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Old properties usually lack a central heating system because they use traditionally installed heating systems. The outdated heating systems are highly in-efficient and their replacement cost is too high . For this reason, several homeowners like you have not upgraded their heating systems.
Luckily, the UK government offers various schemes to help people like you. These grants can help cover installation costs of new boilers or heat pumps with radiators in addition to smart thermostats & TRVs.
Here, let’s explore how somebody who has no central heating can get grants for home heating systems like boilers, and heat pumps with solar panels. First, we will explore which grants are available if you have no central heating system.
What Grants Are Available for No Central Heating?
If your home lacks central heating, you can most likely get grants from the UK government. One of the main options is the First Time Central Heating Grant under the ECO4 scheme. This grant helps households install a central heating system and covers the cost of boilers, radiators, smart controls and necessary piping including installation.
Other available grants include those for Boiler Replacement Grant and Air Source Heat Pump Grants. Both the ECO4 scheme and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offer various grants to replace old heating systems where no central heating system existed before.
Moreover, the focus of these schemes is on the installation of renewable energy systems such as heat pumps to replace existing inefficient back boilers.
1. Boiler Replacement Grants
In case you are still using old heating systems, which are working inefficiently for over 15 years, a Boiler Replacement Grant may be available for you. However, for availing that grant, the property should have a gas metre installed before April 2022. The ECO4 scheme targets low-income households to assist them in improving their home heating. The Boiler Replacement Scheme accommodates the replacement of old boilers with new energy saving and efficient ones.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) seems to be more concerned with replacing existing traditional Boilers with new green technology ones. In instances, where there is no central heating, one may stand a chance of getting a new installation of a boiler sometimes as a part of the central heating system. This will help to cut down the costs of heating a home as well as being considerate to the environment.
2. Air Source Heat Pump Grants
If however, you want to avoid the conventional central heating system, we suggest you consider applying for an Air Source Heat Pump grant. These grants are available under both ECO4 as well as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). These heat pumps derive the energy to warm your dwellings from the surrounding air, thus promoting energy conservation and being environmentally friendly.
Air source heat pumps are also ideal for homes that do not have central heating because they both heat and cool the premises. However, your home should not have any gas connection to be eligible for air source heating grants. These grants help bring down heating costs as well as the carbon footprint. It’s a perfect solution for those wishing to switch to a cleaner energy system.
3. First Time Central Heating Grants
The First Time Central Heating Grant under ECO4 scheme is designed exclusively for people living in a household without any heating system. This grant pays for the entire cost of installing a heating system in the house for the first time. If a residence is using outdated or ineffective means such as electric fires or gas fireplaces, this grant will be able to fund the entire shift.
To be eligible for FTCH grant, it is necessary to meet some criteria such as receiving certain government benefits or being among the low-income households. Understanding that the concept of ECO4 is to combat fuel poverty and increase energy efficiency in homes, it gives preference to such households which have no adequate heating facilities and have to be the low income earners.
Do You Qualify for a Central Heating Grant?
For any central heating grant to be awarded, you have to meet certain criteria. On top of the list is eligible benefits if you are receiving any of the following:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
- Credit Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
Secondly, you may be eligible only if your house is of poor energy efficiency. This is commonly demonstrated by an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Central heating grants may be available for properties with an EPC rating of below D. Each scheme has its unique elements of operation, hence do check your eligibility first to find out whether you qualify.
How to Apply?
Difficulties when applying for a central heating grant are rare. To begin with, you will need to know – are you eligible? Most people do it via the energy provider or by checking the above mentioned eligibility checker.
After that, it is necessary to complete certain paperwork. This may include , for example, submission of the proof of benefit letter, EPC and proof of ownership or tenantship. When the request for the grant is submitted, a surveyor may visit the grant applicant’s house.
An assessment of the existing heating system in your house is done and recommendations for the most suitable system given. Your new heating upgrade will be ready to install in 3 days if all documents are verified.
Required Documents for Grant Application
To begin with, the first thing that you are required to present is income evidence. This could either be a recent bank statement or a benefit award letter. In case you are on the government benefits, you need to show the evidence of receiving benefits.
Last but not the least, you should be able to present a valid EPC certificate with clearly showing below D rating. If your home has EPC rating D or above, you might not qualify for the first time central heating grant.
Note: If you occupy a rental house, you will not need your landlord’s consent. The landlord is not required to consent to the central heating system being installed.
Benefits of Installing Central Heating Through a Grant
The installation of central heating by means of a grant has a lot of advantages:
- No upfront cost: Grants often cover the full installation, so you don’t need to pay out of your pocket.
- Increased comfort: Central heating keeps your home warm and comfortable, especially during cold weather.
- Energy efficiency: Central heating systems are more efficient than electric heaters, reducing energy waste.
- Lower energy bills: With an efficient system, you can save money on your heating costs over time.
- Environmentally friendly: Modern central heating systems reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a greener home.
- Higher property value: Installing central heating can increase the value of your home, making it more attractive to buyers.
- Reduced fuel poverty: Grants help low-income households afford heating, ensuring everyone can stay warm.
- Long-term savings: Once installed, central heating systems require less maintenance and repairs compared to older methods.
The Role of ECO4 for Helping Central Heating
The ECO4 scheme is essential for warming homes that have no centralised heating. The more significant concern of the scheme is to alleviate fuel poverty among the households and improve the insulation within the building. If there is need for central heating system installation, the cost can be paid by the ECO4 scheme subject to eligibility. That could be a huge advantage, particularly to low-income families.
ECO4 operates by way of energy supplier obligations. These suppliers are responsible for improving the heating systems of qualifying households. When the application is successful that work is done by an approved installer. The scheme seeks to limit the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere while at the same time making it convenient for the people to heat their houses.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Central Heating Grant?
Obtaining a central heating grant may take a few days or even weeks. The expected time frame varies in accordance with the scheme you intend to use and the validity of your documents. If they approve the application, your installer will begin the installation right away.
As for the installation date, once it is scheduled, the time may take a few hours to a whole day. Central heating system installation is no joke, but one gets all the benefits to the possible extremes for this fairly long wait. If you are pursuing ECO4, your installer will help do all the work for you for free.
What to Do If You Don't Qualify for a Grant
In the event that you do not meet the requirements for the heating grant, there are other alternatives. Low rate credits or financing options for the installation of central heating could be considered. Some energy providers allow instalment plans that help in managing the cost.
Another possibility is to find out whether your local council provides assistance. Some councils have additional grants for residents that do not meet the requirements for the above mentioned scheme. There may also be organisations or energy funds in your region that provide assistance.
Conclusion
In case you do not have any central heating installations in your house, it is possible to get a grant in the United Kingdom, which will come in handy to improve the comfort of the house. Grants such as ECO4 and BUS can take care during the installation of the systems, where one is considered to be eligible.
Regardless of status as owners or tenants , you are able to access grants that will improve the living comfort and energy efficiency of your homes. Make sure you have the right papers in place. Ascertain your eco4 eligibility, and apply for a grant right away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, under government schemes, tenants also qualify to apply for the central heating system installation grants. Moreover, they do not require landlords permission.
It consists of installing a free centralised heating system including radiators, boiler or heat pumps, smart thermostat, TRVs, and whole duct system.
