First Time Central Heating Grants

If you have no heating system, or a system that doesn’t involve a boiler and radiators, then you will be eligible for funding for central heating.

Check your eligibility

You could qualify for funding for central heating and it only takes 60 seconds to check and apply.

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Access Government-Funded Heating Solutions

If your home has never had a central heating system before, you could be eligible for a first time central heating grant through the government-backed ECO4 scheme. This initiative is designed to help households install efficient central heating systems for the first time, reducing energy costs and making homes warmer, safer, and more sustainable.

Many UK homes, particularly older properties, still rely on inefficient electric heaters, room fires, or have no heating at all. Through first time central heating grants, qualifying households can receive a fully funded system, including an A-rated boiler, radiators, thermostatic controls, and pipework, at no cost.

These grants for central heating are available to homeowners, landlords, and private tenants who meet specific criteria, including EPC rating and income.

radiator

What are First Time Central Heating Grants?

First Time Central Heating Grants (FTCH) are part of the government’s wider ECO4 Scheme, which is aimed at reducing fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency across the UK. These heating grants provide funding to install a complete central heating system in properties that have never had one before.

This initiative is especially valuable for households that still rely on inefficient or outdated heating methods such as electric storage heaters, gas fires, or solid fuel systems. A new central heating system can significantly reduce household energy usage, lower monthly bills, and enhance the overall warmth and comfort of the home.

By upgrading to a modern and efficient system, homeowners and tenants not only reduce their carbon emissions but also improve their home’s EPC rating and make a positive impact on long-term energy sustainability.

radiator installation

What are the benefits of first time central heating?

  • Cut your heating bills with an energy-efficient system
  • Create a warmer, healthier living environment
  • Improve your home’s EPC rating and property value
  • Reduce reliance on expensive, inefficient heating sources
  • Benefit from grants for heating without paying out of pocket

 

radiator valve

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 addition to this, to qualify for funding for central heating under the ECO4 scheme, you must:

  • Live in a home that has never had a central heating system before.
  • Have an EPC rating of D, E, F or G.
  • Be a homeowner, landlord, or private tenant.
  • Receive certain income-based benefits, such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Pension Credit.
  • OR qualify under the ECO Flex scheme (for households with a combined income of £31,000 or less, or those identified by their local council).

Being eligible for a First Time Central Heating Grant 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, we can arrange for this to be installed at no extra cost prior to the installation of your new heating system.

What to expect when you apply for a central heating grant

Ready to see if you qualify for the heating grants? Here’s what you can expect from the process.

1. Check your eligibility

Check your eligibility via our simple online form.

2. Home survey

We’ll arrange a free property survey to assess your current heating setup.

3. Book an install

Our certified engineers will install your new heating system at no cost to you.

4. Enjoy a warmer home

Enjoy a more comfortable environment and an improved EPC rating.

What’s Included in the Grant?

If approved, the first time central heating grant covers the full installation of a brand-new heating system. This typically includes:

  • An energy-efficient A-rated boiler
  • All required pipework
  • A full set of radiators
  • Thermostatic controls to manage your heating efficiently

 

Your new system is designed to bring your home up to modern energy efficiency standards, offering long-term savings on your energy bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

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Funding For Central Heating FAQs

To be eligible for First Time Central Heating Grants, homeowners or private tenants must meet a certain criteria. Typically, the property must not have had central heating installed previously, and the household must receive certain government benefits such as Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit. Eligibility may also vary depending on the property’s energy efficiency rating and the local council’s funding availability. To confirm your eligibility, it’s best to get in touch with us at ECO Providers for a full assessment.

The First Time Central Heating Grant typically covers the installation of gas central heating systems. In areas where gas is not available, alternative systems like electric or renewable energy-based heating can also be considered. Speak to us today to understand which heating system will be the most suitable for your property.

Installing central heating for the first time brings a range of practical and financial benefits. A modern system provides reliable warmth throughout your entire home, helping to eliminate cold spots and reduce damp or mould issues. With first time central heating grants, households can access this improvement at no cost, making their property more comfortable and energy efficient.

Central heating systems are also far more economical than electric heaters or solid fuel fires. By switching to an A-rated boiler and thermostatic controls, you can better manage your energy use and significantly lower your heating bills. Over time, these savings can add up to hundreds of pounds annually. Plus, central heating can improve your home’s EPC rating, increase its value, and reduce your carbon footprint, all while being supported by fully funded central heating grants under the ECO4 scheme.

Private landlords can apply for a central heating grant on behalf of their tenants, as long as the property has never had a central heating system, has a qualifying EPC rating, and the tenant meets the income or benefit criteria. This is an excellent opportunity for landlords to improve property standards, meet future EPC requirements, and benefit from grants for lofts, insulation, and heating, all without upfront costs.

 

Once your central heating grant application is approved, the installation typically takes a few days, depending on the complexity of the project and the size of your home. We will work with you to schedule the installation at a convenient time and ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

Households that qualify for a first time central heating grant and switch from electric, coal, or other solid fuel heating methods can save hundreds of pounds every year on energy bills. In some cases, the annual savings may exceed £1,000 depending on the size of the property and the efficiency of the newly installed system. By accessing funding for central heating, you’re not only improving comfort but also cutting long-term costs.

Not always. While many heating grants under the ECO4 scheme are benefit-based, you can still qualify through the ECO Flex scheme, which allows local councils to recommend residents based on other criteria such as household income (typically less than £31,000), health conditions, or the energy efficiency of your home. This means you may still be eligible for grants for central heating even if you’re not receiving government benefits.

The first time central heating scheme is strictly for homes that have never had any type of central heating, meaning no boiler, radiators, or full heating system installed previously. If your property once had central heating but it’s now non-functional or outdated, you may instead qualify for alternative central heating funding options like boiler replacement grants available through the ECO4 scheme.