Get fully-funded central heating grants through ECO4 scheme
Transform your home with First Time Central Heating Grants through the government-backed ECO4 scheme. If your property has never had central heating before, you could qualify for a fully funded installation including A-rated boiler, radiators, thermostatic controls, and complete pipework at zero cost.
Our accredited installers serve properties across the UK, from rural Wales to remote areas in Scotland, helping households switch from inefficient electric heaters, storage systems, or solid fuel fires to modern, energy-efficient heating solutions.
- Cut heating bills by hundreds of pounds annually with energy-efficient systems
- Receive fully funded installation including warranties and professional service
Unlock Your FREE Government Grant – Check Eligibility in 30 Seconds
First Time Home Heating Grant Schemes in Britain
First time central heating grants are fully funded programs that specifically target properties that have never had any form of central heating installed previously, offering homeowners, landlords, and private tenants the opportunity to upgrade from inefficient electric heaters or room fires.
The grants typically include a brand-new A-rated boiler, radiators, thermostatic controls, and all necessary pipework at zero cost to qualifying applicants.
To be eligible, your home must meet specific criteria including having an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G, plus income-based requirements or certain government benefits
First Time Central Heating Funding: Grant Types and Eligibility 2025
When exploring heating grants through the ECO4 scheme, households can access several distinct funding pathways depending on their property’s unique circumstances. Gas central heating remains the most common installation where mains connection exists, typically including a boiler, radiators, and thermostatic controls for optimal efficiency.
However, properties without existing gas supply or those lacking a meter prior can still qualify for alternative solutions like heat pump systems or high retention storage heaters. Electric systems represent another viable option, particularly fan storage variants that offer energy-efficient performance in homes where traditional fossil fuel methods aren’t feasible.
The government ensures full funding covers everything from initial assessment through installation and warranties, with certified engineers handling the complete process. Whether you’re a homeowner, private tenant, or housing association resident, these grants eliminate upfront costs while delivering modern, reliable warmth that significantly reduces monthly bills and improves your home’s EPC rating.
Eligibility Requirements - How do I qualify?
Qualifying for first time central heating grants requires meeting specific criteria that many UK households don’t realize they meet. If your property has never had any heating system previously installed – meaning no boiler, radiators, or full system – you’re already halfway there. The government benefits route is straightforward: receive Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or other qualifying benefits and you’re eligible.
However, what surprises most people is the ECO Flex pathway – household income under £31,000 per year opens doors even without benefits. Your local council’s funding availability matters too, as does your home’s energy efficiency rating – properties with EPC ratings of E, F, or G get priority.
When you receive one of these benefits, your application process is straightforward:
- Child Benefit (conditions apply)
- Child Tax Credit
- Employment & Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Income support
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Warm Homes Discount
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
Health conditions made worse by living in cold environments create another qualification route, while vulnerable people in the home can trigger additional support. The assessment process involves checking whether you’re a homeowner, private tenant, or social housing resident – all can apply, though landlord permission is required for tenants. What catches many off-guard is the 31 March 2022 deadline for mains gas connection evidence – without this, you’ll need heat pumps instead of traditional gas central heating.
Eligible households receive A-rated boiler installation completely free
ECO Flex Scheme
Should you satisfy absolutely none of the requirements outlined thus far, optimism remains viable. You might be eligible for a grant via ECO4 Flex. This household referral initiative functions through which your Local Authority (LA) or Devolved Administration (DA) can present a case on your behalf should they consider you vulnerable. To learn more about this option, visit the official website or contact your provider for detailed information.
What's Included in the Grant?
The grant package covers a complete heating system installation, including gas boiler, radiators, and all necessary fitting work. You’ll receive fully-funded upgrades with comprehensive warranties and ongoing service support from accredited installers. Alternative options like heat pumps or electric storage heaters are available for properties without mains gas connection. The Energy Company Obligation scheme ensures everything from initial assessment to final installation comes at no cost to qualifying households.
Benefits of First Time Central Heating
Installing central heating for the first time brings tremendous practical and financial benefits to your home. A modern system provides reliable warmth throughout the entire house, helping eliminate cold spots and reduce damp and mould issues that plague poorly heated homes.
With grants available, households can access this major improvement without upfront cost, making your property more comfortable and energy efficient. Central heating systems are far more economical than individual electric heaters or solid fuel fires, and by switching to an A-rated boiler with thermostatic controls, you can better manage energy use and significantly lower your bills.
Application Process - What to expect when you apply for a central heating grant
The application process begins when you contact an approved installer who will assess your property’s eligibility and arrange all necessary paperwork on your behalf. Your installer will check your household income, benefit status, and property’s EPC rating to confirm you meet the criteria before scheduling a convenient time for installation.
Most households can expect the entire process from application to completion to take just a few weeks, with installation typically completed within days once approved. The government funding covers all costs including radiators, boiler, thermostatic controls, and warranties, ensuring you receive a complete central heating system without any upfront payments.
