Two Different Heating Grants
The UK has two main grants for upgrading your heating system, but they work very differently:
- ECO4: Free gas boiler replacement (like-for-like) for households on benefits
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): £7,500 towards a heat pump for ANY homeowner
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ECO4 Boiler | Boiler Upgrade Scheme |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | New A-rated gas boiler (free) | £7,500 towards heat pump |
| Your cost | £0 (fully funded) | £500-6,500 (after grant) |
| Means tested? | Yes — need qualifying benefits | No — any homeowner |
| EPC needed? | Yes — D or below | Yes — valid EPC required |
| Running costs | ~£850/yr (gas) | ~£550-750/yr (electric) |
| Future-proof? | No — gas boilers banned 2035 | Yes — heat pumps are the future |
| Deadline | December 2026 | March 2028 |
Choose ECO4 Boiler If:
- You're on qualifying benefits and want zero out-of-pocket cost
- Your current boiler is broken or very old
- You want the simplest, fastest solution
- Your home isn't well-insulated enough for a heat pump yet
Choose Boiler Upgrade Scheme If:
- You can afford £500-6,500 after the £7,500 grant
- Your home is already well-insulated
- You want lower running costs long-term
- You want to future-proof against the 2035 gas boiler ban
- You have or plan to get solar panels (free electricity = free heating)
The Smart Play: Combine Both
You can't use both for heating in the same property. But you CAN get ECO4 insulation (free) and then a BUS heat pump (£7,500 grant). Insulate first, heat pump second — the optimal order.
Check Which You Qualify For
Our eligibility checker tests both schemes. 60 seconds, no obligation.