Free Boiler Replacement: Government Grants for 2026
Last updated:
If your boiler is old, inefficient, or broken, you may qualify for a free replacement through government grant schemes. An old G-rated boiler wastes up to 40% of the energy it uses. Replacing it with a modern A-rated condensing boiler can save you £200-£580 per year on gas bills.
Savings From Replacing Your Boiler
When Should You Replace Your Boiler?
Boilers typically last 10-15 years. If yours is older than this, it's likely running well below its original efficiency. Signs you need a replacement include:
- Frequent breakdowns or expensive repairs
- Uneven heating — some rooms warm, others cold
- Your boiler makes banging, whistling, or gurgling noises
- Your energy bills have been rising without explanation
- The pilot light keeps going out
- Your boiler is rated D or below on its energy label
Which Grants Cover Boiler Replacement?
- ECO4 — Boiler replacement is funded under ECO4 for eligible households. Available UK-wide until December 2026.
- Warm Homes: Local Grant — Can fund a new boiler as part of a wider energy efficiency upgrade. England only.
- Nest (Wales) — Free boiler replacement for eligible Welsh households.
- NI Affordable Warmth — Boiler replacement available through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive scheme.
- Note: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) does NOT cover gas boiler replacements — it's for switching to heat pumps.
Am I Eligible?
You may qualify for a free boiler if:
- You receive a means-tested benefit (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.)
- Your household income is below the scheme threshold
- Your current boiler is old, inefficient (rated D or below), or broken beyond economical repair
- Your property has an EPC rating of D or below
- You're a homeowner or have landlord consent if renting
How It Works
- Check eligibility — Our free checker confirms if you qualify for a grant.
- Gas Safe survey — A Gas Safe registered engineer visits to assess your current boiler and heating system.
- Installation — Your old boiler is removed and a new A-rated condensing boiler is fitted. Takes 1-2 days.
- Commissioning — The engineer tests the system, sets up controls, and provides certification.
Boiler Replacement: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Installation time | 1-2 days |
| Typical cost (without grant) | £2,000-£4,000 |
| Annual savings | £200-£580 |
| New boiler efficiency | 90-94% (A-rated) |
| New boiler lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Guarantee | 5-10 years manufacturer warranty |
| Installer requirement | Gas Safe registered |
Good to Know
If you have no central heating at all (e.g., electric storage heaters only), you may qualify for a full central heating system — boiler, radiators, and pipework — funded through ECO4.
If your boiler needs replacing, it might be worth considering an air source heat pump instead. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards a heat pump, and running costs can be lower long-term.
Grant-funded boiler replacements usually include modern heating controls (programmable thermostat, TRVs) to maximise your savings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a free combi boiler?
Yes. If you qualify for ECO4 or the Warm Homes: Local Grant, you can receive a new combi boiler at no cost. The type of boiler (combi, system, or regular) depends on your property and heating needs.
My boiler still works but is old. Do I qualify?
Potentially. If your boiler is rated D or below for efficiency, it may qualify for replacement under ECO4 even if it's still running. The key factor is its efficiency rating, not whether it's broken.
Who installs the new boiler?
A Gas Safe registered engineer. This is a legal requirement for any gas work in the UK. The installer will be approved by the grant scheme.
What happens to my old boiler?
The installer removes and safely disposes of your old boiler as part of the installation. This is included in the grant-funded work.
Can I choose which boiler I get?
The installer will recommend a suitable boiler based on your property size and heating needs. The grant covers the cost of an appropriate A-rated condensing boiler.
Find Free Boiler Replacement in your area
See how Free Boiler Replacement works in your area, including local council schemes, eligibility criteria, and nearby installers.
Other available grants
Check If You Qualify
Free 2-minute eligibility check. See if you can get a free boiler replacement.
Check Your Eligibility