“Central heating” is a phrase you don’t appreciate until you’re left in the cold. At its core, a central heating system distributes warmth throughout your entire home from a single heat source—often a gas boiler linked to radiators in every room, or in some modern cases, a heat pump. The benefit is straightforward: consistent, whole-house comfort without juggling multiple space heaters.
But if you’re reading this, you might have discovered that your current system isn’t cutting it —or perhaps you don’t have central heating at all. If you’re considering an upgrade or first-time installation, you’re likely wondering about the cost. That’s where ECO4 (the Energy Company Obligation) can come in. While the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
focuses on insulation measures and does not offer central heating support, ECO4 can provide help for certain households to install or improve their heating systems. Curious if you qualify? Read on, then scroll down to the bottom of this page to try our Eligibility Checker. In a few minutes, you’ll know whether you could receive a grant for central heating under ECO4 or other relevant programmes.
How to Get a Central Heating Grant Under ECO4
If you’re in the UK, ECO4 is a primary route to potential grants or subsidies for heating improvements. Energy suppliers must help eligible households cut energy usage—often by funding part (or all) of the cost of a new heating system. Here’s how you might get started:
Check Eligibility: Use our Eligibility Checker at the bottom of this page. Answer a few questions about your home’s current energy setup, your household income or benefits, and your property’s energy efficiency rating (if known).
Book a Home Assessment: If you’re eligible under ECO4, a qualified assessor will visit to evaluate your home’s needs. They’ll consider insulation levels, existing heating, and any special requirements (like property age or listed-building status).
Receive Your Grant Offer: You’ll then find out how much funding you can expect. In some cases, ECO4 can cover the entire cost of installing central heating—especially if you’re in a vulnerable or low-income bracket. Others may receive partial subsidies.
Professional Installation: Certified installers (trained to meet official standards like PAS 2035) will carry out the work, whether it’s adding a brand-new system or upgrading an old, inefficient one.
Who Qualifies for ECO4 Central Heating Grants?
ECO4 specifically targets homes that stand to gain the most from energy-efficiency improvements. The exact rules can get complicated, which is why it’s best to use our Eligibility Checker to see if you meet the criteria. Even if you think you won’t qualify, it never hurts to find out.
How Much Money Can You Save with Central Heating?
Upgrading from an outdated system (like old storage heaters or a single gas fire) to modern central heating can deliver significant savings. According to various energy advisory sources, households that move from inefficient heating to a new gas boiler or heat pump with radiators often see:
Annual Bill Reductions: Anywhere from £200 to £600 per year, depending on your home’s size, insulation levels, and the efficiency of your new system.
Lower Maintenance Costs: Modern systems typically break down less, especially when installed by certified professionals, meaning fewer repair bills.
Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes are increasingly sought after, so an improved EPC rating can make your property more attractive if you decide to sell.
If you combine central heating with other improvements—like Loft Insulation, Cavity Wall Insulation, or a Heat Pump—the savings can multiply. A well-insulated home loses less heat, so your new system won’t have to work as hard, further cutting your bills.
Why Isn’t Central Heating Covered Under the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is primarily focused on insulation measures. Its remit is to help households add or upgrade insulation—such as loft, cavity, solid wall, or internal wall insulation —to improve the overall thermal efficiency of the property. While insulation and heating often go hand in hand in a “whole-home” approach, GBIS does not offer funding for central heating systems.
That’s why ECO4 remains the go-to for many households seeking help with new or improved heating. By combining ECO4’s support for heating with the insulation measures available through GBIS—or other schemes—you could craft a comprehensive plan that tackles both heat generation and heat retention. But it’s crucial to note that central heating itself falls squarely under ECO4 (and potentially other schemes), not under GBIS.
What Are the Risks of a Poorly Planned Central Heating Upgrade?
You might be tempted to skip the grant process and hire the cheapest installer you can find. However, this route is fraught with pitfalls:
Shoddy Workmanship: Inexperienced or unaccredited installers might use substandard materials or rush the job, leaving you with cold spots, leaks, or even safety hazards.
Long Disruption: Without proper planning, your home could be in chaos for weeks, with floors ripped up or radiators incorrectly positioned.
No Compliance: If the installation doesn’t meet ECO4 guidelines, you could lose out on funding altogether—and face the entire bill alone.
Mould and Damp: Incorrectly fitted pipework can lead to hidden leaks, causing damp patches and mould that jeopardise both your home and your health.
By contrast, going through Energy Grant Service ensures you’re matched with certified installers who follow the rules and do the job right the first time.
How Does Central Heating Fit Into a Whole-Home Retrofit?
Even though the Great British Insulation Scheme doesn’t cover central heating, a “whole-home” retrofit remains the gold standard. ECO4 encourages tackling multiple improvements together for maximum impact. This might mean:
Upgrading Your Boiler or Installing a Heat Pump: If you already have central heating but it’s outdated, a more efficient system can drastically cut energy usage.
Adding Insulation: Even though GBIS won’t fund your central heating, you could still benefit from its insulation measures to keep your newly generated heat inside.
Optimising Heating Controls: Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), smart thermostats, and zoned heating can help you heat different parts of your home to different temperatures, boosting comfort and reducing waste.
Considering Renewables: Solar Panels might not heat your home directly, but they can offset electricity costs, especially if you opt for an electric-based system like a heat pump.
By combining these improvements, you can significantly raise your EPC rating, often jumping from a D or E band to a C or higher. That spells bigger savings, a smaller carbon footprint, and a more comfortable living space.
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