Boiler Replacement Grants 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
In 2026, two main government schemes can help cover the cost of a new boiler or heat pump: the ECO4 scheme, which may fund a full replacement at no cost for households on qualifying benefits or with a low EPC rating, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering grants of up to £7,500 towards a heat pump.
In This Guide
- What boiler replacement grants are available in 2026?
- Who qualifies for the ECO4 scheme?
- What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
- Can landlords and tenants apply for these grants?
- How do you apply for a boiler replacement grant?
- What if you don't qualify for a grant?
- How can you prepare your home before applying?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What boiler replacement grants are available in 2026?
There are two main routes to government funding for heating upgrades in 2026, and understanding the difference between them is the key to knowing which one is right for you.
The first is ECO4 - the Energy Company Obligation scheme - which is aimed at lower-income households and can cover the full cost of a new heating system, including a gas boiler replacement, heat pump installation, or insulation measures. This scheme is funded by the large energy suppliers, who are legally required to invest in improving the efficiency of eligible homes. For qualifying households, there is genuinely nothing to pay.
The second is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which is open to a broader range of homeowners but is specifically designed to help people switch from fossil fuel heating to a low-carbon alternative. Rather than replacing an old gas boiler with a new gas boiler, the BUS supports the move to heat pumps or biomass boilers, with grants of up to £7,500 available - and up to £9,000 for eligible off-gas grid properties between July 2026 and March 2027.
There is also the Warm Home Discount, which provides a one-off reduction on energy bills for qualifying households, and in many areas local authority grant schemes that offer top-up funding on top of national support. Eligibility and available amounts vary significantly by region, so it is always worth checking what your local council offers in addition to the national programmes.
To put costs in context: a new gas boiler typically costs between £2,000 and £4,500 including installation, depending on the boiler model and complexity of the job. Heat pumps are considerably more expensive upfront - most households can expect to pay between £8,000 and £15,000 before grant support is applied - which is precisely why the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant makes such a meaningful difference for those looking to go greener.
Who qualifies for the ECO4 scheme?
The ECO4 scheme is intended for households most in need of support - those in or at risk of fuel poverty, or living in homes with poor energy efficiency. Here is a summary of who typically qualifies:
- Households receiving qualifying benefits - including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, and several disability-related benefits. If anyone in your household receives one of these, you are likely to be eligible.
- Homeowners with a low EPC rating - if your property has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G, you may qualify even without receiving benefits, particularly if your household income is below a certain threshold.
- Homes referred through Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LAFE) - local councils have the power to identify households that do not meet the standard national criteria but are still in fuel poverty or at significant risk. This route opens the door for many people who would otherwise fall through the gaps.
- Private tenants - tenants in privately rented properties may also qualify, but they will need their landlord's written permission before any work can begin.
Under ECO4, the funded measures are not limited to a new boiler. The scheme can also cover loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, solar panels, and first-time central heating installations. In practice, many homes receive a package of improvements rather than just a single upgrade, which can transform the overall energy efficiency of the property.
It is important to understand that ECO4 does not hand you cash. Instead, an approved installer assesses your home and carries out the work directly, with the cost paid by the energy companies. You do not receive a payment; you receive the improvement itself - and a warmer, cheaper-to-heat home as the result.
To check your eligibility, you can contact your energy supplier directly or use one of the government-endorsed online eligibility tools. Many households are genuinely surprised to discover they qualify, particularly those who access the scheme through Local Authority Flexible Eligibility. If you have been dismissed or discouraged by the criteria before, it is worth trying again, as the referral routes are broader than many people realise.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is the government's flagship grant programme for switching from fossil fuel heating to a cleaner, low-carbon alternative. It is important to understand from the outset that this scheme does not fund replacing an old gas boiler with a new gas boiler - it is designed specifically to encourage the move to renewable heating technology.
The grants available under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2026 are as follows:
- Air source heat pump: up to £7,500
- Ground source heat pump: up to £7,500
- Biomass boiler: up to £7,500
- Off-gas grid properties (21 July 2026 to 2030): up to £9,000 for air source or ground source heat pumps
To be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, your property must meet several conditions:
- It must be located in England or Wales
- It must currently use a fossil fuel heating system - gas, oil, or LPG
It is also worth bearing in mind that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant does not guarantee that a heat pump is the right choice for your particular home. Properties with significant heat loss, older undersized radiators, or unusual layout can sometimes struggle to perform efficiently with a heat pump. A thorough professional assessment is essential before committing to an installation, as factors such as heat loss calculations, radiator sizing, and household energy patterns all influence the final recommendation.
