Now is your time to get your house centrally heated if it has never had it before. That’s right. If you’ve either had to use an electric heater or inefficient gas fires or no heating whatsoever, you can get the first time central heating grants under the UK government ECO4 scheme.
This scheme provides free new central heating systems to eligible homes. You might be fitted with radiators, a new boiler, and all the additional components to heat your entire house—costing nothing.
Let’s simplify it and make it straightforward so that you know precisely what to anticipate.
What Is First-Time Central Heating?
First-time central heating indicates a house has never been equipped with an installed central heating system. It typically pertains to houses wherein individuals utilise such things like:
- Electric room heaters
- Open coal fires
- Gas fires (unconnected to radiators)
- Portable gas or oil heaters
- Or no heating at all
You could be eligible if your house has no radiators, no boiler, and no system of central heating. This is not a replacement for the boiler. This is an all-new installation.
How Can You Get It for Free?
The UK government administers the ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) scheme. Its purpose is to assist low-income householders and other vulnerable households in heating their homes and lowering their heating costs.
You can get first-time central heating installed absolutely free if you are eligible. This includes:
- A new gas combi boiler (typically an energy-efficient one)
- Radiators in all rooms
- Pipes and thermostats
- Free Installation
It’s all done by approved installers and backed by government funding.
Who Can Get Free Central Heating?
You will need to fulfill some rules to qualify to get free central heating through the ECO4 scheme.
- No prior central heating: Your house should not already be equipped with any central heating system.
- Own your house or rent privately: Owner occupiers can apply. Private tenants can as well but their landlord’s permission will be required.
- Qualifying benefit: A person in the household must be receiving one of these:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related ESA
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
If not, local councils also assist through something known as LA Flex. So even if your claim is rejected, you can be eligible based on income, health, or house energy rating.
What Will You Receive with the Grant?
You will get a new whole-house central heating system fitted if you qualify.
This comprises:
- High-efficiency A-rated boiler so less gas is used
- Radiators installed in all rooms
- Pipes and valves to circulate hot water throughout your house
- Thermostat and controls so it’s easy to set your heating
- Installation installed by fully trained heating engineers
- Paperwork and safety checks are all taken care of
In some situations, however, you can get a different kind of heating system—in other words, if gas isn’t present in your area then an air-source heat pump would be an alternative. But it would always be dependent on your property and what would be best suited to your requirements.
How Much Can You Save?
You likely already know the cost of your energy bills if you’re burning gas fires or electric heaters. You can save hundreds of pounds annually with a new central heating system.
Here is a rough estimate of savings:
- Swapping electric heating with gas central heating would save you £500 to £1000 annually
- You will spend less energy heating the entire house
- You feel warm in all the rooms, not only the one with the heating.
And don’t forget, it’s not only the cost to run—it’s also cost-free to install, which would otherwise be in excess of £4,000 to £6,000.
How Does the Process Work?
You get to claim your free first-time central heating. Here’s what normally happens:
1. Check if you’re eligible
You will be asked a few short questions regarding your house, heating system, and benefits. This can normally be completed on the internet or by phone.
2. Free house survey
An assessor will visit your house to inspect your current heating and energy system. They will also look to ensure that your house can accommodate a new system.
3. Approval and scheduling
Should you qualify, the installer will schedule a date to commence the work.
Your new boiler, radiators, and pipework will be fitted by Gas Safe registered engineers. This will take 2–4 working days to complete subject to the property’s size.
4. Warmth at home and lower bills
You will then have a fully functioning heating system that can be controlled and your house will be warmer and less expensive to heat.
What Else Might Be Included?
Some installers also supply additional things beyond heating under the ECO4 scheme. Depending on your house, you can also gain:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Room thermostats and controls
- Smart heating controls
These additions assist in retaining the heat, meaning that your boiler doesn’t use as much gas and saves you even more money.
Why Central Heating Can be a Game-Changer in Your Homes
Still unsure whether or not to get central heating? Here’s what it can do for you:
1. Warmth in Every Room
No longer clustering around one heater. Central heating circulates warmth throughout the entire house—bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom—everything feels warm and cosy.
2. Lower Energy Bills
Old electric fires and old heaters are expensive to operate. A new central heating system is much more energy-efficient. You get a lot of heat for your money.
3. Good For Your Health
Living in a cold house can lead to dampness, mildew, and health issues such as joint pain, coughs, and colds. Central heating dries the atmosphere and keeps the temperature constant.
4. More Comfortable Living
It isn’t all about warmth. You can go freely from one place in your house to another without ever feeling cold in one room and hot in another.
5. Increases the Value of Your Home
Central heating in a modern house is also a desirable feature to prospective house buyers and lessees. It’s an astute long-term investment.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve never installed central heating before, it’s an amazing opportunity to get it installed free of charge. The ECO4 scheme is giving thousands of British homes a chance to heat their properties without spending any money, effectively eliminating the typical Cost for Installing Central Heating.
Don’t wait for another cold winter. If you qualify, you could have radiators in every room, a modern boiler, and lower bills before you know it.
Simply check if you qualify, schedule your complimentary survey, and begin to enjoy a warmer, cosier home.
