If you live in the UK, you can apply for heating system upgrades under ECO2 and ECO3 schemes. The government through these initiatives is helping people save energy. It also wants them to save money on heating bills. Both ECO2 and ECO3 are part of the broader Energy Company Obligation (ECO) program. In other terms, ECO is the main umbrella program while eco2 and eco3 are its parts. First, there was ECO1 which started on 1 January 2013 and concluded on March 2015. The last day of ECO2 is 31 March 2017. April 2017 until September 2018 is when ECO’s third and temporary phase, or ECO3, will take place. All these projects are for the benefit of the British people. If you qualify for an eco grant, you may get free boilers and other heating system upgrades.
Get a Free Boiler Grant through the ECO Scheme
Eco grants help homeowners and private tenants get more energy-efficient boilers. These also offer first-time central heating systems. They aim at low-income households that cannot afford expensive heating costs. So if your income is low and your boiler is an old and non-condensing model, you can replace it with a modern energy-efficient model. A modern boiler is made from condensing technology. It has the capacity to save more energy. Plus you’ll fuel charges will be dramatically reduced. So whether you qualify for eco2 or eco3, you’ll definitely get heating system upgrades.
What’s ECO2 Scheme?
As mentioned earlier, ECO2 scheme is basically funding from the government to change the heating behaviours of the British public. It motivates people to use less energy and take care of the environment. Moreover, it convinces them to replace in-efficient old boilers and save money on energy bills. The program provides free boilers, air-source heat pumps and several other heating system upgrades. The government will continue this agenda of home heating until March 2017.
Objectives of ECO2 Scheme
- Eco2 provides heating system upgrades to low-income households.
- It helps the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
- The program improves the energy efficiency of homes.
- The initiative, helps people tackle fuel poverty.
- People through eco2 can replace old boilers and get insulation.
- Moreover, the scheme cuts fuel costs.
Eligibility Criteria for ECO2 Scheme
Households with low energy performance certificate scoring may apply for the free grant. But that’s not the final requirement. Moreover, these households must have older, non-condensing boilers to replace. Next, any of their family members should be receiving certain benefits like Income-related Jobseekers Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Working Tax Credit, etc.
In a nutshell, ECO2 plays its part in creating better heating system upgrades for UK residents. Secondly, it contributes to the environment. Now, those people who cannot afford high energy bills and have older boiler systems can hugely benefit from this funding program.
ECO3 Scheme
ECO3 came after ECO2. This is in fact the sequel of a broader eco plan. But compared to its former counterpart, this is relatively a better funding program. It aims at providing energy upgrades at a larger scale. So the target is to include more energy suppliers to cover a large number of low-income households. Similar to eco2, this initiative also helps people save energy and money. It offers them attractive incentives like free boiler replacement, insulation and several other heating system upgrades. In addition, people may be eligible for electric storage heaters. Now landlords can apply for the eco3 scheme. However, there is a limitation in the eco3 grant. For example, it doesn’t cover solid wall insulation. Moreover, broken boiler or heating system upgrade funding is available to homeowners only.
ECO3 Scheme Objectives
- This program empowers homeowners and private tenants in home upgrades.
- It minimizes carbon footprint.
- It reduces home heating costs and provides affordable warmth.
- The scheme helps you use smart energy.
- The grant program addresses fuel poverty.
- It especially helps the most vulnerable residents.
Get Insulation under ECO3
The scheme deals with several insulation measures. You may get under the scheme, loft insulation, room-in-roof insulation, cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation, and underfloor insulation. But not all insulation measures can be availed simultaneously.
Bonus Benefits of ECO3 Scheme
If you qualify for an ECO3 grant, your old room heaters might get swapped for brand-new, no-cost electric storage heaters. Moreover, you may get boiler replacement, insulation and other heating system upgrades.
ECO3 Qualifying Criteria
Do you own or rent a property? Is it electrically heated? What about your boiler? Is it an older and non-condensing model? Well, that’s a good start to applying for eco3 grant scheme! But to qualify, you should also meet the following criteria:
- Be a homeowner or private tenant
- Receive income-related benefits
- Have inefficient electric room heaters
- Have a broken gas or oil boiler
- EPC rating should be E, F or G
Which Benefits are Included in the ECO3 Scheme Eligibility?
If you receive any of the following income-related qualifying benefits, you are most likely eligible for getting heating system upgrades through the scheme:
- AFIP – Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit (under specific conditions)
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- DLA – Disability Living Allowance
- Income Support
- IIDB – Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- JSA – Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- PIP – Personal Independence Payment
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Tax Credits, including Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- WPMS – War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
Apply for ECO2 and ECO3 Funding
First, check if you’re eligible for the ECO grant. Contact us for an ECO consultation. We’ll help you see if you qualify for the ECO grant’s funding because we want to upgrade your home! Secondly, with decades of experience, we know our stuff! If you meet ECO2 or ECO3 criteria (including qualifying benefits), you likely get the support. So we can provide a free electric storage heater, replace your old room heaters, replace boiler or insulate your home in seven days (depending on the property).
Bottom line
The UK government’s schemes like ECO2 and ECO3 target vulnerable households with low income. It provides energy-efficient solutions for your home. You may get free heaters, boilers and insulation measures. This is an amazing opportunity for you. So avail it and opt for heating system upgrades for your family house.
