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If you are among the thousands of households in the UK without central heating, winters can be really tough. About 367,000 homes are supposedly in the same situation. With cold British winters often dipping below freezing, having no proper heating can make life quite miserable and costly.
No central heating, and you find yourself saying, “I Have No Central Heating: Can I Get a Grant?” Fortunately, the answer is yes: the ECO4 scheme could help you get a full, brand-new central heating system that is absolutely free.
The program is designed to allow low-income households to get a full central heating system installed without cost. Whether you own your home or rent privately, if you are eligible – you are well on the way to getting free central heating with all new radiators, an A-rated boiler, and all necessary fittings with no initial cost whatsoever. Let’s learn more about this grant.
No Central Heating in Your Home? The ECO4 Scheme is Here to Help!
More than 0.3 million houses in England and Wales still live without central heating. Winters get very aggressive, and the cost of electric heaters or gas fires is just not enough to keep the entire house warm. ECO4 Scheme has been introduced to tackle this issue and help such families stay warm who need your assistance.
The ECO4 Scheme is a Government-backed Energy Company Obligation offering an initiative that cuts carbon emissions and provides energy efficiency to homes across the UK. This partly focuses on low-income families with energy costs, particularly those without central heating.
What Is a Free First-Time Central Heating Grant?
First-time central heating grants apply under the ECO4 scheme for households that have never had a central heating installation. The new central heating installations cost anywhere between £3,500 and £10,000, but one gets it for free with this grant.
Where eligible, you could have a brand new A-rated boiler, radiators, and pipework, and even be installed with a thermostatic control panel – all at zero upfront cost to you. Essentially, the idea is to replace expensive, inefficient ways of heating – like electric heaters or open fires – with a proper, energy-efficient system.
What Types of First Time Central Heating Grants Are Available?
Under the ECO4 Scheme, two main options are leading the race for the first-time central heating.
1. Mains Gas Central Heating
If your home has a mains gas network and a gas meter installed before 31st March 2022, you can be entitled to funding to install a gas boiler and central heating system. Gas boilers remain amongst the most pervasive heating solutions within the UK simply because they are highly cost-effective and very reliable.
2. Heat Pump Central Heating
If you have a house that is off the mains gas network, then you can still receive a grant for the installation of an air source heat pump. The heat pump is an environmentally friendly alternative to the more traditional gas system, ideal for houses without a gas supply.
Check your Eligibility Now
If you are receiving benefits from the UK Government then you might be eligible for First Central Heating Grant.
What Does a First Time Central Heating Grant Cover?
First Time Central Heating Grants cover everything one needs to install a modern central heating system. Here is a quick breakdown of what is covered:
1. A-rated Gas Boilers
If the house has a gas meter, you install an A-rated gas boiler that’s efficient in heating up the home.
2. Heat Pumps
Where a gas meter is not installed in your household, the grant covers low-carbon alternative heating with an air-source heat pump.
3. Radiators in Every Room
Radiators will be installed in your entire home to ensure even heating across all spaces.
4. Pipework and Fittings
The grant covers the pipework that has to be installed for your boiler and radiators to function properly.
5. Smart Thermostats
Control your heating remotely with a smartphone and help save energy by adjusting temperatures on the go.
6. Home Insulation Upgrades
This may also include improved insulation in order to prevent heat loss and add energy efficiency to your home.
What Heating Systems Qualify for First Time Central Heating Grants?
If your home currently relies on any of the following heating systems – or none at all – you might just be eligible for the grant:
- LPG Room Heaters: Inefficient and expensive to operate heaters using bottled gas.
- Electric Room Heaters: These are small electric heaters that cannot heat the whole house.
- Oil Room Heaters: Traditional oil heaters installed in houses not having any facility of gas connection.
- Electric Storage Heaters: These are older-style heaters that store heat overnight.
- Electric Fan Heaters: Quickly heat but very expensive electric fans.
- Gas Room Heaters: Gas-powered units that do not provide whole-home warmth.
- Electric Panel Heaters: Wall-mounted units that consume a lot of energy.
- Solid Fuel Heating: Heating from open fires or stoves that use coal or wood.
- Wood or Biomass Heaters: These produce heat by burning wood or pellets.
If, by now, your home without radiators falls in either of these categories, you would probably be qualified for a central heating grant.
What Are the Benefits of a First Time Central Heating Grant?
A grant for central heating isn’t just about the warmth; it’s about adding something with long-term benefits to your home in terms of comfort and economy, with environmental awareness.
The Lower Energy Bills
Nowadays, modern heating systems are much more efficient: you will spend less on energy, and you can save up to £ 600 every year on your energy bills.
Enhanced Home Comfort
Goodbye to cold spots! With new radiators and smart controls, a home will remain warm and comfortable during winter.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Improved heating systems, being less emissive, support the UK in its goal toward Net Zero by 2050.
Increasing Property Values
Energy-efficient upgrades add value to your home, which is more appealing to buyers.
Do I Qualify for a Grant for First Time Central Heating?
If one’s house does not have central heating, they can be eligible for a government grant under the ECO4 scheme. These grants are targeted at low-income households and vulnerable individuals to make sure every home in the UK can stay warm and energy-efficient. Below, we explain everything about the eligibility criteria for first-time central heating grants.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for First Time Central Heating Grants?
