Free boiler grants UK is an opportunity for low-income households to switch from old inefficient boilers to new efficient ones. The idea is to lower energy consumption and minimize climate change. However, they’re not offered to everyone. Factors like boiler age, EPC ratings, and government benefits play a key role in eligibility and the approval process. Moreover, these grants cover many well-known brands like Ideal, Worcester, and Baxi.
What’s the boiler grant all about?
The Eco4 scheme is a huge government energy plan. It involves all the big energy companies giving shiny new boilers. Then there’s the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). Just like Eco4, it’s an awesome grant scheme. BUS gives grants to homeowners in England and Wales who want to put in a heat pump or biomass boiler. Heat pumps and biomass boilers can cost a lot, but with a government grant, they become doable.
Renowned brands covered under boiler grants
Many renowned boiler manufacturers in the UK contribute to these grant schemes. Here are a few examples:
- Ideal boilers: Ideal manufactures reliabile and efficient boilers. Their Ideal Logic Combi boilers are popular choices for boiler grants.
- Worcester Bosch boilers: Worcester Bosch is another trusted brand. Their Worcester Bosch Greenstar CDi boilers are compatible with the BUS grant for heat pumps.
- Baxi boilers: Baxi makes affordable and efficient boilers. Their Baxi 600 Eco System boilers are popular with grant recipients.
- Viessmann boilers: Viessmann is a German brand known for its high-quality boilers. Their Vitodens 200-W boilers are eligible for the BUS grant when installed as part of a low-carbon heating system.
- Valliant boilers: Valliant is another German brand that offers efficient boilers. Their EcoTEC Exclusive boilers are compatible with both ECO4 and BUS grants depending on the model and installation.
Eligibility Criteria
There are a few things you need to check to see if you can get eco4 or the boiler upgrade scheme. While eco4 covers the whole country, BUS is only up for grabs in England and Wales at the moment. Also, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own help schemes. So you’ll have to see what’s on offer in your neck of the woods. Plus, your EPC score needs to be below D. On top of that, your current boiler has to be an old non-condensing model. You’ll need to show that someone in your household is getting certain government benefits. For instance, Child Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
Applying for a grant
The application process for a boiler grant can vary. It depends on the scheme and installer you choose. Generally, you can apply through an approved installer. They’ll handle the application process for you.
Which boilers are excluded from grants?
Non-condensing boilers, which were commonly produced, are excluded from government grants. These are in fact, older technology. Moreover, they operate by burning fuel and releasing hot exhaust gases directly up the flue. As a result, this process wastes a significant amount of energy. So this makes these boilers less efficient. It also makes them to be more expensive to run compared to newer condensing models.
Examples of brands that used to make non-condensing boilers
Ideal
A well-known UK boiler brand, Ideal used to manufacture non-condensing boilers. But today, they focus solely on producing condensing boilers. So they comply with government regulations.
Worcester Bosch
Similar to Ideal, Worcester Bosch offered non-condensing options in the past. Now, they concentrate on advanced condensing boilers. All of their boilers are eligible for boiler grant schemes.
Baxi
Another major UK brand, Baxi also produced non-condensing boilers previously. However, their current range exclusively consists of condensing boilers. Plus they meet the high efficiency standards required for grants.
What do these brands do now?
Thankfully, these leading boiler manufacturers haven’t disappeared! They’ve all adapted and now focus on producing condensing boilers. Condensing boilers capture the heat from flue gases that would otherwise escape in a non-condensing model. Consequently, they help save money on energy bills. They also help reduce carbon footprint.
The shift towards condensing boilers is due to two key factors:
- Increased efficiency: Condensing boilers are more energy-efficient. They significantly reduce energy consumption. As a result, they lower monthly bills for homeowners.
- Government regulations: The UK government has actually banned the sale and installation of non-condensing boilers.
Finding the right grant-approved boiler
The good news is that most reputable boiler brands in the UK now offer condensing models. And all these are eligible for boiler grants. So when applying for a grant, ensure your chosen boiler installer offers models that meet the program’s efficiency requirements. Moreover, remember the brand choice is flexible, prioritising a condensing boiler is the condition. So reap the benefits of a grant and enjoy a more energy-efficient home.
Conclusion
Boiler grants are a great way to make your home more energy-efficient and save money on your heating bills. With a variety of grants and renowned brands to choose from, there’s a good chance you can find the perfect boiler for your needs. So far, no particular boiler brand has been excluded from the grant program. So apply with confidence just make sure your boiler must be a condensing model.