Access Government-Funded Heating Solutions
Getting government funding for your home’s first heating system requires understanding which criteria you meet and what types of grants are available. The Energy Company Obligation scheme provides fully-funded installations for eligible households, whether you’re a homeowner, private tenant, or housing association resident.
Your property must have never had central heating before and typically needs an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G to qualify. Most successful applications come from households receiving Universal Credit, Child Tax credits, or those with income below £31,000 annually
Homeowners and tenants qualify for government-backed heating grants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
First Time Central Heating Grant Qualification Criteria and Requirements
Households can qualify through multiple routes – whether you’re claiming benefits like JSA or ESA, have health conditions that are severely impacted by cold living conditions, or earn less than £31,000 annually through ECO Flex. Private tenants, homeowners, and housing association residents are all eligible, providing your property has never had any central heating system installed previously.
What types of heating systems are covered?
First time central heating grants typically cover mains gas boiler installations with radiators throughout your home, creating a complete system for properties that have never had any heating previously. If your property lacks a gas connection or meter prior to March 2022, you can still qualify for heat pump installations or storage heaters as alternative options.
The funding also includes insulation upgrades and sometimes solar installations, ensuring your home becomes both warm and energy efficient without upfront costs.
Advantages of First-Time Central Heating Installation
Installing central heating for the first time transforms your property into a warmer, more comfortable home while delivering substantial energy savings on your bills. A properly installed system with radiators and a modern boiler can cut your heating costs by hundreds of pounds every year, especially when switching from expensive electric or solid fuel methods.
Beyond the financial benefits, central heating creates a healthier environment throughout your home, reducing cold spots and improving your property value significantly. The installation process, typically taking just a few days, provides long-term comfort and eliminates your reliance on costly alternative heating sources.
Can private landlords apply for grants?
Private landlords can indeed apply for first time central heating grants, but there’s an important catch that many property owners overlook. The application must demonstrate that their tenant meets the eligibility criteria – typically being on government benefits like Universal Credit or having a household income below £31,000.
What makes this particularly interesting is that landlords don’t need to contribute financially, as these grants are fully-funded through the ECO4 scheme. The property must have an EPC rating of E, F, or G, and crucially, the home must have never had central heating before
How long does installation take?
Installation time varies significantly depending on your property size and existing setup. Most homes require between 2-5 days for complete central heating system installation, though larger properties may need up to a full week. The installer will assess your current situation during the initial survey and provide accurate timescales. Radiators are typically fitted on day two, with boiler installation and testing completing the process.
Transform inefficient heating systems with fully-funded energy upgrades
How much money can I save?
Installing central heating for the first time can save you hundreds of pounds annually compared to using electric heaters or solid fuel fires. With fully funded grants covering costs up to £5,500, households can switch to A-rated boiler systems with thermostatic controls to significantly lower bills.
These energy efficient improvements also increase your home’s EPC rating and property value while reducing your carbon footprint
Do I need to be on benefits to qualify?
Benefits aren’t always required – many households with income under £31,000 per year can qualify without claiming any government support. Vulnerable people facing health-related conditions that worsen in cold homes may also be eligible, regardless of their benefit status.
The scheme recognizes that financial hardship exists beyond traditional benefit categories, so don’t assume you’re automatically excluded if you’re not currently claiming support.
What if my home previously had central heating?
If your property previously had central heating but it was removed or stopped working years ago, you might still qualify for first time grants. The eligibility depends on whether you currently have a working system in place – even if radiators are still visible on walls, non-functioning equipment means you’re essentially without heating. Grants available through the ECO4 scheme can help restore warmth to your home, and your local council will assess whether your situation meets the criteria for funding.
Central Heating Funding: Government Grant Schemes
Yes, Private tenants and homeowners can both apply for these grants, provided their property meets the energy efficiency requirements with an EPC rating of E, F, or G. The funding covers everything from radiators to boilers, ensuring you get a complete heating solution without paying anything upfront.
First-Time Central Heating Grant: Radiators and Components Included
Yes, The installer will assess your home and determine how many radiators you need in each room to create reliable warmth throughout your entire property. Most grants cover the full setup including boiler, radiators, and all necessary pipework to ensure your heating works effectively from day one.
Do I need to be a homeowner to qualify for a first time central heating grant?
Tenants living in rented properties can apply for these grants, but your landlord must give permission and the property needs an Energy Performance Certificate rating of E, F, or G. Housing association tenants are also eligible under the same EPC requirements, making heating improvements accessible regardless of whether you own your home.
Central Heating Grants for Private Tenants: Eligibility Requirements
Yes, private tenants are eligible for first time central heating grants providing your property meets certain criteria. This brings an excellent opportunity to improve living standards while helping landlords meet future energy efficiency requirements. You don’t need to be a homeowner – both private and social housing tenants can access these grants.
