Government Boiler Replacement Schemes 2025: Your Complete Route to Free Heating Upgrades
Multiple government schemes offer free boiler replacements and heating grants in 2025. ECO4 provides completely free replacements for eligible households, while BUS offers up to £7,500 towards heat pumps.
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21 August 2025
12 min read
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Last updated: 21 August 2025
Yes, there are multiple government schemes for boiler replacement operating across the UK in 2025. The government currently runs several programmes offering everything from completely free boiler replacements to substantial grants towards low-carbon heating systems, with over £4 billion in funding available until 2026-2027.
The UK government operates multiple boiler replacement schemes simultaneously, each targeting different household circumstances and heating solutions. Understanding which scheme applies to your situation is crucial for accessing the right support.
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) provides completely free boiler replacements for eligible households, particularly those on low incomes or receiving certain benefits. This scheme is funded by major energy suppliers and runs until March 2026.
BUS (Boiler Upgrade Scheme) offers grants of up to £7,500 towards low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps for homeowners in England and Wales. The scheme recently announced expansion proposals in April 2025, including new technologies and flexible payment options.
Additional regional programmes operate across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, providing localised support for heating upgrades and energy efficiency improvements.
ECO4: Free Boiler Replacement Programme
The ECO4 scheme represents the most comprehensive free boiler replacement programme in the UK, with £4 billion in funding specifically allocated for households most in need of heating support.
Who Qualifies for ECO4
ECO4 targets households through three main routes:
Benefits Route: Households receiving qualifying benefits including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
LA Flex Route: Local Authority Flexible Eligibility allows councils to identify vulnerable households with annual incomes under £31,000, or those with health conditions exacerbated by cold homes.
Health Route: Households where occupants have qualifying health conditions that cold temperatures worsen, regardless of income level in some cases.
What ECO4 Covers
ECO4 provides complete boiler replacement at no cost to eligible households, including:
• Full removal of existing heating system
• New A-rated condensing boiler installation
• System upgrades including pipework and controls
• Additional insulation measures where appropriate
• Post-installation warranty and support
The scheme also covers comprehensive whole-house energy efficiency improvements, making it more than just a boiler replacement programme.
BUS: Heating System Grants
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme focuses on encouraging the adoption of low-carbon heating technologies, offering substantial grants towards heat pump installations and biomass systems.
BUS Grant Amounts
• Air Source Heat Pumps: Up to £7,500 grant
• Ground Source Heat Pumps: Up to £7,500 grant
• Biomass Boilers: Up to £5,000 grant (rural, off-grid properties only)
April 2025 BUS Expansion Proposals
The government announced significant expansion proposals for BUS in April 2025, currently under consultation:
New Technology Options: Air-to-air heat pumps and heat batteries may become eligible for grants, expanding choice for homeowners.
Flexible Payment Models: Hire purchase and leasing options could allow households to spread upfront costs, making heat pumps more accessible.
These proposals aim to remove barriers to low-carbon heating adoption and support more households in making the transition.
BUS Eligibility Requirements
• Must own the property you live in (owner-occupiers only)
• Replacing an existing fossil fuel heating system
• Property must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate
• Installation must be completed by MCS-certified installers
• Available in England and Wales only
Regional and Additional Programmes
Scotland
Scottish households can access interest-free loans and grants through Home Energy Scotland, supporting various energy efficiency improvements including heating system upgrades.
Wales
Wales participates in both ECO4 and BUS schemes, with additional support available through local authority programmes and Welsh Government initiatives.
Northern Ireland
The Affordable Warmth Scheme provides grants up to £7,500 for households with annual incomes under £23,000, though the main Boiler Replacement Scheme has now closed.
Scheme Comparison and Selection Guide
Scheme
Coverage
Eligibility
Funding Level
End Date
ECO4
England, Scotland, Wales
Benefits recipients, low income, health conditions
100% free replacement
March 2026
BUS
England, Wales
Homeowners replacing fossil fuel systems
Up to £7,500 grant
December 2027
ECO4 Flex
England, Scotland, Wales
Local authority referral, income under £31,000
100% free replacement
March 2026
Affordable Warmth (NI)
Northern Ireland
Annual income under £23,000
Up to £7,500
March 2026
Which Scheme Should You Choose?
Your choice depends primarily on your circumstances:
If you receive benefits or have low income: ECO4 provides the most comprehensive support with completely free replacements.
If you're a homeowner interested in low-carbon heating: BUS offers substantial grants towards heat pump installations, though you'll need to cover remaining costs.
If you don't qualify for benefits but have limited income: ECO4 Flex through your local authority may provide access to free replacements.
Real Experience Case Studies
Gas Safe engineer installing new A‑rated condensing boiler
Case Study 1: ECO4 Benefits Route Success
Background: Margaret, 68, from Cardiff, living on Pension Credit with a 20-year-old inefficient gas boiler breaking down regularly.
Timeline: Application to installation completed within 8 weeks.
Before/After: Monthly heating bills reduced from £145 to £78 [CITATION NEEDED], with reliable heating throughout winter.
