Winter chills hitting harder with energy bills through the roof? If your old boiler’s on its last legs – gurgling, leaking, or guzzling gas like there’s no tomorrow – a government grant could swap it for a shiny new efficient one, maybe even free. In 2026, schemes like ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) are still dishing out cash to cut carbon and fuel poverty. No green thumb needed; we’ll walk through who’s eligible, how to snag it, and pitfalls to dodge. Think warmer home, lower bills (£300-£600/year savings), less hassle – sounds good, right?
The Big Grants on Offer in 2026
No single “boiler replacement grant,” but a lineup tackling old clunkers.
- ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation): Runs till March 2026 (maybe extended). Energy firms fund upgrades for low-income/fuel-poor homes. Full boiler replacement (up to £15k), insulation, heat pumps. Targets EPC D-G homes.x
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): £7,500 for air/ground source heat pumps, £5k biomass (off-gas rural). Replaces fossil fuel systems. Open till 2027+.
- Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS): Pairs with boiler grants for loft/cavity walls.
- Local authority/top-ups: Councils add ECO funds; Warmer Homes Discount for vulnerable.
2.5m+ homes upgraded already – your turn?
Who Qualifies? Eligibility Breakdown
Grants target efficiency and need – not everyone wins.
ECO4 Key Criteria:
- Homeowner or tenant (landlord OK for tenants).
- EPC D-G (get free via energy supplier).
- On benefits (Pension Credit, Universal Credit, etc.) or low income (<£31k? Varies).
- Inefficient boiler (pre-2005 non-condensing ideal).
- UK mainland (some NI/Scotland variants).
BUS Criteria:
- Own home (self-build OK, no new-build/social housing).
- Replacing gas/oil/electric (not existing low-carbon).
- MCS-certified installer.
- England/Wales (Scotland separate).
No double-dipping public funds, but insulation OK alongside.
Quick check: EPC rating? Benefits? Rural off-gas? Green light likely.
Handy Eligibility Table: At a Glance
| Scheme | Who? (Benefits/Income) | Property Req. | Funding Max | Runs Till |
| ECO4 | Yes (UC, Pension Credit, low income) | EPC D-G, inefficient boiler | £15k (full boiler) | Mar 2026 |
| BUS Heat Pump | Homeowners, no income test | Fossil fuel replace, EPC any? | £7,500 | 2027+ |
| BUS Biomass | Same | Off-gas rural | £5,000 | 2027+ |
| GBIS | Low income/vulnerable | EPC D-G | £1k-£2k insulation | Ongoing |
Prioritise ECO4 if benefits; BUS for heat pumps.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Without the Faff
- Self-check: EPC (gov.uk/epc-register, free via supplier). Benefits proof.
- Find installer: Ofgem/ECO-approved (search ECO4 providers). Free survey.
- Get quote: Installer assesses (boiler/heat pump fit).
- Apply via installer: They handle paperwork (no direct gov app for ECO).
- BUS direct: Via gov.uk/apply-boiler-upgrade-scheme – installer submits post-install? No, pre-voucher
- Approval: 2-4 weeks. Works start.
- After: Bills drop, EPC upgrades.
Takes 4-12 weeks total. Tenants: Landlord permission form.
What You’ll Get: Boiler Options and Savings
- New boiler: A-rated condensing gas (if grid), efficiency 90%+ vs. old 60%.
- Heat pumps: Low-carbon future-proof, RHI-like savings.
- Full packages: Boiler + insulation = £600/year off bills.
Example: £10k boiler – 100% ECO4 funded. ROI 2-3 years.
Common Pitfalls: Don’t Trip Up
- No EPC? Get one (£50-£100, sometimes free).
- Off-gas? Biomass/heat pump heaven.
- Landlords: Can apply for tenants.
- Scams: “Free boiler” cold calls – use approved lists.
- Deadlines: ECO4 ends Mar 2026 – hurry!
Over 4m measures fitted – legit.
Regional Twists: England, Scotland, Wales, NI
- England/Wales: ECO4/BUS core.
- Scotland: Home Energy Scotland Grant (similar, £7.5k heat pumps).
- NI: Affordable Warmth Boiler Upgrade.
- Urban vs. rural: Off-gas wins bigger BUS pots.
Postcode checker on gov sites.
Real Stories: Winners and Their Wins
- Pensioner Pam: EPC E, Pension Credit – free ECO4 combi boiler + loft insulation. Bills halved.
- Rural Rob: Oil boiler to heat pump – £7.5k BUS, pays itself in 5 years.
- Tenant Tina: Landlord greenlit ECO4 – no cost upgrade.
Forums buzz with successes.
Combine Grants for Max Bang
ECO4 boiler + BUS top-up? Sometimes. Insulation always stacks. Net-zero homes qualify best.
2026 Updates: What’s Changing?
- ECO4 phase-out? Extensions likely amid net-zero push.
- BUS expanded? More installers.
- Green heat levy? Watch budgets.
Gov aiming 600k heat pumps/year – grants key.
Read More: Private Health Insurance UK 2026: Bupa vs. AXA Review – Which One Wins for You?
Costs If You Don’t Qualify
New boiler: £2.5k-£5k install. Grants wipe that.
Finance? 0% via installers.
Top Tips to Boost Chances
- Improve EPC first (loft clear-out).
- Multiple benefits? Stronger case.
- Energy supplier angle (British Gas ECO team).
- Free advice: Citizens Advice, Warm Front helpline.
Quick Application Checklist
- ID/proof address.
- Benefits statements.
- EPC.
- Boiler photos.
- Landlord consent (if rent)