The ECO4 scheme will hand out roughly £4 billion in energy-efficiency grants before it closes in March 2026 — and the free boiler offer is still live. But unlike the early days of ECO3, when almost any household with an old boiler could claim, the rules have tightened. Letting Agent Today reports that confusion persists among homeowners and landlords about who actually qualifies, as reported by Letting Agent Today. The catch is that the government has deliberately narrowed the pool to target the fuel-poor.
Who qualifies — and who doesn’t
ECO4 is not a universal giveaway. You must either receive a qualifying means-tested benefit — such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Income Support — or be referred via your local authority if you live in a low-income, low-energy-efficiency area. Landlords can also apply if their tenants meet the criteria, but the property must have an EPC rating of E, F, or G. If your boiler is already a condensing model or your home is well insulated, you may be directed toward other measures instead. Ofgem, which administers the scheme, says 80% of installations under ECO4 have been heating systems, but insulation and solar panels also feature.
What it costs a typical 3-bed semi
For a household that qualifies, the boiler installation is free — the entire cost is covered by the energy supplier, funded through levies on all bills. But here is the real-world number: replacing a 15-year-old non-condensing boiler with a modern A-rated model can cut annual gas consumption from about 13,000 kWh to 9,500 kWh. At current price cap rates (roughly 6p per kWh for gas), that saves around £210 a year. Add the improved efficiency for hot water and the total saving is closer to £350–£500 annually. The Energy Saving Trust puts the average saving at £300 a year for a gas-heated semi-detached home. That matters because the typical household on a low income spends 10% or more of its disposable income on energy.
But the clock is ticking — and funds are finite
The scheme officially ends on 31 March 2026. Yet the money is allocated to energy suppliers in annual tranches, and some have already spent their 2023–24 allocations. Citizens Advice reports that waiting lists for ECO4 installations in some regions stretch to six months. If you wait until 2025 to apply, you may find the funding has been exhausted. The government has not announced a successor scheme, though the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) overlaps for cavity wall and loft insulation. Boilers are not covered by GBIS. So for free boiler replacements, ECO4 is the only game in town — and it is closing.
What to do next
Check your eligibility on the gov.uk ECO4 page or contact your energy supplier directly. You will need your most recent benefit award letter and your property’s EPC number (find it on the EPC register). If you qualify, the supplier will arrange a survey and installation — typically within 8 to 12 weeks. Landlords should note that they must have the tenant’s consent and proof of benefit entitlement. Do not pay any upfront fee: legitimate ECO4 installations are fully funded. If an installer asks for money, it is not part of the scheme. Apply now — before the March 2026 deadline becomes a closed door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you receive Universal Credit and your household income is below a certain threshold (typically £31,000 a year), you may qualify for a free boiler under ECO4. You must also live in a property with an EPC rating of E, F, or G. Contact your energy supplier to start the eligibility check.
Yes, landlords can apply for a free boiler under ECO4 if their tenant meets the benefit eligibility criteria and the property has a low EPC rating (E, F, or G). The landlord must provide the tenant's consent and benefit evidence. Funding is limited, so early application is advised.
