Electric boiler grants and schemes
Do you qualify for a free boiler scheme? Find the best electric boiler grant in the UK to reduce or even cover your upfront costs.
Your guide to new electric boiler grants
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, could an electric boiler be right for you? As the UK transitions from fossil fuels, electric heating will likely become the norm. With zero emissions and near 100% efficiency, an electric boiler is a good choice for quiet and dependable heating. And with an electric boiler grant, you can cut your upfront costs.
Electricity is currently more expensive per unit than gas. But with prices expected to tumble as sustainable energy comes on stream, could now be the time to make the switch?
Why consider an electric boiler? Although not as energy efficient as air-source heat pumps, electric boilers have plenty of benefits to recommend them. They're ideal for homes that don't have space for oil storage or aren't on the gas network. Electric boilers don't depend on a flue, so installation is straightforward and cheap. And with no moving parts to go wrong, maintenance costs are minimal. An electric boiler is a great fit if you live in a flat or small house with minimal heating and hot water needs.
Fortunately, if you’re looking for an electric boiler grant, many are available if you want to switch to energy-efficient electric heating. Shop around, and you may find financing deals to help you spread your costs. You can also explore private grants and local initiatives to make your boiler upgrade cost-effective. Start with the government boiler grant, or look for a free boiler scheme in your area. If you're savvy, you'll find plenty of options across the UK.
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We aim to find the best deals for your budget right on your doorstep. You're just a few clicks away from getting the best value for money on a new boiler, boiler installation and green energy.
Ready to start exploring your options for electric boilers? Let SpotDif take the hard work out of finding the ideal energy solution.
Who qualifies for a boiler grant?
If you meet the criteria, you could be eligible for a free electric boiler grant. Homeowners and private tenants can apply online or contact an approved installer. To qualify, you must:
Receive benefits, including Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit or Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
Have a low income.
Your home has a faulty or broken boiler.
Your current boiler is five years old.
Your home has an EPC rating of D or below.
Remember, the energy market moves fast, and grants and financing are constantly evolving. New opportunities emerge all the time. Read on for the key schemes currently operating to help homeowners, landlords and businesses across the UK.
Grants for new electric boilers
Navigating the various boiler grants can seem challenging. But if you’re receiving certain benefits and your home has a poor energy-efficiency rating, you could qualify for the ECO4 scheme. It’s a straightforward and hassle-free way to cover some or all of the cost of low-carbon home improvements.
ECO4 grant
The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) grant funds energy-efficient home improvements. Homeowners can get financial support for insulation, draughtproofing and other carbon-reduction measures. The scheme is overseen by OFGEM and funded by energy suppliers.
The free boiler scheme is open to homeowners and private tenants who live in energy-poor homes rated D or below. You must also receive certain benefits and have a boiler that is at least five years old. Pensioners, single parents and families living in fuel poverty could all qualify for a new boiler grant. Note that you’ll only get a free boiler grant if you meet these criteria.
If you’re not eligible for an ECO4 grant, you could get your boiler installed with 0% VAT. If you’re a homeowner or tenant and your boiler is over two years old, you could make significant savings on installation costs.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and is it worth replacing my electric boiler?
Electric boilers are highly efficient. Still, they can’t match the super-efficiency of air-source heat pumps, which generate 3kW of heat for every 1kW of energy. Are you considering upgrading to the next generation of energy-efficient boilers? The government boiler grant, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, could be worth investigating.
You can check your eligibility online in a few seconds. And you could be in line to claim up to £7,500 towards the cost of an air-source heat pump. The boiler grant is only for replacing a fossil fuel system like gas, oil, or electricity. Additionally, you'll need to comply with all recommendations on your EPC before you apply.
The application is simple - we can help you find your nearest MSC-certified installer and confirm your eligibility. You'll receive a quote that you'll need to agree on before installation begins.
Previous boiler grants and schemes
As energy evolves towards a net zero future, the funding environment for electric boiler grant schemes remains dynamic. The government has ambitious plans to install 600,000 air-source heat pumps a year by 2028, and funding schemes are adapting to the new landscape.
It can be helpful to know what funding schemes have previously been available. It gives you an idea of what schemes have been available in the past and the direction of travel for the future.
Boiler Replacement Scheme (Northern Ireland)
Northern Ireland’s Boiler Replacement Scheme was available to all tenants and homeowners with an inefficient boiler. To qualify, the boiler needed to be at least 15 years old. Eligible households received a grant to cover installation costs.
The Affordable Warmth Scheme has replaced the Boiler Replacement Scheme. Your property will undergo an energy-efficiency assessment, and recommendations for work will be made. You could be eligible for a grant of up to £10,000.
Should I get a new boiler?
Is your boiler noisy or letting off an unusual odour? Does it break down frequently? Are your energy bills increasing? It could be time for a new boiler. Over time, your heating system becomes less efficient, which costs you money in higher bills and increases your environmental impact.
In 2018, the government introduced its new ‘Boiler Plus’ standards. All new boilers are required to be at least 92% efficient and fitted with a timer and temperature controls. Gas boilers are set to be phased out by 2025 as part of the government’s Future Homes Standard. If your boiler falls short of these targets, it could be time for an upgrade.
A new electric boiler has standout efficiency of up to 99%, with zero risks of harmful gas leaks. Additionally, it’s a sustainable option depending on how your electricity is generated; we also can help you get the best deal on new solar panels if you want to generate green electricity.
Getting a new boiler: where to start
Do you qualify for an electric boiler grant or a new boiler scheme? Once you've been accepted, choosing your energy-efficient heating solution can be daunting.
Here’s where to start when selecting a new boiler:
Consider the size of your home and your energy usage
This information is critical when it comes to choosing a new boiler. There's no point in installing a boiler that can't handle your energy needs. For example, an electric boiler is a savvy choice if you live in a small flat with low heating and hot water requirements. Consider an air-source heat pump if you live in a larger, well-insulated home.
Size your boiler correctly
Your electric boiler will need to suit your electricity supply. If your home has a single-phase supply, you might need to upgrade to a three-phase system to cope with the extra demand. You’ll also need to consider the output rating of the boiler - too low, and it won’t be powerful enough to heat your home. Too high, and your electricity bills will be through the roof.
As a rule of thumb, you'll need 1.5kW for each radiator. For example, your boiler should output 9kW to power six radiators.
Choose a location
Electric boilers don't have a flue or condensate pipe like gas boilers. As a result, installation is quick and straightforward, and you can be a lot more flexible in your choice of location. An electric boiler is also smaller and quieter in operation than a gas boiler. Furthermore, it can be paired with solar PV panels to reduce running costs.
Check the warranty
Electric boiler warranties generally last 2-3 years. But with no moving parts and little to go wrong, an electric boiler is generally far more dependable than a gas boiler.
Find a green energy supplier
If you're switching to electric to reduce your carbon footprint, your new heating system will need to be powered by clean electricity. Opt for a supplier who generates all their energy from renewable sources, and compare quotes at SpotDif.
Search and compare new electric boilers with SpotDif
If you're looking for a new boiler, plenty of grants and financing options are available. Even if you don't qualify for a free boiler scheme, a government boiler grant could make it affordable and accessible to switch to environmentally friendly energy. And SpotDif has just what you need to start your journey to greener heating.
With just a few clicks, you can have quotes for new boilers and installers in your area. We also make it easy to compare green energy tariffs. As a result, you can reduce your carbon footprint while staying cosy and comfortable this winter.
Last updated on 23 May 2024