Are you living in a UK home without central heating for the first time? Struggling to stay warm during cold winters and relying on outdated or expensive heating methods like electric heaters or open fires? The good news is that in 2025, government-backed initiatives will be available to help eligible homeowners get free first-time central heating systems installed.

These schemes aim to improve energy efficiency, lower heating costs, and make homes more comfortable and healthier to live in. If you qualify, you could have a brand-new, modern central heating pump installed in your home—completely free of charge.

This simple guide will help you understand everything you need to know: who is eligible, how the application process works, what type of heating system you could receive, and the many benefits of upgrading to central heating for the very first time.

The ECO4 scheme helps you save energy and money by upgrading your home’s heating system for free. Here’s what you can get with the central heating grant:

The best part is—it’s completely free and you don’t have to pay anything.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government grant that requires big energy companies in the UK to help people make their homes more energy-efficient. This includes offering free loft and solid wall insulation. Under the ECO4 grant, there’s also a special part called the heat1. This can help you get a free central heating system if you qualify. The aim is to reduce fuel poverty by helping more homes switch from expensive electric or other off-gas heating systems to better, more efficient options. This also helps cut down carbon emissions, supporting the UK’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

The First Time Central Heating Grant is part of the government’s ECO4 scheme. It helps households lower their energy bills, stay warm, and make their homes more comfortable. This grant is for homes that have never had central heating before. If you qualify, you can have full central heating radiators installed completely free of charge. It’s ideal for homes still using outdated heating methods like electric heaters or coal fires. A new central heating system normally costs between £3,500 and £10,000—but with this grant, you won’t have to pay anything.

The cost of installing a full central heating system can vary depending on the size and type of your home. Usually, it costs between £3,500 and £10,000 for everything, including the boiler, radiators, and other parts. The installation alone often costs between £2,300 and £5,500. But if you qualify for a government grant, you don’t need to worry about these costs. The grant covers everything, so you won’t have to pay a single penny.

To qualify for the FTCH Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

If you only receive Child Benefit, your income must be below a certain amount:

If you get Pension Credit or Child Tax Credit and your total household income is below £16,010 a year, you automatically qualify. The ECO scheme can also help if your home already has central heating, but the boiler is broken or over 20 years old. In that case, a replacement system might be installed.

If your home still uses older heating methods like electric heaters, coal fires, or gas room heaters, switching to central heating boilers can make your home warmer, more comfortable, and cheaper to heat. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:

If you’re using any of these, you might qualify for an upgrade through the ECO4 scheme.

1. Check if You Qualify: 

Just enter your postcode to find out if your area is covered by the scheme. Our free grant checker takes only 60 seconds.

2. Boiler Installation: 

One of our heat1 engineers will remove your old boiler and install a new one, following safety rules and the manufacturer’s guidelines.

3. Final Check: 

After installation, a Gas Safe registered heat1 engineer will test your new boiler to make sure it’s working safely and properly. They’ll also show you how to use it the right way.

If your home in the UK doesn’t have central heating, now is the perfect time to make a change. Don’t go through another winter with cold rooms and high energy bills. In 2025, you could qualify for free central heating through government grants like the ECO4 scheme. These grants are designed to help households that don’t already have central heating – especially those using electric heaters, gas fires, or solid fuel – switch to a warmer, safer, and more energy-efficient system. Installing central heating for the first time can make your home much more comfortable and save you money in the long run.

Start by checking if you’re eligible, then contact approved heat1 installers in your area who can guide you through the process from start to finish. They’ll help with everything – from paperwork to installation – making it simple and stress-free. Don’t wait for the cold to hit. Take action now and enjoy the warmth, convenience, and energy savings that come with a brand-new central heating system.

Check Eligibility Now !