Eligibility for the first-time central heating grant depends on several important factors:
1. Ownership of Property
The grant is available both for homeowners and private tenants. If he wishes, the landlord can apply on behalf of his tenant, but only the tenant—who pays the energy bills himself—is eligible.
2. Energy Efficiency Rating
To qualify, your home needs to have an Energy Efficiency Certificate rating of D, E, F, or G. The grant is designed for homes that are less energy-efficient – for the most part – and those needing improvement.
3. Income Threshold
This would include any household whose gross annual income is less than £31,000 per year, specifically those households not in receipt of any of the benefits listed below. This includes everyone who lives in the home.
4. No Existing Central Heating
Your house should not already have central heating. The grant attempts to assist those people who have never installed an appropriate heating system in their houses.
5. Vulnerability
It prioritises vulnerable households, such as those with children, older people, and persons with disability.
6. Insulation Requirements
Your home must be well-insulated. If your loft insulation or cavity wall insulation is below par, then this too can be arranged through the grant to ensure that heat stays in for longer periods in your house.
7. Gas Connection
To qualify, your home must have a secure gas connection installed before April 2022. This is basically a requirement for most of the government heating grants because this will ensure that any heating system is both cost-effective and safe.
What Benefits Qualify for the Free Central Heating Grant?
Here are some of the benefits that would qualify you for a first-time central heating grant:
- Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
So, Can I Get a Government Grant for First Time Central Heating?
Yes, you can apply for this first-time central heating grant through ECO4 if you meet the eligibility criteria. The core aim of the grant involves raising the temperature and safety of a home while making it more energy-efficient, especially for those households suffering from fuel poverty.
These are grants for the complete free installation of heating systems, saving you money on bills and making your home even more comfortable.
Can I Get a Grant for Gas Central Heating?
Yes, you can! If your house has a gas connection and was installed before 31 March 2022, you are in a good position to apply for this ECO4 scheme. This would include installing a full gas central heating system comprising a boiler, radiators, and pipework.
How to Apply for a Free First Time Central Heating Grant
The grant application involves only a few steps. Here’s a quick overview of how the process goes:
1. Initial Eligibility Check
You can start by trying the online eligibility checkers on the Websites of energy suppliers or government-approved platforms. In a few minutes, you will type in the following general information:
- Household income
- Benefits received
- Your current heating system
In a few minutes, you can learn whether you meet preliminary eligibility.
2. Gather Documentation
In case of your eligibility, you have to provide some required documents:
- Proof of income: payslips or benefit statements
- Energy Performance Certificate of your house
- Submit Your Application
After compiling the documentation, submit the application to the grant provider. Ensure that all forms are well completed in order to prevent any delay.
3. Document Verification
The provider will review your submission for income, benefits, and property details to verify your eligibility.
4. Home Survey
If your application is successful, a home survey will be scheduled. An inspector will assess the Property’s need for heating and insulation and recommend upgrading to one or both, which could include a new boiler or insulation.
5. Free Installation of Your Heating System
This will be followed by the installation of the new heating system, whether gas central heating, radiators, or insulation, by qualified engineers. The grant will pay for all these costs; therefore, no charge to you.
What If I Don’t Have an EPC?
Don’t worry if your Property doesn’t currently have an EPC. The installer will organise an EPC assessment as part of your application process. If this is the case, it’s best not to arrange this yourself, as it could interfere with the grant application.
What Evidence Can I Provide to Show My Property Had a Gas Meter and Connection Before 31 March 2022?
You can provide more than one type of evidence to confirm that your gas metre and connection existed prior to 31 March 2022.
- Gas metre installation papers
- Gas bills to the Property dated before 31st March 2022
- Photos of the gas meter (some meters have stickers showing the installation date)
These documents are quite necessary for proving that your home actually qualifies for the required gas connection to start off a central heating grant.
The Bottom Line
The ECO4 scheme is a great opportunity to apply for much-needed funding to upgrade homes in the UK that, for their bad luck, do not have central heating. Furthermore, it is estimated that savings can amount to hundreds of pounds on energy bills every year, and funding is available until 2026. Therefore, it’s high time to check eligibility and apply for a grant aiming significantly at improving energy efficiency and comfort in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it does. ECO4 provides grants for energy efficiency measures: heating upgrades and insulation. Properties that have never had central heating may qualify for a mains gas central heating system or a heat pump system.
First Time Central Heating Grants are targeted at homeowners and private tenants. If you happen to be in a privately rented home, provided, of course, that your household is eligible, you can get the grant
No, you don’t necessarily have to be a house owner to apply. You can apply both as a house owner or a private tenant so long as the household is eligible for an application. Landlords may also apply on behalf of eligible tenants to upgrade their private rental properties.
The whole installation process will normally take a few days, though this will depend on the size of your property and the state in which it is located. Once your application has been approved and a home survey has been carried out, the accredited engineers will be able to let you know when they can complete the installation at a time that best suits you.
You can, yes. The grant covers the installation of radiators in each room, plus all required pipework, controls, and smart thermostats. Also, it includes fitting, all warranties, and after-sales support – all fully funded by the government ECO scheme.
Private tenants are eligible, provided the Property has an EPC rating of E, F, or G. For any case, permission is required from the landlord before the grant application can be entertained. But you don’t have to worry about that because installers do the paperwork and communicate with landlords on your behalf.
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