The ECO4 scheme (Energy Company Obligation) is a UK government backed scheme designed to help low-income and vulnerable households make their homes more energy efficient. Running from 2022 to 2026, this scheme provides free home upgrades such as new boiler installation, insulation, and smart heating controls. It focuses on properties with low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings typically D, E, F, or G and aims to replace old, inefficient heating systems like back boilers. Funded by major energy suppliers, ECO4 scheme helps reduce energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and create warmer, healthier homes for those who need it most. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you could benefit from a new, energy-efficient boiler at no cost.

The Baxi Bermuda back boiler was one of the most popular types of back boilers when they were widely used and legal. It was known for being more expensive but also more durable than many other options at the time. Even though it helped some homeowners save money back then, it still isn’t very energy-efficient by today’s standards. Replacing a Baxi Bermuda with a modern boiler under ECO4 scheme is a much more efficient and cost-effective heating solution for you and your home.

There are three big reasons to replace your back boiler: safety, energy efficiency, and appearance.

1. Safety

Back boilers were mostly installed decades ago, and even the newest ones are now 30–40 years old. These old boilers can become unsafe over time. Also, spare parts are no longer being made, so fixing them is difficult and often risky especially when dealing with gas. It’s safer to replace the whole system with something new and reliable gas boiler such as ideal boiler or combi boiler.

2. Energy Efficiency

Even when working well, an old back boiler is only about 70% efficient. That means 30% of the energy you pay for is wasted often lost through the chimney. In comparison, new condensing combi boilers are at least 92% efficient. They save energy, cut your bills, and are better for the environment. There are no back boilers today that can match this level of performance.

3. Appearance

Let’s be honest those old gas fires from the 60s, 70s, and 80s don’t look great. They can make a room feel outdated because of their old designs, like fake wood or shiny gold finishes. And since the fire and boiler are connected, if you keep one, you have to keep both. Replacing them opens up new options. You could install a sleek British gas new boiler that’s both efficient and compact, freeing up space in your home. These boilers can be fitted in less visible areas like a kitchen cupboard or utility room, giving your living space a cleaner look. If you live in a period home, removing the bulky old system also allows you to restore your fireplace to its original charm or redesign it to better match your home’s interior style

Back boiler replacement grants are part of government-backed schemes aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fuel poverty. The most well-known of these is the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme.

Under ECO4, major energy companies are required to help lower-income households improve their energy efficiency. That includes replacing inefficient heating systems like back boilers with modern, energy-saving boiler grants—for free.

Key Features:

Removing just a back boiler usually costs between £1000 and £1,500. If you’re replacing the entire system—including the boiler and central heating—the total cost can range from £3,000 to £5,500 or more, depending on the amount of work involved. However, with the ECO4 grant, eligible households can get a brand-new, energy-efficient boiler installed completely free of charge. This ECO4 scheme in the UK is designed to help low-income and vulnerable households upgrade outdated heating systems without any financial burden.

Yes, ECO4 scheme offer free of cost home heating grants include back boiler replacement or replacing your whole heating system like boiler and central heating. These types of grants usually support homeowners who want to switch from old, high-carbon systems to more eco-friendly heating systems. Each grant has its own rules, but if you have a back boiler, you could qualify for financial help through the ECO4 scheme.

Eligibility for a free back boiler replacement grant under ECO4 depends on several factors:

1. Home Ownership: You must own the property.
2. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Your home must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G.
3. Benefits or Income: You need to be receiving certain benefits, such as:
   • Housing Benefit
   • Income Support (IS)
   • Universal Credit (UC)
   • Child Tax Credits (CTC)
   • Working Tax Credit (WTC)
   • Pension Credit Savings Credit
   • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
   • Warm Home Discount Scheme
   • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
   • Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
4. Old or Faulty Boiler: If your boiler is over 20 years old, is inefficient, or keeps breaking down, you may qualify for a free replacement.
5. Gas Supply: Your home should have a gas connection, or you should be willing to get one installed.

If you meet any of these following conditions then go to our official website Heat1.co.uk, fill out easy online application form and book your free home survey.

If your back boiler is broken or you can’t find replacement parts, it’s time to get a new boiler.

Even if your old boiler still works, it’s a good idea to replace it. Back boilers are outdated, often unsafe, and not energy-efficient.

Here are some better boiler options to consider:

Combi Boilers

• Combi (short for combination) boilers are very popular today. They are small and don’t need any water storage tanks.
• They heat your home and give you hot water on demand, making them very energy efficient.
• However, they’re best for smaller homes, especially if you don’t need to use multiple bathrooms at once.

System Boilers

• These are great for bigger homes with more people and higher hot water needs.
• They come with a hot water storage tank, so they can supply hot water to more than one bathroom at the same time.
• They do need more space than a combi boiler.

Regular Boilers

• Also called conventional boilers, these take up the most space.
• They use two tanks—one for hot water and one for cold water.
• They mainly heat your home and not the water for daily use unless connected to a separate system.

Replacing your old traditional boiler with a modern, energy-efficient boiler offers numerous advantages:

1. Significant Savings on Energy Bills: Reduced fuel consumption translates directly into lower monthly heating costs. Savings can be hundreds of pounds per year.
2. A Warmer and More Comfortable Home: Modern boilers provide more consistent and controllable heating.
3. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Contributing to a greener environment by using less energy.
4. Increased Reliability: New boiler grants are less prone to breakdowns and come with warranties.
5. Access to Smart Technology: Enjoy the convenience of smart thermostats and remote control of your heating.

In some cases, especially for homes off the gas grid, you may be offered an air source heat pump instead.

Here are 3 simple steps to apply for free boiler installation under ECO4 scheme and make your home more energy efficient without any financial burden:

Step 1: Check If You Qualify
You can quickly check if you’re eligible through Heat1 simple online application in just 60 seconds.

Step 2: Book a Home Survey
If you qualify, you can schedule a survey. A qualified heat1 Gas Safe engineer will visit your home to check your current heating system and suggest the best boiler for you.

Step 3: Get Your New Boiler Installed
Once you’re confirmed eligible and the survey is complete, heat1 will arrange for your new boiler to be installed. Their engineers will ensure the installation is done smoothly and with minimal hassle.

If you still have a back boiler, now is the perfect time to apply for a free replacement grant. Back boilers are outdated, inefficient, and costly to run, often driving up energy bills. Through schemes like ECO4, eligible households can get a new, energy-efficient boiler installed at no cost, along with potential insulation upgrades. The process is simple, and the long-term benefits are clear: lower bills, a warmer home, and a smaller carbon footprint. To learn more, please visit our website at heat1.