The First Time Central Heating Grant is a programme backed via the government created for helping homeowners in properties that have never had a central heating system install one.

This initiative is covered via the UK’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme for improved home energy efficiency along with lowered carbon emissions through free or greatly subsidized central heating systems.

Eligible households, through first-time central heating grant UK, can receive a new boiler, radiators, with full system installation at no cost.

Landlords and also tenants can both apply. Qualification of the property is required in applications. The grant is open mainly to all households with a low income or to specific state benefits because it helps those households access more affordable and efficient home heating solutions.

Cut down on fuel bills and fight fuel poverty with the ECO4 scheme. This government-backed grant provides a complete home heating upgrade at no cost to you. Here’s what you can expect.

• A-rated gas boilers (where a gas meter is already installed)
• Air source heat pumps (for homes without a gas supply)
• New radiators fitted in every room
• All pipework connections between boiler and radiators
• Smart thermostats for remote heating control
• Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) for room-by-room temperature control
• Safe removal of old or inefficient heaters
• Home insulation improvements to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency

The best part? It’s 100% free through the ECO4 grant—you won’t pay a penny.

UK homeowners and private tenants may be eligible for the free central heating grant if their property has no current central heating system. Eligibility also applies to homes with an EPC rating of D or below where at least one qualifying government benefit is being claimed.

Central heating grant for pensioners:

Cold weather impacts around 29% of older people in the UK, with nearly one in three reporting that they feel cold in their homes most of the time. If you’re over 60, you are given priority for the free central heating grant UK—making now the ideal time to apply.

Central heating grant for low-income households:

Homeowners receiving means-tested benefits, tax credits, or living in properties having low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) are more likely to qualify for ECO4 central heating installation grant.

This UK government free central heating scheme focus on supporting vulnerable and low-income households, giving them the chance to install efficient electric heating systems and cut rising energy bills. Through ECO4 central heating grant scheme, eligible families across England, Wales, and Scotland can access this funding to make their homes warmer and more affordable.

The ECO4 grant covers a range of old or inefficient heating systems that may no longer provide adequate warmth or energy efficiency. These include:

• Fan heaters or portable heaters and old electric storage heaters such as the outdated electric room heaters.
• Oil room heaters consume large fuel amounts with poor efficiency.

• Usually wood-burning heaters are commonly utilized. Biomass heaters also exist, especially in rural homes.
• Solid fuel heating systems often can be powered through coal. They can be powered by other fossil fuels.

• LPG heaters that are portable or bottled can be unsafe when considered for the long-term and expensive for operation.
• Fixed gas room heaters connected to mains gas, as well as gas fires with back boilers.
• Warm air heating systems that run on mains gas and no longer meet current energy efficiency standards.

To qualify for a free central heating system under the ECO4 scheme, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Homeownership or Private Tenancy – You must either own your property or be a private tenant (with your landlord’s consent).
• Low EPC Rating – Your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G.
• Gas Supply – If your home has a gas meter, you may be eligible for a brand-new A-rated boiler. Homes without a gas supply may qualify for a modern heat pump instead.
• Government Benefits – At least one qualifying state benefit must be received by someone living in the household.
• No Existing Central Heating – Properties that have never had a full central heating system installed will be considered for first-time central heating support.

Applicants must receive a combination of the following Government 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 Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) 
• Income related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

Getting your new heating system is simple and hassle-free. Just follow step by step central heating grant process:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Start by entering your postcode into our online checker to apply for central heating grant online for the First Time Central Heating Grant.

2. Complete Your Application

If you’re eligible, fill out the short application form and upload the required documents—such as proof of benefits and your property’s EPC rating.

3. Home Survey

Next, we’ll schedule a free property assessment to evaluate your heating needs and determine the most suitable central heating system for your home.

4. Installation in Just a Few Days

Our Gas Safe-certified engineers will install your new system, usually within 2–3 days. Everything is completed to professional standards so you can enjoy reliable, energy-efficient heating—at no cost to you.

If your home has never had a central heating system, this is the perfect opportunity to make the change. Through the First Time Central Heating Grant, Heat1 will help you upgrade your home’s heating and enjoy reliable warmth without any installation cost. This government central heating grant application gives homeowners and tenants a chance to install a brand-new, energy-efficient heating system completely free of charge.

Take advantage of this limited-time offer—the scheme runs until March 2026.

Start your application today and begin saving energy while keeping your home cozy all year round.