Let's face it—warming your home isn't inexpensive anymore. With the cost of gas and electricity on the rise, many are finding it difficult to heat their homes without breaking the bank. That's where boiler grants, such as the Free Boiler Scheme 2025, are helpful. If you have an old, worn-out boiler, you might be losing out on some serious cash.
In this article, we'll take apart exactly how a free boiler grant can reduce your monthly heating bills—and why ditching your old boiler might be one of the brightest things you do this year.
What is a Boiler Grant?
Let's begin with the fundamentals. A boiler grant is a state-sponsored initiative, one within the ECO4 scheme. ECO refers to Energy Company Obligation. It's a strategy that assists low-income families and fuel-poor individuals with obtaining free or greatly reduced home improvements.
One of the most sought-after upgrades? A new, energy-saving boiler—and yes, it can actually be free if you qualify. The grant pays for the boiler as well as the fitting. No hidden expenses. No secret charges. Just a warmer, lower-to-heat home.
Why Your Old Boiler is Costing
You More If your boiler is more than 20 years old, chances are it's wasting energy every single day. Older boilers tend to have low efficiency, which means they use more gas or electricity to give you the same amount of heat. Some older models are as low as 60% efficient. That means 40% of the energy is going to waste.
With bills already through the roof, you don't want your boiler making it worse. Even if it still "works," it's probably wasting more gas than it needs to, particularly in winter.
How New Boilers Save You Money
More recent boilers, particularly the ones fitted under the ECO4 scheme, are A-rated. That is more than 90% efficient. So, practically all of the energy goes into heating your house—not wasted along leaky old pipes or decrepit parts.
Let's do it in some actual figures:
Suppose you pay £100 a month to use gas to warm your house. If your boiler is just 60% efficient, that is 40% going to waste. That's £40 each month doing absolutely nothing except vanishing into thin air.
Now, suppose you replace it with a new A-rated boiler, which is about 92% efficient. That is to say that only 8% of the energy is lost—just £8 per month. So instead of losing £40, you're now only losing £8.
That's a saving of £32 per month.
Times that by 12 months, and you're talking about approximately £384 per year in saved energy alone.
But there's more.
Older boilers tend to require more maintenance, particularly during the winter. You could be spending £100–£150 per annum on call-outs, spares, or emergency repairs. With a new boiler that is under warranty, chances are you won't need to worry about getting it repaired for several years.
Put that alongside your energy savings, and you could end up saving £520 or more each year simply by replacing it.
And the icing on the cake? If you qualify for an ECO4 grant, the new boiler won't cost you a thing.
How Free Boiler Grants Work
If you're curious about how to claim a free boiler, here's how it all happens:
1 See if you're qualified
You have to be in receipt of certain government benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Pension Credit. Homeowners and private landlords are eligible (subject to landlord consent).
2 Apply through a trusted provider
Your selected ECO energy provider will walk you through the process. They'll review your documents, benefits, and property information.
3 Free home survey
An engineer comes to your house to inspect your existing heating system. They'll ensure it's eligible and determine what boiler you require.
4 Free installation
If all's well, the new boiler is fitted by a qualified engineer—absolutely free.
No initial payments. No monthly charges. Just savings.
Other Benefits Beyond the Bills
Saving money is a big win, but that’s not the only benefit of getting a new boiler through a grant.
More comfort: New boilers warm your home quicker and maintain the temperature more consistently.
Better for the planet: They emit fewer emissions, which reduces your carbon footprint.
Less breakdown stress: New systems are less prone to breakdown and have warranties.
Increases property value: A property with an A-rated boiler is more attractive to buyers and tenants.
So although the cheaper bills are wonderful, the long-term comfort and peace of mind count too.
Does the Boiler Type Make a Difference?
Yes, it does. There are a few standard types of boilers:
Combi Boilers: Heat water on demand, no water tank required. Ideal for smaller properties.
System Boilers: Have a hot water cylinder. Suitable for properties with more water usage.
Regular Boilers: Have a tank and a cylinder. Commonly used in older properties.
With the ECO4 scheme, the model you receive depends on what you already have on your property and how efficient your system currently is. The engineers will advise on what they feel would best suit your household needs
Additional Tips to Reduce Your Bills Further
A new boiler helps a lot, but here are a few more ways to keep costs down:
Turn your thermostat down by 1°C: It can cut bills by up to 10%.
Use a smart thermostat: Set the heating to only run when you’re home.
Bleed your radiators: Get rid of trapped air so heat flows better.
Insulate your loft: Keeps the heat in and cuts your heating needs.
These small adjustments, along with your new boiler for free, can make a significant difference each month.
Do I Still Have to Pay Energy Bills?
Yes, a free boiler doesn't equate to free heating. You'll still have to pay for the gas or electricity to power it. But because your new boiler will consume considerably less energy, your monthly bills will be lower.
Imagine it as having a fuel-efficient vehicle. You still fill up with petrol, but it gets you further on less.
What if I Don't Qualify?
If you don't qualify for the benefit, don't lose hope yet. You may still be able to apply under LA Flex, which enables local councils to fund individuals who don't receive benefits but have low income or health problems exacerbated by cold homes.
Some installers also offer flexible payment plans or discounts for private customers. It’s always worth asking.
The Bottom Line
So, do boiler grants help with monthly bills? Absolutely. A free A-rated boiler could cut your heating costs by up to 30% or more. That’s money back in your pocket every month—and a home that’s warm, cosy, and future-ready. You can even use a Free Online EPC Calculator to see how much your property’s efficiency rating could improve after the upgrade.
If your boiler is old and your bills keep climbing, don’t wait. See if you’re eligible for ECO4 support today. It’s one of the easiest ways to lower your bills without spending a penny upfront.