There are additional criteria for each of the above; the most important of which is that the total household income amongst all working-age residents must not exceed the requirement maximum amount. This will vary according to the type of benefits being received and the number of adults and children living within the property. This figure was decided by the government as being low enough to qualify for funding assistance.

Secondly, the property must of a size to generate sufficient savings from installing such measures. Unfortunately, the resulting carbon savings generated from upgrading a boiler within a flat are not deemed significant enough to justify the funding required to cover such work.

Lastly, there must be an existing low-efficiency boiler within the property. All boilers are rated by their energy efficiency. Most modern units will work at around 90% efficiency (only losing 10% output when converting fuel to heat). A boiler installed around 10 years ago will most likely be around 65-80% efficient. So, by upgrading this old boiler to a new one, the carbon savings will be significant enough to warrant the cost and therefore will qualify under the free boiler scheme.

Funding for the free boiler scheme has been reduced in recent years, as part of an agreement that utility companies reduce their customer’s fuel bills. This has made it harder to find installers with funding available, particularly as most of the big 6 utility companies have already met their targets. We expect this trend to continue, however, it is still possible to receive a free boiler grant and we can help you find approved installers in your area to arrange a survey.

If you do not qualify for a grant you can compare quotes for a new boiler in order to get the best possible price.