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Free boilers and boiler grants
A veteran consumer advocate with over two decades of rigorous product-testing experience, Lisa leads our mattress category and joined the home energy team, helping bring clear, actionable advice to consumers.
A new boiler typically costs between £600 and £2,500 depending on the model and system type.
However, you might be able to save money by claiming a grant towards the cost of installation. In some cases you may even be eligible for a free boiler or installation of solar panels and batteries.
Find out more below.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme
The government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme was set up to ensure that big energy suppliers do their bit to help low-income households reduce domestic carbon emissions while also tackling fuel poverty. It has been through a number of different iterations over the years, the last of which (ECO4) will officially finish in December 2026.
The scheme is now winding down, which means that while some households may still be able to apply, you may need to wait until the next version of government support for improving energy bills for low-income households, the Warm Homes Plan. More details of this were released in October 2026 - see below.
In the ECO scheme, recipients of means-tested benefits could apply for financial help with either insulation or replacing an old, inefficient boiler.
If you meet certain eligibility requirements, you may still be able to apply.
Contact the scheme operator in your part of the UK for more details:
- Find ways to save energy in your home (England & Wales) 0800 098 7950 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 12pm)
- Home Energy Scotland (Scotland) 0808 808 2282
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Households in England and Wales can currently get up to £7,500 towards replacing a gas boiler with an air-source heat pump or ground-source heat pump (including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops). You can also get £5,000 towards a biomass boiler. Scotland has a similar scheme.
Until March 2027, you can get an additional £1,500 towards an air or ground source heat pump if you have oil or LPG heating and no gas connection.
You access this grant through an MCS-accredited installer who makes the application on your behalf.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is currently set to run until the end of December 2029.
The BUS doesn't cover the installation of hybrid systems. For example, if you install a heat pump but keep your gas boiler as a back-up then you aren't eligible for the grant.
Read our introduction guide to how heat pumps work to see whether these options are right for you.
Find out more about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in our dedicated guide.
The Warm Homes Plan
The Warm Homes Plan was announced in early 2026. Its aim is to tackle high energy bills and fuel poverty by supporting UK households to transition to cleaner energy.
Low-income families can apply for support to cover the full cost of energy upgrades, including solar panels, batteries and heat pumps.
All homeowners can apply for low or zero-interest loans to help install solar panels, heat pumps and batteries. The Autumn 2026 Budget announced that you can borrow between £7,500 and £35,000 on loans of up to 30 years, depending on the technology and lender.
It also announced 10 lenders which it said are 'the first part of the scheme's offer' and more lenders and products are expected in future.
Find out more about Warm Homes Loans and how the Autumn Budget affects your energy bills.
Affordable Warmth Obligation
The Affordable Warmth Obligation is part of the ECO scheme. It gives help with the cost of replacing or repairing your boiler, as well as other energy-saving improvements.
In Wales the scheme is called Nest and is managed by British Gas.
Eligibility can depend on whether:
- You own your home or rent (from a private landlord)
- Your home currently costs too much to heat and is energy inefficient
- You or someone in the home is on a means tested benefit, has a chronic health condition, and is on a low income
For further information on the scheme, contact the scheme operator in your part of the UK:
- Government Energy Advice (England) 0800 098 7950
- Home Energy Scotland (Scotland) 0808 808 2282
- Nest Scheme (Wales) 0808 808 2244
- NI Direct (Northern Ireland) 0800 111 4455
Our free Home Energy Planning tool can help you build a personalised plan to make your home more energy efficient.
Boiler Scrappage Scheme
This government scheme was introduced in 2009 to encourage households to upgrade to more efficient boilers, but it has now been discontinued.
Some suppliers may still offer discounts on new boiler installations for scrapping an older inefficient boiler but, as these are not a government schemes, we'd recommend getting a few quotes. This is because, in some cases, a new boiler might be more expensive than it should be, even with discounts.
Take a look at our guide to the cost of installing a new boiler.
Renting a boiler or getting a pay-monthly boiler
If you’re not eligible for any boiler grants or a free replacement, you could rent a boiler (aka getting a pay-monthly boilers). There are several companies that offer this service and it is a way to spread out the cost of a new boiler installation.
There is no obligation to pay an upfront cost. Instead you make monthly payments, which pay off the cost of the boiler, the installation and – depending on your contract – any repair, maintenance and servicing costs for the duration of your contract. When you've finished paying, the boiler is yours.
Renting a boiler is a long-term commitment. Contracts can last as long as 12 years. However, most boiler-rental companies offer different contract lengths. The shorter your contract the higher your monthly payments, but the sooner you will own your boiler. Most companies also give you an option to pay a deposit upfront, which will further reduce your monthly payments.
It's also worth checking the small print to see if your monthly payments are set to increase each year or if they are fixed. Also check what you're charged for missed payments. Sometimes penalties can accrue on a daily basis, so falling behind on payments could suddenly become very costly.
Finally, if you're planning to move house before your contract would be finished, renting might not be the best option. If you move house you often have to pay off any remaining balance in one go.
If you can't afford the upfront cost of a new boiler, renting could be a good option.
Just be aware that you'll be in a long contract, and you're unlikely to save any money in the long term compared with paying up front for a new boiler.
Read our home and energy grant advice guides to see if there is money you could save on heating your home.
Which? Trusted Trader boiler installers
When you've decided on the best and most reliable boiler for your home, check out Which? Trusted Traders for a stress-free and reliable boiler installation.
All Which? Trusted Trader heating engineers are vetted and on the Gas Safe register, so you know you'll get an expert installation.
You can use our free search tool below to find an accredited local trader.
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