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First Time Central Heating Grants
First-Time Central Heating Grants – Upgrade Your Home at Zero Cost
Over 367,000 homes in the UK still have no central heating. If yours is one of them, the ECO4 scheme can help you change that – for free.
Get a new A-rated boiler, radiators, TRVs, thermostats, and full pipework installed at no cost, as long as your home has a gas connection before April 2022 and you receive qualifying benefits.
100% Free Central Heating Grant in UK
Are you struggling with high energy bills or living without proper heating? The ECO4 Scheme offers First-Time Central Heating Grants to eligible households, ensuring you get a completely FREE boiler and radiator system installed in your home!
- FREE Boiler & Radiators
- 100% Government-Funded
- Quick & Hassle-Free Installation
- Lower Energy Bills
- Warmer Home, Better Health
Under the ECO4 Scheme, eligible households can receive free installation of central heating systems. This initiative is designed to help those without existing central heating to upgrade their homes, improve energy efficiency, and reduce heating costs. Homeowners or private tenants who claim some benefits and have no radiator can apply for the grants. The primary aim of the scheme is to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that have affected the environment more than vehicles on the road.
Who Can Apply for First Time Central Heating Scheme
Homeowners or private tenants, who don’t need to get permission from homeowners.
Gas metres installed before April 2022.
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Saving Credit
What Does the First Time Central Heating Grant Cover?
The ECO4 First Time Central Heating Grant offers a full package to improve energy efficiency and heating in your home, including:
- A-rated Gas Boilers (where a gas meter is present)
- Air Source Heat Pumps (for homes without a gas connection)
- Radiators in each room for balanced heating
- Complete Pipework connecting the boiler and radiators
- Smart Thermostats for easy remote control of heating
- TRVs (Thermostatic Radiator Valves) for customised room temperatures
- Removal of Old Heaters and outdated systems, if applicable
- Insulation Upgrades to minimise heat loss and maximise efficiency
You are on PRIORITY for First-Time Central Heating Grants if:
- You never had a central heating system before
- You're a low-income homeowner or private tenant
- Your home's EPC rating is E, F, or G
- You're living in a fuel-poor or vulnerable household
- You receive certain qualifying benefits
Which Heating Systems Are Eligible?
For replacing your old heating system, the criteria are that the system should be decentralised – not connected to the radiators. Mainly, following heating system can be replaced under the first-time heating grant:
Non-centralized heating
Old heating systems that are not connected with radiators.
Wood/biomass Room Heaters
They generate a huge amount of carbon dioxide.
Storage Heaters
Traditional storage heater systems.
Oil / LPG room heaters
More costly for annual energy bills.
Direct Electric Heaters or Fan Heaters
Old electric heating systems.
Gas fired back boilers
Completely out-dated and inefficient heating system
Solid Fuel Systems
Traditional coal or wood-based heating systems.
Electric underground or ceiling heater
If it comes without an electric boiler.
Which Heating System is Eligible
For replacing your old heating system, the criteria are that the system should be decentralised – not connected to the radiators. Mainly, following heating system can be replaced under the first-time heating grant:
Non-centralized heating
Old heating systems that are not connected with radiators.
Storage Heaters
Traditional storage heater systems.
Direct Electric Heaters or Fan Heaters
Old electric heating systems.
Solid Fuel Systems
Traditional coal or wood-based heating systems.
Solid Fuel Systems
Traditional coal or wood-based heating systems.
Wood/biomass Room Heaters
They generate a huge amount of carbon dioxide.
Oil / LPG room heaters
More costly for annual energy bills.
Gas fired back boilers
Completely out-dated and inefficient heating system
Electric underground or ceiling heater
If it comes without an electric boiler.
Boiler Upgrade vs First-Time Central Heating – What’s the Difference?
Feature | Free Boiler Grant | First-Time Central Heating Grant |
Heating Already Installed? | Yes – you already have radiators and pipework | No – your home has never had a full central heating system |
What You Get | A-rated boiler replacement and smart heating controls | Full system: boiler, radiators, pipework, TRVs, thermostat |
Typical Boiler Age | Installed before 2005 | Usually no boiler or only single-room heaters (e.g., gas fires, electric heaters) |
EPC Requirement | EPC below D | EPC usually E, F, or G |
Gas Connection Needed? | Yes – installed before April 2022 | Yes – installed before April 2022 |
Who Pays For First Time Central Heating Grant & Installation?
