The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme covers full central heating upgrades for eligible UK households. That means a new boiler, radiators, pipework, and smart controls. All funded. No cash from your pocket if you qualify.

But here's the catch: not everyone gets in. Your heating system, income, and property all need to tick specific boxes. Miss one? You're out.

What Central Heating Grants Actually Cover

Think of this as free money from energy companies. Except it's not charity—it's an obligation.

ECO4 runs until March 2026. Energy suppliers must help low-income households upgrade inefficient heating. They do this by funding your installation through approved installers. You never see a bill if you fully qualify.

What's Included?

  • Full system installation (boiler, radiators, pipes)

  • Smart thermostats

  • Professional fitting with warranties

  • Sometimes insulation upgrades

Grant value: £3,500 to £10,000, depending on your property.

The installer submits the paperwork. You get a warm home.

Which Old Heaters Qualify for Replacement?

Not every heating system qualifies. The scheme targets homes with inefficient or non-existent heating. If you've got modern gas central heating already, forget it.

Systems that qualify:

Heating Type

Eligible?

Electric storage heaters

✓ Yes

Gas fires (mains or LPG)

✓ Yes

Back boilers

✓ Yes

Solid fuel fireplaces

✓ Yes

Warm air systems

✓ Yes

No heating at all

✓ Yes

Working gas central heating

✗ No

Got a gas boiler that's 20+ years old and dying? You might qualify for a replacement grant instead. But first-time central heating grant are for homes without proper systems.

Who Actually Qualifies?

Here's where most people get confused. Three routes in. You only need one.

Benefits Route (Easiest)

Claim any of these? You're eligible. No income checks needed.

  • Universal Credit

  • Pension Credit

  • Tax Credits (Child or Working)

  • Housing Benefit

  • Income Support

  • ESA or JSA (income-related)

Claimed within the last 18 months? Still counts.

Income Route (No Benefits Required)

Don't claim benefits but earn below these thresholds? You're in.

Income limits:

  • England/Wales: £31,000/year

  • Northern Ireland: £23,000/year

Your property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. Most homes without central heating automatically meet this.

Local Authority Route (Slowest)

Some councils run flexible schemes for edge cases. Takes longer. Worth trying if the other routes fail.

Property Requirements That Matter

Your home itself needs to qualify. Five things matter here.

Must have:

  1. No central heating OR a broken system beyond repair

  2. Gas connection available (or heat pump suitability)

  3. EPC rating D–G

  4. You own it or rent privately (with landlord approval)

  5. Space for radiators and pipes

Council tenants usually don't qualify. Holiday homes? Definitely not.

The Application Process (Week by Week)

Most guides overcomplicate this. It's simpler than you think.

  • Week 1: Fill out a 5-minute form with an ECO4 installer. They check eligibility within 1-3 days.

  • Week 2-3: Free home survey. An engineer visits, measures everything, and assesses your heating needs. No obligation. No cost.

  • Week 4: The installer submits your grant application. Approval takes 3-7 days for straightforward cases.

  • Week 5-6: Installation day. Modern systems go in within 1-3 days. Then you get warranties (usually 5-10 years).

  • Total timeline: 3-8 weeks from start to finish, depending on demand.

What You Pay

Nothing. If you fully qualify.

  • ✓ Boiler

  • ✓ All radiators

  • ✓ Pipework and labor

  • ✓ Thermostats

  • ✓ Professional installation

  • ✓ Warranties

Some edge cases need small co-payments. But that's rare and minor compared to £3,500–£10,000 total costs.

Important Limitations (Read This Carefully)

Every scheme has fine print. Here's what trips people up.

Deadline pressure: ECO4 ends March 2026. What comes after? Unknown. Apply sooner.

Social housing block: Council and housing association tenants usually can't access this. Some exceptions exist for F/G-rated properties.

Gas network required: Standard grants need a gas connection. Off-grid properties face extra costs or need alternative tech like heat pumps.

Quality varies: All installers are ECO4-approved, but customer service differs wildly. Check reviews first.

Processing delays: High demand = longer waits. Peak seasons stretch timelines.

Alternative Options If You Don't Qualify

Didn't cut? Other schemes exist. Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): Already have a fossil fuel boiler? Get £7,500 for heat pumps or £5,000 for biomass. Not income-based.

Warm Homes Grant 2025: Run by local councils. Eligibility varies by region. Check with your authority.

Partial funding: Some installers offer payment plans if you don't fully qualify.

How to Apply Right Now

Stop overthinking it. Three steps.

  1. Find an approved ECO4 installer in your area

  2. Complete their free eligibility check online

  3. Request a free survey

No cost for any of this. The installer handles paperwork. You provide benefit statements or income proof.

Conclusion

Over 500,000 UK households qualify for these grants. Most never apply because they don't know the scheme exists.

Can you upgrade old heaters with a central heating grant? Absolutely. If you're on qualifying benefits or earn under £31,000, and you're still using electric storage heaters or gas fires, you're leaving thousands on the table.

The process takes 3-8 weeks. The installation costs you nothing. And your energy bills drop immediately. You've got until March 2026. What happens after that? Nobody knows. Apply now or keep overpaying for outdated heating; that’s your choice.