A boiler grant UK is a form of block grant that enables homeowners and families with low incomes to have their old boiler system replaced with a brand new boiler at very low or no cost. The scheme was developed to not only help needy families access the heating and hot water they need, but also to aid the government in increasing energy-efficiency.
By getting new boilers installed into homes, the government helps to reduce households’ carbon footprint as most modern boilers are A-rated for energy-efficiency. According to the Energy Savings Trust, a new boiler could also help the households save money up to £200 can be saved on annual energy bills when using a modern, A-rated boiler.
Boiler grants are funded by the ‘Big Six’ energy suppliers, namely British Gas, EDF Energy, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE. They are non-repayable, so you will not have to make any repayments for your new boiler in the future.
Who is eligible for a new boiler?
Only those that suit the assigned criteria for the Government’s Boiler Grant UK scheme will qualify for a free new boiler. Here are some of the requirements:
- You must be the property’s homeowner
- Your property must be connected to a mains gas supply
- Your current boiler must be over 5 years old
- You will automatically qualify if you receive Pension Credit or Child Tax Credits (households with income below £16,010 per year).
- Unfortunately, Boiler Grant UK funding is not available for council owned or privately rented properties.
How do you apply for a Boiler Grant?
You can apply for a Boiler Grant UK or find out whether you are eligible for funding by contacting the Energy Saving Advice Service (0300 123 1234). You could also contact any of the energy companies listed under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
What Is A Combi Boiler?
A combi boiler heats on demand, rather than heating and storing water constantly. It prioritizes hot water rather than heating. So, if it is struggling to keep up with heating and hot water demand, it will focus its attention on showers.
Heating hot water on demand means there is no need for large cold water storage tanks or hot water cylinders that saves space. Must visit
Combi boiler installation tends to be cheaper than the replacement of the system or regular boilers. And, that is because combis do not use the storage tanks mentioned above.
If you have neither of these tanks in your property, it is likely you already have a combi boiler; so, it is going to be a straight boiler swap. That is good news, from a bank balance perspective.
You can upgrade to a combi boiler, even if you have a system or regular boiler. By doing so, you will be removing the need for storage tanks and cylinders, creating additional space in your property in the process. The removal of tanks and cylinders, as well as control off pipes, is going to add to the installation cost.
What Happens During a Combi Boiler Installation?
Before the Installation
It is a very good idea to get quotes from at least 3 different engineers as prices can vary considerably. Each Gas Safe engineer will visit your home to assess what kind of size of combi boiler is best for your home based on the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and the size of your family. They will also need to see what pipework or additional work will be needed to be able to give you a price quote for the job. This visit also gives them the opportunity to see what tools and equipment they will need for the job so they can turn up with everything they need. Read: https://arkinsulationinstallers.co.uk/free-boiler-installation-scheme/
Installation Day
The engineer will cover up the carpets and surfaces where they will be working so they do not damage or dirty any of your belongings. It is best practice for engineers to carry out a power flush to clear the heating system of rust and debris before connecting the new boiler.
The engineer may finish within a single day if it is a simple combi boiler swap but if you are changing boiler type or relocating your boiler it may take a little longer. Once the boiler is installed the engineer will take you through the controls and answer any questions you may have. For example, you may want them to run through basic maintenance like adjusting the pressure gauge.
Signing Off & Registering Warranty
You will be given a building regulations certificate, gas safe registered engineers are required by law to notify the local authority when they have installed a gas appliance. Often the engineer will also be responsible for registering your boiler with the manufacturer so you get your warranty, but it is always worth checking if this is the case.
