ECO free boiler replacement scheme may end soon

Citizens who are struggling to repay high heating bills may be eligible for some serious relief. The Free Boiler Replacement Scheme is an energy efficiency programme which is formally known as Energy Companies Obligation (ECO). It essentially covers all or part of the cost of a new gas boiler so that bills are reduced.

Reductions of up to 35% in energy bills are possible. This could total hundreds of pounds worth of annual savings. Improved reliability is also a plus.

The scheme provides a valuable service to lower income households. It provides better heating while lowering fuel bills. There are some eligibility criteria that determine who qualifies for the aid.

1. The grant is intended to include private homes. Most tenants may discount this scheme as being just for homeowners. However those who rent a private home from a landlord can also benefit.
2. To qualify, one member of the household must be receiving benefit payments. There are some additional criteria that must be met in terms of income, children in the home and/or disabled family member living there.
3. Finally, the boiler itself must be outdated, malfunctioning or broken. Units older than ten years generally lack the efficiency expected by government and are therefore a target for replacement.

Someone who meets the above qualifications could be a candidate to participate in the free boiler scheme. Here is how the programme works.

The head of household may apply for the scheme directly if an owner, or will need landlord consent to make the request. Installers will conduct a survey to evaluate the merits of each request. They need to ensure that the government’s guidelines are followed to ensure reimbursement.

Households who meet all qualifications normally pay zero out of pocket. The government covers the entire cost. This grant is paid directly to the firm that installs the new boiler so that tenants and/or homeowners are not responsible for payment.

The scheme has provided up to £2500 to fully eligible households in the past. In some cases there may be a partial charge to the resident depending on the results of the survey. This information is disclosed upfront and the resident may opt out of replacing the boiler at that time. Many applicants will find that they only are eligible for a portion of the replacement cost, including parts and labour.

Green energy grants are one method in which government encourages more earth-friendly approaches to home efficiency. Residents who complain about poor performance from their heating system can get help with a replacement when it would make a meaningful difference to the fuel usage.

There are many advantages to the scheme. Poor families save money on their monthly fuel bills. Landlords have fewer arrears to pursue when tenant bills are reduced. Installers find new business to keep their firms busy. Manufacturers are able to move more product, thereby increasing the number of jobs.

There is another advantage too. Households who do not qualify for the scheme still benefit from lower fuel bills as overall energy usage in the UK is reduced.

The free boiler scheme has been in place for several years. The amounts and the qualifications have changed as have government funding. Whether aid continues to flow depends on government funding and priorities. With funding set to expire in 2015, it is a race for those who want to take advantage of the aid.

Enquiries may be placed directly with an installer, or residents may contact the national Energy Saving Advice Service at 0300 123 1234.