Free first time central heating grants for over 60s
Are you over 60 and finding it challenging to keep your home warm without incurring high costs? You’re not alone — and the good news is, help is available. Thanks to the ECO4 scheme, you could be entitled to a free first-time central heating system, fully funded by the government.
This isn’t just about saving money — it’s about staying safe, warm, and comfortable in your own home, especially during those chilly winter months. Designed to support low-income and vulnerable households across the UK, the ECO4 initiative has already helped over 20,000 homes upgrade their heating — and yours could be next.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about free central heating grants for over 60s, including who qualifies, how to apply, and why it’s such a valuable opportunity if you’re living without central heating.
Smart Heating
Efficient temperature control system
Insulation Upgrade
Reduces heat loss effectively
What Exactly Is the First-Time Central Heating Grant?
If your home has never had a proper central heating system, the First-Time Central Heating Grant could be a real game-changer — and the best part? It’s completely free for those who qualify. This grant is part of the UK government’s ECO4 scheme, which focuses on helping people lower their energy bills, make their homes warmer, and reduce carbon emissions. It’s specifically designed for homes that don’t have any central heating at all.
Why Consider a First-Time Central Heating Grant in the UK?
Under the ECO4, the government grant aims to reduce energy use by £2.24 billion by March 2026. You can cut down your annual electric bills and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by applying to the central heating grant scheme.
No System in Place? Get One Free
If your home doesn’t have central heating or radiators, you can have a complete system installed—including boiler, radiators, and piping—at no cost.
Cut Bills by up to 40%
ECO4 central heating scheme is up to 98% efficient, helping you save as much as £540 a year compared to outdated heating methods.
Enhanced EPC Rating
Free heating installation for over 60s can raise your EPC from F or G to C or even B, making your home more energy-efficient and future-ready.
Save Over £6,000
You receive a fully funded complete installation process under the ECO4 scheme.
Low-Income Homes
If you’re on benefits or off-gas, you likely qualify. The grant targets fuel-poor homes to cut carbon emissions and improve warmth.
To qualify for government heating support for seniors through the ECO4 grant, here is what you need to know:
Homeownership: You must own your house or be a private tenant; you’ll need permission from your landlord.
EPC Rating: Your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.
Gas connection: If your home has a gas meter, you may be eligible for a new A-rated condensing boiler. Homes without a gas meter may qualify for a heat pump instead.
No previous central heating: Your house cannot have had a central heating system in the past. This allows you to apply for a first-time central heating grant.
Free heating installation for over 60s qualifying for benefits:
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Income Support (IS)
- Housing Benefits
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Pension Credit Saving Credit
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Warm Home Discount Scheme Rebate
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
What does the ECO4 grant cover for older people?
Government grants provide free installation of a complete first-time central heating system. This includes everything needed to enjoy a warm, energy-efficient home, such as:
- A new, energy-efficient condensing boiler
- Radiators installed in key rooms throughout your home
- All necessary pipework to connect the system
- A thermostat and heating controls to help you manage your home’s temperature easily
If your house has never had central heating before—such as if you rely on electric heaters, coal fires, or other outdated heating methods—this grant provide an opportunity to upgrade to a modern, free boiler and central heating system for pensioners. You can enjoy increased warmth and comfort, lower energy bills, and a more environmentally friendly home.
Step-by-step application process for a first-time central heating grant?
- Eligibility Check: You apply through our online application checker, which will manually verify your eligibility.
- Site Survey: If you qualify, we will arrange for a surveyor to visit your home and assess the most suitable first-time central heating system for you.
- Grant approval: Your funding has been approved, and our heat1 qualified engineer will install the system, which typically takes 1-3 days.
- Enjoy Free Heating: You get a full central heating system with no upfront costs.
With central heating and insulation, you can save up to £600 annually on your energy bills. How? The math is simple. A modern boiler grant is over 92% efficient, compared to older models that may only be 70% efficient. This means less fuel is wasted, and you save more. Not only but the cost of a new central heating system in the UK can range from £3,500 to £10,000. However, with the first-time central heating grants, you can get it completely FREE. So, you get a warmer home, lower energy bills, and peace of mind—all without paying a penny for the upgrade.
Why Are Central Heating Grants Available for Over 60s?
The UK government introduced the free radiators and boiler initiative for over-60s to help reduce fuel poverty and support households in switching from expensive heating options, such as electric heaters and storage heaters. Through the ECO4 scheme, the government offers free first-time central heating grants for people over 60. This initiative recognises that many pensioners are concerned about how they will afford to heat their homes during the winter, especially with the recent rise in gas and electricity prices. This is part of the government’s broader effort to tackle fuel poverty by providing grants that help upgrade heating and insulation systems.
Winter affects 29% of older people in the UK, and nearly one-third say they feel cold in their homes most of the time. If you’re over 60 and part of a low-income household, you may qualify for free gas central heating — and now is the best time to apply through the ECO provider, Heat1. To check your eligibility for government heating support for seniors, visit our website at heat1.co.uk.
Why Over 60s Shouldn’t Miss Out on These Heating Grants
First Time Central Heating Grants for over 60s offer older homeowners the opportunity to upgrade to a modern heating system absolutely Free. Enjoy a warmer, more comfortable home without the high cost. With this government-backed scheme, you can:
- Lower your electric bills and improve your home’s energy efficiency
- Stay warm and healthy, especially during colder months
- Enhance comfort throughout your home with a modern, reliable heating system
But don’t wait — this opportunity is only available until March 2026, and spots are filling up quickly. It only takes a 60s on heat1 to apply, and once approved, installation is usually completed in just 2–3 days.
