Many homes in the UK still have no central heating, and it is a challenge and an expense to heat them, especially in winter. Without central heating, people rely on electric heaters, old boilers, or even open fires, which are both inefficient and pricey alternatives.
To help low-income families, first-time central heating grants under the ECO4 scheme are free of charge, through the UK government. The grants cover the full installation of central heating, and homeowners and tenants save both comfort and money in terms of lowered energy bills.
This guide explains first-time central heating grants, such as who is qualified, and in what ways grants can save homeowners long-term costs for heating.
What Is the First-Time Central Heating Grant?
The first-time central heating grant is part of ECO4, a scheme sponsored by the government to improve UK residential efficiency. It provides a free central heating system for the first time to households with no installation in a preceding period.
How Does It Work?
- The government insists that companies including British Gas, EDF, and E.ON fund improvements in low-income family heating.
- Eligible homes receive a full central heating system, comprising radiators, pipes, and a free-standing gas-fired boiler, installed at no expense at all.
- The new system reduces wasted energy, and therefore, it is less costly to warm buildings.
This scheme is most useful for homeowners with current expensive electric fires, fires, or no fires at all. Replacing your old system with a new gas central heating system will heat your property better, provide better warmth, reduce energy wastage, and lower heating bills significantly.
How Can First Time Central Heating Reduce Your Energy Bills?
Here is how first-time use of central heating can save your energy bills:
1. Gas Central Heating Costs Less Than Electric Heating
If your current property runs off of electric, fan, and/or storage heaters, then you're most likely overpaying for your heating. Electricity is a more expensive source of fuel per unit than gas. In fact, UK statistics reveal:
- Gas costs about 7p per kWh
- Electricity costs around 27p per kWh
This means that having an electric heating system is roughly four times more costly compared to a similar level of warmth with a gas system. Installing a gas central heating system through the FTCH grant reduces your heating expenses immediately by changing your source of energy to a less costly one.
2. A Modern Boiler Uses Less Fuel
Many homes without central heating rely on outdated, inefficient heating solutions. These systems waste a lot of energy because they don’t distribute heat properly.
A new FTCH scheme installed gas boiler is a high-efficiency condensing boiler. What that means is:
- es less fuel to produce an equivalent amount of heat
- Captures and reuses wasted heat that older furnaces would have wasted
- Meets modern efficiency standards, with reduced overall consumptio
Because these boilers use fuel more efficiently, your home heats up faster and stays warm longer, reducing your overall energy usage.
3. Radiators Distribute Heat More Evenly
If you have a use for a portable heater, then most of your property will not warm at all. That creates a loss of efficiency and requires them to run for a long duration, and your energy expenses go through the roof.
With a full central heating system, radiators in every room are placed. It spreads even heat, no cold pockets develop, and the heating system runs efficiently and economically.
4. Smart Thermostats Optimise Energy Saving
New central heating systems feature programmable thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). With them, you can:
- Set a schedule for when it comes on and when it turns off
- Adjust the temperature in individual rooms
- Avoid heating an unoccupied room
By controlling your heating efficiently, you avoid wasting energy, which leads to lower bills over time.
Who Qualifies for a First-Time Central Heating Grant?
To qualify for a free first installation of a central heating system, one must meet specific requirements. The key requirements for qualification include:
1. No Previous Central Heating System
Your home probably hasn't ever been centrally heated. If your current source of heating is electric fires, coal fires, or room stores, then you could possibly qualify.
2. Receiving Certain Benefits
At least one family member must receive a government benefit, such as:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
These benefits expose that you have a financial need, and, in consequence, become entitled to a grant.
3. Home Ownership vs Personal Rental
The grant is available to homeowners and private tenants. If you rent, your landlord must approve the installation.
4. Proper Insulation
Your home will have loft insulation and cavity wall insulation installed before a central heating system can go in. If your property isn't insulated, then free insulation grants will probably be available under the same scheme.
How to Apply for a First Time Central Heating Grant
Applying for an FTCH grant is free and a simple matter. Here’s a rundown of the process:
- Check if you qualify: Check your eligibility for the grant with an online eligibility checker at a qualified energy supplier’s website like the Berks Insulation.
- Book a free in-home survey: One of our qualified surveyors will visit your property to assess your suitability.
- Approval and installation: In case of approval, expert engineers will professionally have the whole system installed free for you.
- Enjoy lower utility bills: Your property will become warmer and less costly to run, with reduced heating expenses.
How Much Can You Save with First Time Central Heating?
The exact savings will depend on your current system and consumption, but the following is an approximation of savings:
Switching from electric heating to gas central heating can cut heating costs by up to 50%. Over 10 years, this could mean total savings of £7,500 to £9,500—a significant financial benefit.
The Bottom Line
The first-time central heating grant is a life-altering chance for homeowners with no central heating system in place. With a new, efficient modern gas boiler and free radiators, homeowners can save on heating, make their homes warmer, and lower carbon emissions.
If your property has not previously been centrally heated, taking out such a grant could save you several hundred a year. With no cost involved, it is a no-brainer for having your property’s heating system upgraded.
To apply, simply choose an approved government supplier, confirm your suitability, and apply in a timely manner before the funding runs out. Apply today and enjoy a warmer, less expensive, and more efficient home!