If you live in a cold home or struggle to pay high energy bills, the Free Heating Scheme can help you get the support you need through major government grants. The UK government offers programs to assist eligible households in obtaining free or low-cost heating upgrades. These upgrades make homes warmer, more energy-efficient, and cheaper to run.
Free Heating Scheme can unlock three major government grants which will transform your home and your energy costs. In the following article, we will outline each of these schemes and how you can qualify!
Who is Free Heating Scheme?
We are a leading supporter of the UK’s push towards energy-efficient homes, lower heating bills, and cutting fuel poverty. We help households that:
- Are on low incomes or receive certain benefits
- Live in energy-inefficient homes (typically with an energy performance certificate or EPC of D–G)
- Have outdated or no central heating
If you meet this criteria, you may be eligible for free heating systems, insulation, and other energy-saving measures. These upgrades are delivered through the following national grants backed by the government.
What are the 3 Major Government Grants?
1. ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)
ECO4 is the main route for free home upgrades under the Free Heating Scheme. It mainly focuses on low-income households and funds improvements such as:
- Free central heating systems
- Insulation (loft, wall, floor)
- Heating controls
- Ventilation upgrades
The scheme targets homes with a low energy efficiency rating that are hard to heat. Supporting a “whole-house retrofit” approach, it aims to improve home energy efficiency, comfort, and bill savings.
2. Great British Insulation Scheme
This scheme helps homes across the UK install essential insulation, and can even help households that don’t claim benefits. GBIS covers:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Solid wall insulation (although this is not as regularly available and will depend on the installer)
Many households can qualify based solely on their EPC rating and council tax band. This grant helps lock in savings by keeping heat in your property and reducing the workload of your heating system.
3. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
If you’re looking to make the switch to renewable heating, The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers upfront grants which can help you to install:
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- Biomass boilers (these are available in some rural areas)
This scheme isn’t income-based. However, you must own the property and want to move away from fossil-fuel heating systems to be eligible. The grant can cover up to £7,500 of the installation cost.
Are Government Grants Always Free?
If eligible for ECO4, most upgrades, including heating systems and insulation are fully funded. For BUS and some insulation schemes, you may need to contribute. If this is the case, a no-obligation assessment will clarify any costs before work takes place.
How to Apply
Many qualifying households do not get the support they need to heat their home because they don’t know how to apply for government schemes. With Free Heating Scheme, we do all the hard work at no extra cost to you, by applying on your behalf. For us to be able to do this, you’ll usually need to:
- Provide proof of income or benefits (for ECO4)
- Have a property with a low EPC rating
- Agree to a home energy assessment which helps determine the right upgrades for your home.
How you can unlock Government grants with Free Heating Scheme
If you’re struggling with rising energy bills, Free Heating Scheme is your route into three of the UK’s most impactful energy grants. Together, we can help you to:
- Warm your home
- Lower your bills
- Reduce carbon emissions
Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply looking to future-proof your home, these cost-effective schemes could give you the support you need.
Click the button below to see if you qualify for Government energy efficiency measures and take your first step toward a warmer, more affordable home today!