Boiler grants are a vital part of the UK’s fight against carbon emissions and high energy prices. With millions of homeowners enjoying the benefits of government heating system funding, others are left disappointed by the bad job done by inexperienced and unqualified installers.
The boiler grant sector has been far too often plagued with its share of incompetent fitters and scammers, and it is thus imperative to understand how you are able to recognize a quality provider. This blog will explore how to get the most out of government schemes by choosing the right energy grant provider and will explore the traps which can leave you disappointed and lacking adequate heat.
Do You Qualify for a Free Boiler?
Before you start with choosing your boiler supplier, you need to determine if you are eligible for a free boiler grant. The UK government has a number of schemes to make that possible, but the widest-ranging one is the ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) scheme.
You will usually need to fulfil the following requirements to be eligible for a free boiler grant under the ECO4 scheme:
- A household member needs to be on eligible benefits.
- You will need to be the homeowner
- Your home’s EPC rating needs to be D, E, F, or G
- Your home needs to be supplied with mains gas (Biomass boiler is available for homes with no gas connection under the Free Boiler grant scheme).
- Income thresholds also apply to some schemes.
You can check if you are eligible by filling in our free 1-minute eligibility form.
Why Choosing the Right Provider Matters
Choosing a good quality boiler grant supplier isn’t all about finding a good bargain, it’s also about your safety, legality, and general satisfaction with your heating system. Meeting the right safety standards needs specialist skill and legal registration to work gas appliances. Only Gas Safe registered engineers are legally trained to repair gas boilers in the UK. A poorly installed boiler not only wastes energy , but could be lethal, causing carbon monoxide poisoning or a gas leak.
All ECO Boiler Grants installers are Gas-Safe registered and adhere to the strict rules and regulations set by Ofgem.
The presence of unapproved fitters means your grant will be refused or your installation will be rendered invalid.
Trained suppliers provide longer warranties, typically 7-10 years, and guarantee manufacturer warranties are still valid. Trained suppliers deal with all the red tape, Gas Safe certificates, and building control notifications. ECO Boiler Grants secures you with warranties that will cover you longer than a decade, helping keep you warm with less issues. Another important thing to consider when picking your energy provider is that genuine fitters will have proper insurance and be registered with consumer protection schemes, which gives you a way to hold them accountable in case something goes wrong. Companies that are scams tend to disappear after they’ve charged you, leaving you without heating and unable to make a claim.
Red Flags:
Sadly, the boiler grant industry has had a multitude of scammers taking advantage of needy homeowners. The red flags to watch out for are the following:
1. Upfront Payment Requests
Grant schemes that are genuine have no demands for advance payment from homeowners. If a supplier demands payment in advance, preferably in bulk, then this is a huge red flag. Genuine schemes are paid for directly by energy companies.
2. High-Pressure Sales Methods
Beware of suppliers that use aggressive selling, make false time limitations, or insist that you join up straight away. Good suppliers will allow you time to make a decision and won’t resort to scare tactics regarding your existing heating system.
3. Door-to-Door Cold Calls
Although not scam attempts in themselves, unwanted cold calls to the doorstep must be treated with suspicion. Scammers tend to target elderly or vulnerable residents with offers of illegal insulation or hazardous heating systems.
4. Unofficial Contact Routes
Experts work on legitimate company websites and business email addresses. Be cautious of suppliers who respond through Gmail accounts or social media messages for official matters.
5. Lacking Proper Credentials
Ensure that you check whether suppliers possess proper Gas Safe registration, sufficient insurance, and applicable accreditations. Proper installers will be more than happy to share these facts and request you to check them yourself.
Conclusion
Selecting a proper boiler grant supplier is crucial to delivering a safe, lawful, and satisfactory replacement of your heating system. Knowing how to check for proper credentials, stay clear of frequent scam tactics, and comply with rigorous verification procedures can help you safeguard yourself while claiming helpful government assistance.
Keep in mind that there are boiler grants legally available, upgrading everything from boilers to radiators, insulation and heating control. Success of all depends on using accredited, experienced, and trained professionals who focus on safety, quality, and customer service.
Ready to find out if you are eligible? Fill out our short eligibility form today and see which grants you are eligible for. Our experienced team of professionals will assist you every step of the way, delivering the assistance you require with the highest standards of quality and safety.
Act now! with initiatives like ECO4 valid until March 2026, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your heating system and cut costs on your energy bills.