Central Heating Grants for Housing Association Tenants: Eligibility Guide
Housing association tenants can apply for grants, but permission is always required from the property owner before completing any application. The grants are only available at properties with specific eligibility criteria, and if you are approved, the provider will arrange all necessary paperwork and take care of the installation process. This ensures a smooth experience for tenants while maintaining proper authorization protocols.
What if I don't have an EPC?
Housing Association properties might only be available for grants when they have Performance Certificate ratings of E, F, or G. If you don’t know your rating, you can look it up on the Register for England and Wales, or the Scottish Register for Scotland.
Without this documentation, your application process becomes more complex, though alternatives may still exist through your local authority’s assessment procedures.
How Much Are First-Time Central Heating Grants Worth?
Grant amounts vary depending on your project complexity and household circumstances. Universal Credit recipients typically qualify for the maximum funding available, while those with income under £31,000 per year can still receive substantial support. Eligibility assessment will confirm the exact amount you can claim based on your specific situation.
If I don't claim benefits could I be eligible for a grant for first time central heating?
Not receiving benefits doesn’t automatically disqualify you from grant eligibility – many residents still qualify through health-based routes or means testing. Local authorities have wide ranging criteria that allows households to access heating grants even without traditional benefit claims. The scheme operates under flexible rules where your financial circumstances, property conditions, or medical needs can determine qualification regardless of benefit status.
If mains gas central heating isn't possible in my area can I still get a grant for first time central heating?
Even if your property doesn’t have a mains gas supply or connection, you can still get heating grants through alternative options. Many areas aren’t connected to the gas network, but schemes provide funding for heat pumps, storage heaters, or high retention electric systems.
These energy-efficiency measures often come with insulation upgrades and sometimes solar PV installation to create a comprehensive heating solution. You’ll find various ways to qualify depending on your circumstances and location.
No Gas Supply? Alternative Central Heating Solutions
If you don’t have a mains gas connection or meter at your property, there are alternative heating options available. You can get storage heaters or heat pump systems installed through the grant scheme. These electric heating solutions work well for homes that can’t access gas supply and provide effective warmth throughout your home.
Qualified installers provide complete heating systems at no cost
What if I have a gas supply but I don't have a gas meter at my property?
Having gas supply lines connected to your property without an actual meter creates a unique situation where you’re technically part of the network but can’t access the fuel. This scenario typically occurs when previous residents had their meter removed due to debt or safety concerns, leaving the connection intact but non-functional.
You’ll need to contact your local gas supplier to arrange meter installation, which usually involves a safety survey and paperwork verification. The process can take several weeks, but once completed, you’ll be able to access mains gas for heating and other household needs.
What if I have an electric heating system and can't access mains gas?
If mains isn’t possible in your area, you can look at alternative options like heat pump systems or high retention storage heater solutions. These modern systems often come with excellent insulation and sometimes solar PV integration, making them far more economical than traditional electric heating.
Plus, there’s loads of government support available – usually which means they’ll save heaps on your energy bills throughout the year.
How do I know if my property has a gas supply or gas meter?
Checking your property for a gas supply involves looking around the exterior walls and checking if there’s a visible meter installed. Most homes with gas connections will have the meter positioned near the main entrance or along an outside wall where it’s easily accessible for readings.
If you don’t see a meter but suspect there might be a connection, look for capped gas pipes or old connection points that might indicate a previous supply was available. You can also contact your local gas network operator who can confirm whether your property has an existing supply line running to it, even if no meter is currently fitted.
What evidence can I produce to show my property had a gas meter and gas connection
To show evidence that your property had a gas meter and connection, you can start by checking the Find My Supplier website at findmysupplier.energy. This official platform will help you determine whether your home has an existing gas supply or don’t currently know your supplier details. You can also look up historical records from your local gas company showing previous connections prior to 31 March 2022.
Many homeowners didn’t realize they could use old utility bills, installation certificates from heating engineers, or evidence of previous appliance connections as proof of having gas infrastructure at their property.
Apply for Free Central Heating Grants: First-Time Applicant Guide
Applying for your free first time central heating grant starts with a simple online form that takes minutes to complete. Check your eligibility by confirming you meet income thresholds or receive qualifying state benefits like Child Tax Credit or pension credit.
Once you submit your application, qualified providers will book an assessment to determine the most suitable system for your home. The entire process focuses on helping those who live in properties without existing heating to enjoy improved comfort.
Applying for your free insulation and heating grant is as easy as 1, 2, 3…
1. Apply
Finish the online application form and we will reach out to assess your eligibility for complimentary insulation, heating improvements or solar panels via either ECO4 or ECO4 Flex programs
2. Survey
After confirming that you meet the criteria, we will coordinate with one of our Retrofit Assessors to complete a complimentary, commitment-free survey which will indicate your potential energy conservation
3. Install
We’ll arrange for the installation of your no-cost home upgrades through one of our thoroughly trained and accredited specialists who will dispose of any debris and restore order after any installation-related disruption