Independent information service
Grant information is sourced from Ofgem, gov.uk, and official scheme publications. Eligibility criteria and funding availability can change. We are not a grant provider or government body. Always verify current eligibility through official channels.
Reality check
Setting expectations
Boiler replacement grants are frequently advertised online as "free boilers for everyone." The reality is more nuanced. According to Ofgem and gov.uk, these grants typically cover:
- Repair or replacement of broken or inefficient boilers in low-income households
- Not upgrades for working systems in households that don't meet income or benefit criteria
- Eligibility is based on benefits received, property EPC rating, and household income
If your boiler is working and you are not on qualifying benefits, these grants are unlikely to apply to you. A standard boiler replacement from a Gas Safe engineer typically costs £2,000–£4,000, depending on the boiler type you choose.
Available boiler grants
Main route
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and ECO Flex
According to gov.uk, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is now the main route for funded heating work, offering a £7,500 grant towards replacing a gas, oil, or LPG boiler with a heat pump. For low-income and vulnerable households, the Warm Homes: Local Grant and ECO Flex (the discretionary council route) can fund heating improvements. ECO4, which previously filled this role, closed to new applications in March 2026.
What's covered
- Broken boiler repair or replacement
- Like-for-like gas boiler replacement
- Upgrade to heat pump (where suitable)
- Often bundled with insulation measures
Eligibility (according to Ofgem)
- Receiving qualifying benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit)
- Property EPC rating D, E, F, or G
- Owner-occupier or private tenant
- Existing boiler broken or rated G/F on efficiency
Wider strategy
Warm Homes Plan
According to gov.uk, the Warm Homes Plan is the government's broader strategy for improving home energy efficiency. It encompasses multiple funding streams including grants for insulation, heating upgrades, and comprehensive energy efficiency measures.
Specific funding is delivered through programmes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the Warm Homes: Local Grant, and the Great British Insulation Scheme. ECO4, which previously delivered this funding, closed to new applications in March 2026. The plan aims to upgrade homes to at least EPC band C where practical and cost-effective.
Council pathway
LA Flex (Local Authority Flexibility)
According to Ofgem, the LA Flex (ECO Flex) pathway allows local authorities to refer households that don't meet the standard benefit criteria but are considered fuel-poor or vulnerable. This can include households on low income who don't claim benefits, or those with health conditions affected by cold housing. It is the discretionary council route that continued after ECO4 closed to new applications in March 2026.
Contact your local council to find out if they participate in LA Flex and what their specific criteria are, as these vary by area.
Check your boiler grant eligibility
Enter your postcode for an instant eligibility assessment for boiler replacement grants.
Key eligibility factors:
- ECO4 closed March 2026
- Insulation routes now via GBIS
- Heat pump routes now via BUS
Check your property against the live MHCLG EPC register to see your current band and every grant you qualify for — free, in under a minute.
Check your propertyThe gas boiler phase-out: what you need to know
According to gov.uk, gas boilers will be banned in new-build homes from 2035. This means all newly constructed properties from that date will need alternative heating — typically heat pumps. However, there is currently no ban on installing gas boilers in existing homes.
If your existing gas boiler breaks down, you can still replace it with another gas boiler. The government's approach is a gradual transition, with incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme encouraging voluntary adoption of heat pumps rather than mandatory replacement.
For most homeowners, the practical advice is: maintain your current boiler, and when it needs replacing, consider both a new gas boiler and a heat pump. The best choice depends on your property type, insulation level, and budget.
What does a boiler grant actually cover?
Boiler repair
If your boiler can be repaired rather than replaced, low-income heating support through the Warm Homes: Local Grant and ECO Flex may fund the repair. This is assessed by the installer on a case-by-case basis.
Like-for-like replacement
A broken gas boiler can typically be replaced with a new, more efficient gas boiler. This was the most common outcome under the ECO4 scheme; with ECO4 closed, low-income heating support now routes through the Warm Homes: Local Grant and ECO Flex.
Upgrade to heat pump
Where the property is suitable, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme funds an upgrade from a gas boiler to an air source heat pump with a £7,500 grant. This requires adequate insulation and may involve additional work.
Check your boiler grant eligibility
Find out if you qualify for a boiler replacement grant. We'll check your eligibility and connect you with approved scheme providers in your area.
Free eligibility check. No obligation. We'll let you know if you qualify.
Related guides
Hub
All energy grants
Complete hub of energy grants available in the UK. Boilers, heat pumps, insulation, and solar.
Read guide →ECO4
ECO4 scheme
ECO4 closed in March 2026. See what it covered and the Warm Homes and ECO Flex routes that replaced it for heating support.
Read guide →Insulation
Free insulation schemes
Insulate first for maximum efficiency. Free insulation grants available for qualifying UK homes.
Read guide →Need help with your boiler?
Whether you qualify for a grant or need to find a Gas Safe engineer for a private replacement, we can help you find the right solution.