The money to pay for the First Time Central Heating & Installation comes from energy suppliers as part of a government scheme to reduce carbon emissions, known as the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO4). An initial survey is carried out by an approved heating installer (for boilers or air source heat pumps), the installer completes the work on the approved property and the installer then invoices the utility companies for the grant amount.
Simple Steps to Apply for Government Grants
Applying for government grants is easier than you think. Follow our step-by-step guide to secure the funding you need for a more energy-efficient home.
- Enter Your Postcode
- Book Your Free Survey
- Your Boiler is Installed
- Enjoy Instant Benefit
How to Apply for a First-Time Central Heating Grant
Check Eligibility
Simply enter your postcode using our eligibility checker to see whether you are eligible.
Submit Your Application
Once eligible, you just need to fill out a short form and attach documents, including proof of benefits and the EPC rating of your home.
Site Survey
We will arrange a free property survey so that we understand your needs and provide you with the perfect central heating system.
Installation
Once approved, our Gas Safe-registered engineers will install your new heating system in just 3-5 days!
Why Choose Grants For First Time Central Heating?
Comfort and Efficiency
Experience consistent warmth throughout your home with an efficient central heating system.
Cost Savings
Reduce your energy bills significantly with modern heating technology.
Eco-Friendly
Contribute to a greener environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
Increased Property Value
Enhance the value of your home with an upgraded heating system.
Peace of Mind
Enjoy the reliability and convenience of a professionally installed central heating system.
Boost Your EPC Score with First-Time Central Heating
Homes without central heating often have very low EPC ratings (E, F, or G) — making them expensive to heat and harder to rent or sell.
With a full heating upgrade under ECO4, including a new boiler, radiators, TRVs, and thermostatic controls, your EPC score can jump by 20-25 points, boosting your EPC rating from G or F to B or C.
A better EPC means:
- Lower energy bills
- Higher property value
- A greener, more efficient home
First-Time Central Heating Grants for Pensioners
Are you a pensioner? We’ve got you covered with the First-Time Central Heating Grant for pensioners! Nearly a third of older people in the UK report feeling cold at home most of the time.
This government-backed scheme is specially designed to help pensioners without central heating or those with outdated systems. From modern boilers to smart thermostats, everything is included at no upfront cost.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Helping team
I don't usually leave reviews, but the exceptional work and commitment of this company compelled me to express my gratitude through this review. They helped my mom replace her old, unstable boiler with a new one that's been working wonders. My mom is happy, and whenever I visit her place, I see that it's a much better environment than before. Thanks a lot.
Johnathan Macdonald, 23 May 2024
Excellent Experience
After I got in touch with Apply for a Government Grant, they quickly sent out a surveyor who was super helpful and able to answer all my questions. The installation was scheduled within the next 2 days, and the engineers worked 8 hours to install my new combi boiler. They were really polite and helpful throughout the process.....
Wendell Cockcroft, 23 May 2024
It was Super quick.
Had a fantastic experience moving in with Applied for a Government Grant. They have an amazing team which assisted me in every way after applying for the grant. It was super quick and I had my boiler Installed within 5 days, I can't imagine. Kudos to their team and the efforts they put in. Thanks again.
Oliver Oberhelm, 16 May 2024
Punctual and on time.
My friend recommended them to me. At first, I only applied based on my friend's words. Later, I found them to be genuine, and they were more than just a company. They helped me in every way and educated me properly. The surveyor was on time and polite. They booked my installation within that week and even provided me with a free boiler....
Drew Faringray, 16 May 2024
Great Gentleman who knows their work.
Thew workmanship was really good! I had a great experience from start to finish. There were no issues, and the work was carried out very well. The house was left clean and tidy. The three guys who did the work worked hard and were super polite.
Semil Helder, 22 May 2024
Tidy Job Done by Grant People.
A group of highly professional and courteous individuals completed the installation work with precision and dedication. They left my dad's home in stainless condition, leaving no clue that any work had even taken place.
Garvin Mallory,2 May 2024
Sticking to their Words.
During the installation process, I had initially been offered a different boiler, but I specifically requested a Valliant Boiler. I wasn't certain until the last minute whether they would provide me with the promised boiler, but they did deliver the exact one I had requested. I would highly recommend their professional service.
Thorbert Bostel, 29 May 2024
Professional people who did the job.
Loved the way they provided me support and the way they installed the Heating System. Can't thank them enough. I am at peace now. Literally peace.
Jody Bray, 23 May 2024
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