provides insulation upgrades to make the houses more efficient. Whether one owns the house or is a tenant, this program turns chilly homes into warm, welcoming ones that do not come at additional costs.
What the Grant Covers?
The First Time Central Heating Grant is all-inclusive, and it covers everything needed to install a fully operational and efficient heating system. The following are included:
- A-rated Gas Boilers for properties with gas meters.
- Heat pumps are for properties with no access to gas.
- Radiators in every room
- Pipework to connect the heating system
- Smart Thermostats for precise control and remote heating
- TRVs to adjust the temperature in rooms
- Insulation Upgrades to retain heat effectively.
If you depend on inefficient systems such as storage heaters, electric fan heaters, or solid-fuel fireplaces, central heating will significantly affect your energy consumption and your home’s EPC rating.
Benefits of First-Time Central Heating
A modern central heating system has numerous benefits:
- Lower Energy Bills
Energy-efficient heating saves fuel, cutting energy bills by up to £600 a year. Older systems are typically only 70% efficient compared to modern boilers, which achieve over 92% efficiency, thus wasting less energy and saving more.
- Improved Comfort
Enjoy consistent, reliable warmth throughout your home. Modern systems allow precise temperature control in every room, ensuring year-round comfort.
- Increased Home Value
A well-heated home with an upgraded EPC rating is more attractive to buyers, increasing your property’s market value.
- Lower Carbon Footprint
Switching to energy-efficient heating systems reduces your household’s environmental impact, contributing to a greener future.
- Peace of Mind
Modern heating systems are designed to last and make fewer calls for repairs and replacements.
They are also quieter, which improves your indoor environment.
Why Pensioners Should Apply For First-Time Free Central Heating Grant?
Older people are among those most affected by cold weather, with nearly 29% reporting feeling cold at home. The First Time Central Heating Grant prioritizes those aged 60 and above, recognizing the critical health risks of inadequate heating. If you’re a pensioner, this is your chance to secure a free heating system, ensuring warmth and comfort during the colder months.
Central Heating for Disabled People
People with disabilities can also gain enormous advantages from this scheme. A warm, energy-efficient house greatly enhances living conditions and helps them cope easily with the hassles of daily life. Installation and all the necessary upgradation work for this system will be done without a cost to the individuals, including preparation of the home suitable for the needs of individual residents.
Eligibility Criteria
To claim the First Time Central Heating Grant, one should meet the following conditions:
- Be a homeowner or a private tenant (with landlord permission).
- Live in a property with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G.
- We need an existing central heating system.
- Get at least one government benefit, including:
- Income Support (ISA)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
Conversely, houses with gas meters are qualified for gas boilers, and those without are qualified for heat pumps.
How Central Heating Improves Your EPC Rating?
The lower a home’s EPC rating, the more energy it consumes, increasing bills and carbon emissions. A modern heating system upgrade improves efficiency and increases your property’s EPC rating, making it a valuable asset for current living conditions and future resale value.
How to Apply
Applying for the grant is simple and involves just a few easy steps:
Check Your Eligibility
Use an online eligibility checker by simply entering your postcode.
Apply Now
A short form with details such as your EPC rating and proof of benefits to be completed.
Survey
A no-charge site survey will confirm the most suitable system for your property.
Installation
Upon acceptance, a local Gas Safe registered engineer will install your new heating system within 2–3 days, maintaining the highest safety quality
Why Choose Free Boiler Scheme
We specialize in helping UK households access government-backed grants. With a team of experienced Gas Safe engineers, we ensure every installation is smooth, efficient, and tailored to your needs. Thousands of families have benefited from our expertise, and we’re dedicated to bringing warmth and comfort to even more homes.
Apply Now Before It’s Too Late
The First Time Central Heating Grant is available until March 2026, but funding is limited, and demand is high. Take your chance to transform your home into a warm, energy-efficient space at no cost. Apply today with the Free Boiler Scheme and enjoy the long-term benefits of lower bills, increased comfort, and peace of mind.