The scheme is currently funded through to 2030. The government has signalled its intention to continue supporting low-carbon heating beyond that date, but the precise terms of any future arrangement have not yet been confirmed. If you are thinking seriously about applying, starting sooner rather than later gives you more time to navigate the process and find an available installer - demand for MCS-certified engineers has grown considerably, and waiting lists in some areas now run to several months.
Can landlords and tenants apply for these grants?
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood areas of boiler replacement grants, and the short answer is: yes, in many cases - but with conditions attached that vary depending on which scheme you are using and your relationship to the property.
Private landlords are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, provided the property meets all the usual criteria. Many landlords are genuinely unaware of this, and it represents a useful opportunity to upgrade rental properties ahead of tightening Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. From 2025 onwards, the standards applied to rented properties have become increasingly strict, and landlords who act now - with grant support - are in a better position than those who wait for enforcement. One important condition: landlords who use the BUS grant must ensure the property continues to be let for at least five years after the installation date. This is a formal condition of the grant, and failure to meet it could result in the grant sum being recovered.
Private tenants may be able to access ECO4 funding for their rented home, but written consent from the landlord is required before any work can take place. In practice, this works well when both parties are engaged - the landlord gains an improved EPC rating, lower maintenance demands, and a more attractive property, while the tenant benefits from meaningfully reduced energy bills. If you are a tenant who believes you qualify for ECO4, it is worth raising the conversation with your landlord and, if needed, directing them to the official guidance on what the scheme involves and what they stand to gain.
Social housing tenants are generally not eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, as local authorities and housing associations access separate funding streams for upgrading their housing stock. If you are a social housing tenant, the right step is to contact your housing provider directly to find out what improvement plans are in place for your home.
How do you apply for a boiler replacement grant?
The application process differs depending on which scheme you are using, but the welcome news for most applicants is that the majority of the administrative work is handled by your installer rather than by you directly.
Applying for ECO4
For ECO4, the process typically follows these steps:
- Check your eligibility using your energy supplier's website or a government-endorsed tool
- Contact your energy supplier or an ECO4-approved installer to arrange a home assessment
- An assessor visits your property to identify what measures your home needs and confirm eligibility
- If approved, the installer arranges all the work - there is no upfront payment required from you
- Once the work is complete, the installer claims the funding directly from the energy company
The full process from initial enquiry to completed installation typically takes between two and six months, depending on demand in your area and the complexity of the measures involved. Starting early - ideally in spring or early summer - gives you more flexibility and a much better chance of having the work completed comfortably before the colder months arrive.
Applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is what is known as an installer-led scheme, which means your installer applies for the grant on your behalf. You do not submit anything to the government yourself. The process works like this:
- Find an installer who is certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) - this accreditation is a firm requirement, not optional
- Have the installer carry out a home assessment to confirm your property is suitable for the chosen system
- Obtain a formal written quote that clearly shows the grant amount being deducted from the total installation price
- Your installer applies for a grant voucher through the government's online portal on your behalf
- Once the voucher is issued - typically within a few working days - the installation can proceed
- After the work is complete, the installer redeems the voucher and the grant amount is offset against your invoice
You pay the difference between the total installation cost and the grant amount. If an air source heat pump installation costs £11,000 and you receive a £7,500 grant, your contribution is £3,500. It is always worth getting at least two or three quotes from different MCS-certified installers before committing, as prices vary and some will include additional services such as a full heating system assessment or removal of the old unit.
Before your installer can submit the application, they will need to check your current EPC. If it is more than ten years old or flags outstanding insulation recommendations, those issues will need resolving first. In the interim, keeping your existing system well maintained is sensible - a professional boiler service can identify minor faults before they become significant, and ensures your heating stays reliable while you work through the grant process.
What if you don't qualify for a grant?
Not every household will meet the criteria for ECO4 or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and it is worth knowing where you stand if that is the case for you.
If you do not qualify for either scheme but your boiler is ageing or unreliable, replacing it with a modern condensing model is still a sensible financial decision. A current A-rated condensing boiler uses significantly less fuel than an older G-rated unit, and most homeowners find the energy savings help recover the upfront cost over time. The typical lifespan of a new boiler is between 10 and 15 years, so it is both a comfort and a financial investment.
Some energy suppliers offer 0% interest or low-interest payment plans for boiler replacements, and certain local councils run discretionary grant schemes that are not widely publicised. It is always worth asking your local authority whether any additional support exists in your area - these schemes are often first-come, first-served and go unannounced.
If your boiler is still functional but struggling, regular professional servicing can extend its life considerably. An annual boiler service helps identify developing issues before they escalate into expensive breakdowns, and gives you a clearer picture of how much useful life your current system has left. Go Assist offers expert boiler servicing with qualified engineers who can give you an honest, straightforward assessment of whether a repair or full replacement makes better financial sense at this stage.
