When the London winter bites, there’s nothing more comforting than walking into a warm home. But for many homeowners, replacing an old or broken boiler can feel overwhelming — especially when costs can reach well over £3,000.
The good news? You may not have to pay anything at all. Thanks to the UK Government’s ECO4 boiler scheme, thousands of households across London can now enjoy free boiler installations.
Below, we will discuss how the scheme works, who can apply, the steps, and how BTS Grants can help you get your free boiler installation in
Why Boiler Installation Matters in London
A working boiler is not a luxury; it’s a must-have. Heating systems in big cities like London, where most houses were built a long time ago, are often old or not very efficient.
Old boilers tend to:
- Waste as much as 40% of the energy they generate.
- Take longer to heat your home.
- Cost hundreds of pounds more in annual energy bills.
- Break down more frequently — often when you need them most.
According to Energy Saving Trust, replacing a G-rated boiler with an A-rated condensing boiler could save the average household up to £315 per year on heating costs.
With fuel costs continuing to be at record levels, a new boiler installation in London is one of the best steps towards future-proofing your property and lowering your bills — particularly when government funds can pay for most or all of the expense.
Can You Really Get a Free Boiler Installation in London?
Yes, the ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation Phase 4) allows participating households to receive a new A-rated boiler free of charge.
The UK government launched this program to enable families to save energy, cut carbon emissions, and break the cycle of fuel poverty. It requires energy companies to fund new boilers and insulation for low-income or vulnerable homes.
You might qualify if:
- You are an owner-occupier or a private landlord-tenant.
- You receive benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Housing Benefit.
- Your property has a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, typically E, F, or G.
- Your boiler is broken, not working well, or more than ten years old.
Check full eligibility details here: ECO4 Boiler Replacement Scheme
Even without being on benefits, you might be eligible via the Flex Scheme, through which local authorities can fund households based on income, property type, or usage.
The Step-by-Step Process of Free Boiler Installation in London
Getting a free boiler via BTS Grants is easy and hassle-free. We handle everything for you, from checking your eligibility to installation. You don’t have to worry about filling out forms or hidden fees.
This is how it works:
Step 1: Make Sure You Qualify
Go to our Free Boiler Scheme page and fill out a simple online application. It only takes a minute or two, and it lets us check to see if you qualify based on your income, benefits, and the state of your current boiler.
Step 2: Get a Free Home Energy Survey
We will send a trained energy auditor to your home for free if you qualify. They will look at your current heating system, insulation, and EPC rating.
Step 3: Installation by Gas Safe Engineers
Once approved, Gas Safe-registered engineers will install your boiler, which usually takes one to two days. We only install reliable A-rated boilers from well-known UK brands like Worcester Bosch, Ideal, and Vaillant.
Step 4: Quality Check and Certification
After we install it, we check your system to make sure it meets UK safety standards. We also give you the paperwork you need, like the warranty and the energy efficiency certificate.
Step 5: Ongoing Support
We at BTS Grants provide continuous support even after your boiler is fitted. We are always available for advice and assistance whenever needed, ensuring your systems work swiftly and efficiently.
The Benefits of Getting a Free Boiler in London
The benefits go way beyond just saving money. A brand new A-rated boiler will give you:
- Instant comfort — provide reliable heating and hot water when you need it.
- Reduce bills — up to £315 less per year.
- Less polution — newer boilers let out fewer greenhouse gases.
- Higher home value — energy-efficient homes have higher property values.
- Zero upfront cost — no sneaky fees or repayment on the government’s free boiler grant.
- Peace of mind — fully qualified engineers complete all installations.
With BTS Grants, you can have a stress-free experience, knowing each step of the process is completed by experts who know London’s specific housing and energy demands.
Research & Insights: London’s Energy Challenge
Did you know that almost one in five London homes struggles to cope with increasing energy bills? Most of these homes still use boilers older than 15 years.
The ECO4 boiler project is only one part of the UK’s larger goal to reach net-zero by 2050. The government wants to cut carbon emissions by millions of tons every year by putting in new, more energy-efficient boilers.
According to Ofgem, the ECO4 program is likely to:
- Help more than 450,000 low-income families.
- Prevent more than 6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
- Save £600 million a year among participating households.
These aren’t statistics — they represent warmer homes, reduced bills, and a greener environment.
Example: A London Success Story
Let’s consider an actual example.
South London’s Patel family applied via the BTS Grants for a free boiler installation. Their 18-year-old boiler was noisy, unreliable, and inefficient. Within a week of applying, they were approved under the ECO4 scheme.
“Our heating bills dropped by almost 30%, and the house feels warmer than ever,” says Mr. Patel. “The process was so simple — BTS handled everything.”
This is just one of many success stories from homeowners across London who are now saving money thanks to the government’s free boiler scheme.
Expert Quote
Energy consultant Tom Willis from BTS Grants explains:
“London’s mix of old homes and rising energy prices makes efficient heating more important than ever. The ECO4 scheme is a game-changer — it helps homeowners cut costs and emissions without any upfront investment.”
His advice for Londoners? Don’t delay — apply while funding is still available.
Other Boiler & Heating Options
BTS Grants can also help even if you don’t qualify for a grant for a free boiler. We give information and advice about different ways to get funding, such as:
- Boiler Replacement Scheme
- Central Heating System Grants
- First Time Central Heating Grants
These plans are meant to help everyone, whether they own, rent, or manage their home, get better heating at a price they can afford.
FAQ’S
You qualify if you receive eligible benefits, have a low EPC-rated home, and your existing boiler is inefficient or broken.
Usually, it takes one to two days, depending on your property and which system is being replaced.
No — if you qualify for the ECO4 scheme, you won’t have to pay anything.
Yes, private tenants can apply with their landlord’s permission if they meet the requirements.
