First Time Central Heating

What Are First Time Central Heating Grants?

First time central heating grants (FTCH) are available as part of the ECO4 Scheme where the main focus is to reduce Fuel Poverty.

Moving properties from electric or other off gas heating sources will reduce carbon emissions and help towards the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emission in the UK. It will also make homes more efficient and comfortable places to live.

How do I qualify?

If you have no heating system or a system that doesn’t involve a boiler and radiators then you will be eligible for the grant. Please see below the full list of heating types which enable you to qualify:

• Electric room heaters, including direct acting room heaters, fan heaters or inefficient electric storage heaters.
• Gas room heaters; including fixed mains gas room heaters.
• Gas fire with back boiler.
• Solid fossil fuel fire with back boiler.
• Electric underfloor or ceiling heating (not part of an electric boiler).
• Bottled LPG room heating.
• Solid fossil fuel room heaters.
• Wood/biomass room heating.
• Oil room heaters
• No heating in place.

In order to be approved for the grant, somebody living at the property must also be in receipt of one or more of the qualifying benefits listed here.(see funding page)

Being eligible for first time central heating is not dependent on the type of house you live in. The amount of bedrooms you have or the amount of people living at the property also has no bearing on your eligibility. The only house related requirements are that you either privately rent or privately own your own home and that your home is well insulated. If your home is not well insulated ‘Don’t worry! We can arrange for this to be installed under the ECO 4 funding prior to the install of your new heating system.’

A gas connection and a gas meter are also necessary requirements before any central heating can be installed. If this is not currently present in your home, please let us know and we may be able to help you organise a gas connection to your house and a meter at no extra cost in most cases.

So if you have no central heating in the house you live in, you own the property or privately rent it and you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit, take advantage of the government’s ECO4 scheme and apply for a first time central heating grant today.

What Are The Benefits of First Time Central Heating?

If you currently do not have any central heating and are unsure whether you should take advantage of the first time central heating grant, the answer is simple. The funding would lower your heating bills for you and your family whilst providing you with a warmer more comfortable living environment at no cost to you!

FAQ’s

Would I qualify for the first time central heating scheme?

You won’t be eligible for a central heating system if your home has previously had central heating. You might, however, still qualify for a boiler grant which could help you keep on top of gas and electricity bills. If that’s the case we’ll show you how to apply too!

Do I get radiators with the first time central heating grant?

Yes. Radiators are included in a first time central heating grant and you’ll also get fitting, installation and warranties included in the service. The funding is provided by a government scheme called the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

Do I need to be a homeowner to qualify for first time central heating grant?

You need to be the homeowner or a private tenant or social housing tenant, living in a home that meets the criteria.

Are private tenants eligible for first time central heating grants?

Yes. If you are a tenant living in a rented property you can apply for a grant. Grants are only available at properties with an EPC rating of A,B,C,D,E, F, G and landlord permission is always required when completing the grant application process (the installer can help!)

Are housing association tenants eligible for first time central heating grants?

Yes. If you live in a Housing Association you might be eligible for a grant for first time central heating. However, grants are only available on properties with Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F or G. If you don’t know the EPC rating for your property you can look it up at https://find-energy-certificate.digital.communities.gov.uk/

How much could I get for a first time central heating grant?

The cost of installing central heating for the first time can vary and will depend on the type and size of the property you live in. It could cost anything between £2,300 to £5,500 to have it installed in your home. You’ll find out what you are entitled to when your home meets the criteria.

What is a first time central heating grant for?

The grant will be spent on things like fitting, installation and parts such as the boiler, pipes and radiators. The funding is paid directly to the installer by the energy company and comes with a range of warranties and industry standards that dictate how the central heating is installed. For example, the number of radiators, the type of piping used, the presence of thermostatic radiator valves.

Do I qualify for a grant for first time central heating?

You might be eligible if you’re on a low income or are getting certain benefits. Benefits that automatically qualify you for the grant include:

Armed Forces Independence Payment

Attendance Allowance

Carer’s Allowance

Child Tax Credit

Constant Attendance Allowance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and support allowance (income-related)

Income Support

Jobseeker’s allowance (Income-based)

Industrial injuries disablement benefit

Mobility supplement

Pension Credit (guarantee)

Personal independence payment

Severe disablement allowance 

Universal credit 

War Pension Mobility Supplement

Working tax credit

If you receive one of these benefits , you are eligible for the grant. Additionally Child Benefit is an eligible benefit but if Child Benefit is the only benefit you receive you also need to be under the maximum income cap. see our funding page

If I don’t claim benefits could I be eligible for a grant for first time central heating?

Yes! You might be able to get a central heating grant even if you don’t claim benefits. As a general rule if your household income is less than £25,000 per annum and your property has an EPC Rating E, F or G it is likely that you will qualify for a grant.

If mains gas central heating isn’t possible in my area can I still get a grant for first time central heating?

Yes! Connecting to mains gas is not a requirement. The grant can be used towards the cost of an alternative heating technology, such as calor gas central heating. Plus there’s loads of funding for insulation in off gas properties and they are usually fully-funded which means they’ll be nothing for you to pay. Just free upgrades that will save you heaps on your energy bills.

What if I don’t have a gas supply or gas meter at my property?

No problem! You can still get the grant. It might take a little longer than it would if you had a gas supply and meter installed at your property. But, we can help you apply for a fully-funded gas line for your property from one of our funding partners. We are reliant on the gas transporter to install the gas line which can take some time but the sooner you apply the sooner your gas line will be installed.

What if I have a gas supply but I don’t have a gas meter at my property?

You can apply for a gas meter from your chosen energy supplier. Usually it will be free if it is a new connection although some energy companies do charge for meters. We can help with the installation of a gas meter for your property.

How do I know if my property has a gas supply or gas meter?

If you don’t know whether your property has a gas supply or gas meter you can look it up on the Find My Supplier website at https://findmysupplier.energy/