Obstacles: Initial confusion over paperwork requirements, resolved with adviser support.
"I couldn't believe it was really free. The new boiler is so quiet compared to my old one, and my bills have almost halved. The installation team were professional and tidy." - Margaret
Installer Note:"ECO4 allows us to provide comprehensive upgrades including thermostatic controls and power flushing, ensuring optimal system performance." - Certified ECO4 Installer
Case Study 2: BUS Heat Pump Installation
Background: James and Sarah, mid-40s professionals from Gloucestershire, looking to replace their oil boiler with an environmentally friendly alternative.
Route: Applied for BUS grant towards air source heat pump installation.
Timeline: 12 weeks from application to installation, including MCS assessments.
Before/After: Annual heating costs reduced from £1,800 to £1,100 [CITATION NEEDED], with significantly lower carbon footprint.
Obstacles: Initial quote exceeded £15,000, requiring careful installer selection to maximise grant value.
"The £7,500 grant made the heat pump financially viable for us. It's transformed how we think about home heating, and we're contributing to net zero targets." - James
Assessor Note:"Proper property assessment is crucial for BUS applications. We ensure heat pump sizing matches building requirements for optimal efficiency." - MCS Heat Pump Assessor
Application Process and Next Steps
ECO4 Application Steps
1. Initial Assessment: Use the Eligibility checker to confirm qualification routes.
2. Documentation Gathering: Prepare benefit letters, proof of income, or health condition evidence.
3. Property Survey: Qualified assessor evaluates your heating system and property requirements.
5. Completion and Handover: System commissioning and user instruction.
BUS Application Process
1. MCS Assessment: Property evaluation for heat pump suitability.
2. Quote Comparison: Obtain quotes from certified installers.
3. Grant Application: Submit application through installer or directly to Ofgem.
4. Installation and Commissioning: Complete system installation with MCS certification.
Understanding How the scheme works helps ensure smooth application processing and avoids common pitfalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for both ECO4 and BUS simultaneously?
No, you cannot receive funding from both schemes for the same property. However, if you qualify for ECO4, this typically provides better value as it covers 100% of replacement costs.
Do I have to repay government boiler grants?
No, both ECO4 and BUS provide grants that never need to be repaid. They are not loans but government funding to support energy efficiency and decarbonisation goals.
How long do government boiler schemes take to process applications?
ECO4 applications typically complete within 6-12 weeks from initial application to installation. BUS applications may take 8-16 weeks due to additional technical assessments required.
Can private tenants access government boiler replacement schemes?
ECO4 can cover private tenants with landlord consent and specific eligibility criteria. BUS is only available to homeowners who own the property they occupy.
What happens if my boiler breaks down while waiting for a government replacement?
Emergency temporary heating solutions may be available through your energy supplier or local authority. Contact your application coordinator immediately to discuss options.
Are there income limits for ECO4 eligibility?
Standard ECO4 benefits route has no specific income limits. LA Flex route typically applies to households with incomes under £31,000, though local authorities have discretion.
Can I choose my own installer for government boiler schemes?
ECO4 typically assigns certified installers through the scheme administrator. BUS allows you to choose from MCS-certified installers, giving you more control over the process.
Do government boiler schemes cover additional work like radiator replacement?
ECO4 can cover comprehensive heating system upgrades including pipework and radiators where necessary. BUS focuses specifically on heat pump installation costs.
What Energy Performance Certificate rating do I need for BUS?
You need a valid EPC for BUS applications. While there's no minimum rating requirement, properties with poor insulation may need efficiency improvements before heat pump installation.
Can I appeal if my government boiler scheme application is rejected?
Yes, both schemes have appeals processes. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation or property unsuitability, which can often be resolved.
Will government boiler schemes continue beyond 2026-2027?
While current schemes end in 2026-2027, the government has committed to ongoing support for heating decarbonisation. Future programmes are likely but details haven't been confirmed.
Do I need planning permission for heat pump installation under BUS?
Most air source heat pumps fall under permitted development rights and don't require planning permission. Ground source systems may need consent depending on property and installation scope.
Your Next Steps
Government boiler replacement schemes provide substantial support for UK households, whether you need a completely free replacement through ECO4 or significant grants towards low-carbon heating via BUS.
Your immediate priorities should focus on:
Determining Eligibility: Use online checkers to identify which schemes match your circumstances and property requirements.
Gathering Documentation: Collect benefit letters, income evidence, or health condition documentation to support your application.
Comparing Options: Consider whether free conventional boiler replacement or grant-supported heat pump installation better suits your long-term needs.
Acting Quickly: With ECO4 funding ending in March 2026 and significant demand for schemes, early application increases your chances of successful approval.
The schemes operate with genuine government backing and provide tangible benefits to eligible households. While approval depends on meeting specific criteria and property assessments, thousands of UK households successfully access these programmes annually.
Remember that outcomes depend on individual assessments and no approvals can be guaranteed, but proper preparation and understanding of requirements significantly improve your application prospects.
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