It is also worth considering whether a broader home energy review might be more valuable than focusing solely on the boiler. In some homes, the best return on investment comes not from a new heating system but from better draught-proofing, smart heating controls, or improved insulation. These improvements can reduce fuel consumption noticeably, improve your EPC rating over time, and potentially bring you closer to qualifying for grant support in the future.
How can you prepare your home before applying?
Whether you are pursuing ECO4, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, or simply investigating your options, there are practical steps you can take now to put yourself in the strongest position.
Get your EPC checked
Your Energy Performance Certificate is central to both main schemes. If yours is more than ten years old, it will need renewing before any application can proceed. An EPC assessment typically costs between £60 and £120 and takes around an hour. A current certificate tells you precisely where your property stands, what your EPC rating is, and whether there are any recommendations that need addressing before you can apply.
Address any outstanding insulation recommendations
If your EPC flags loft insulation or cavity wall insulation as recommended measures, tackle these before applying for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. In many cases, this work may itself be eligible for ECO4 funding, which could mean it is completed at no cost to you. This is another strong reason why checking your ECO4 eligibility first makes sense, even if your longer-term goal is a BUS-funded heat pump installation.
Book a survey early
MCS-certified installers are in high demand across England and Wales, and waiting lists in some regions now stretch to several months. Getting a survey booked early - even before you have confirmed your exact funding route - means you will have a clear picture of what your home needs, what system would suit it best, and what the realistic costs will look like after grant support is applied. Early movers consistently have a smoother experience.
Gather your documentation
For ECO4, you will typically need to provide evidence of the qualifying benefit your household receives - this is usually a recent award letter or bank statement showing the benefit payment. Having this ready in advance prevents delays once the assessment is booked. For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the key documents are your current EPC and your installer's MCS certification. Keeping these organised saves time when the process gets moving.
Keeping your heating system running reliably during any waiting period is important too. If your existing boiler breaks down while you are mid-way through the grant process, you may face difficult decisions about emergency repairs. Go Assist makes it straightforward to arrange a qualified engineer quickly if your heating lets you down - you can book online and get support at short notice across the UK.
While you are planning a broader home upgrade, it is worth knowing that Go Assist also provides repair services for a wide range of home appliances from leading manufacturers, including Miele, Samsung, and Bosch. If other appliances around your home need attention at the same time, help is available.
BOILER REPAIRS FAQS
Got a question? We've answered some of the most common ones below, or you can browse our complete Boiler Repairs FAQ page for even more information.
Can I get a completely free boiler replacement through the government?
Yes, it is genuinely possible to receive a fully funded boiler replacement through the ECO4 scheme if you meet the eligibility criteria. This is most commonly available to households receiving qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support, as well as homes with an EPC rating of D or below. The work is carried out by an approved installer and paid for by the energy companies - you do not pay anything directly. Eligibility through Local Authority Flexible Eligibility is also worth exploring if you have been turned down via the standard criteria before.
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme the same as a free boiler scheme?
No - the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is a partial grant, not a fully funded replacement. It covers a portion of the cost of switching to a low-carbon heating system such as a heat pump or biomass boiler, with grants of up to £7,500 in most cases, or up to £9,000 for eligible off-gas grid properties between July 2026 and March 2027. You are still responsible for the balance of the installation cost. Fully funded replacements are available through the ECO4 scheme, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements.
How long does the application process take?
Timescales vary between the two schemes. For the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, once your MCS-certified installer submits the grant application, the voucher is typically issued within a few working days. The main delay is usually finding an available installer and scheduling the home survey, which can take several weeks or longer in busy areas. For ECO4, the process from initial enquiry to completed installation typically takes between two and six months, depending on local demand and the combination of measures required.
Can I apply for a boiler grant if I am a private tenant?
If you are a private tenant, you may be able to access ECO4 funding for your rented home, but you will need written permission from your landlord before any works can proceed. Private landlords are themselves eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, subject to the usual criteria. Social housing tenants should contact their housing provider directly, as separate funding arrangements typically apply to local authority and housing association properties rather than the national grant schemes.
What happens if the Boiler Upgrade Scheme ends before my installation is complete?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is currently funded through to 2030. If your grant voucher has been issued before that date, you will be able to use it to proceed with the installation. Vouchers are typically valid for three months, so it is important to have your installer ready to begin work as soon as the voucher arrives. The government has indicated its ongoing commitment to low-carbon heating support, but the precise terms of any successor scheme have not yet been confirmed - which is a further reason to begin the process promptly rather than waiting.
Whether you need a professional assessment of your current boiler, advice on whether a repair or full replacement is the better option, or a qualified engineer to keep your heating running while you work through the grant process, book online with Go Assist today. Our experienced engineers are on hand to help you understand your options, ensure your heating system is in the best possible condition, and support you through every stage of the upgrade journey.
