Free Boiler or Storage Heater

Millions of UK households are already benefiting from government-backed energy efficiency schemes such as ECO4 and LA Flex, yet many eligible residents remain unaware that they may qualify. These programmes are designed to help improve home heating efficiency and reduce energy bills, particularly for lower-income and vulnerable households.

Under ECO4 and its local authority-led LA Flex pathway, you may avail of the Free Boiler Grant or Electric Storage Heater Grant that will allow approved energy suppliers to install heating upgrades at no upfront cost to eligible applicants, subject to assessment and availability.

While the schemes are currently scheduled to run until March 2026, access can vary depending on installer capacity, local council participation, and application timelines. For homeowners and private tenants who are unsure how the grants operate or whether they qualify, the process can appear complex.

This guide explains how ECO4 and LA Flex work, outlines the eligibility criteria, and walks through the application process to help households understand their options while funding remains available.

What Are ECO4 and LA Flex? (And Why Should You Care?)

ECO4 is the fourth phase of the UK government's Energy Company Obligation scheme. It requires major energy suppliers such as British Gas, E.ON and EDF to fund energy-efficiency improvements in eligible homes, with a focus on reducing fuel poverty and improving heating performance.

Since its launch, ECO4 has supported millions of energy efficiency measures across hundreds of thousands of UK properties, helping households lower energy consumption and improve living conditions.

What Makes LA Flex Different?

Under standard ECO4 rules, eligibility is often linked to specific government benefits. However, some households may struggle with high energy costs despite not receiving benefits.

LA Flex, or Local Authority Flexible Eligibility, allows councils to set their own criteria to identify households that may benefit from energy efficiency upgrades. This can include residents on lower incomes, households with health conditions worsened by cold homes, or older occupants.

Eligibility under LA Flex depends on local council policies and requires council approval before an installation can proceed.

Who Actually Qualifies? The Eligibility Rules Explained

Eligibility for ECO4 and LA Flex is assessed on a case-to-case basis. Below is an overview of the general criteria commonly used.

Standard ECO4: The Benefit Route

To qualify through the standard ECO4 pathway, applicants typically need to meet all of the following conditions:

Income/Benefits: Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, ESA/JSA, Housing Benefit, or a household income under £31,000.

Property Rating: An EPC rating of E, F or G (available at gov.uk)

Ownership: Owner-occupied properties or privately rented homes with landlord consent.

Existing Heating: An older, inefficient, broken or missing boiler (often pre-2005).

Social housing tenants are generally excluded, as heating standards are usually managed directly by local authorities or housing associations.

LA Flex: Four Possible Routes

Route 1: Low Income Household income below £31,000 with an EPC rating of E or lower.

Route 2: Vulnerability Indicators Applicants may qualify if they meet one or more locally defined criteria, such as:

  • Living in a deprived area
  • Receiving Council Tax reduction
  • Having a health condition affected by cold
  • Being aged 65 or over
  • Caring for young children
  • Eligibility for free school meals

Route 3: Official ReferralReferrals from organisations such as Citizens Advice, energy suppliers, or social landlords

Route 4: Medical ConsiderationsHouseholds where a resident has a medical condition that may be worsened by cold indoor temperatures, subject to council approval

Meeting one of these routes does not guarantee funding, but it may allow an application to be considered under LA Flex.

What Do You Get? (More Than Just a Boiler)

In some cases, households may be offered the electric storage heater grant as part of the ECO4 or LA Flex upgrade package, depending on property type and suitability.

Heating Systems May Include:

  • A-rated combi or system boilers
  • Electric storage heaters
  • Air-source heat pumps (in selected cases)
  • Full central heating installations where none exist

Insulation Measures May Include:

  • Loft insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Solid wall insulation (for older properties)
  • Underfloor insulation

Additional Improvements May Include:

  • Smart thermostats
  • Thermostatic radiator valves
  • Heat recovery systems
  • Solar panels in limited cases

The total value of upgrades can be significant and typically includes installation, certification, and warranty coverage, subject to scheme rules.

How to Apply for a Free Heating Upgrade

The application process generally follows several steps.

Phase 1: Check Eligibility

Applicants usually start by completing an online eligibility check through an approved energy supplier or installer, such as those offering information on the free boiler grant.

  • Postcode
  • Household income estimate
  • Energy supplier
  • EPC rating

Phase 2: Submit a Full Application

Supporting documents may include:

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of address
  • Proof of ownership or tenancy
  • EPC certificate
  • Benefit statements or recent payslips

Providing accurate documentation helps prevent delays.

Phase 3: Review and Verification

Applications are reviewed to confirm eligibility, documentation and property suitability. Applicants may be contacted if additional information is needed.

Phase 4: Home Survey

If provisionally approved, a TrustMark-approved surveyor will visit the property to assess heating needs and recommend suitable measures. The survey is free of charge.

Phase 5: Grant Approval and Scheduling

Once approved, applicants receive confirmation of funded works and can arrange an installation date with the installer.

Phase 6: Installation

Installations typically take one day, depending on the measures approved. Applicants receive certification and warranty documentation after completion.

Timelines can vary depending on demand and installer availability.

Important Timing Considerations

Although ECO4 is scheduled to run until March 2026, some energy suppliers and installers may pause or limit new applications due to capacity constraints. Processing times can also vary, meaning early applications may help avoid delays.

Households considering applying are encouraged to check eligibility and availability sooner rather than later.

Finding Your Council's LA Flex Scheme

To check whether your local council participates in LA Flex:

  • Visit your council's website and search for 'LA Flex'
  • Look for a Statement of Intent (SoI) document
  • Contact the council directly
  • Check with accredited installers operating in your area

If LA Flex is not available locally, households may still qualify through the standard ECO4 route.

The Bottom Line

ECO4 and LA Flex provide an opportunity for eligible households to improve home heating efficiency with support from government-backed funding. Eligibility depends on income, property type, council participation and installer assessment.

Checking eligibility via the Eco Energy Services LA Flex Scheme page, preparing documentation in advance, and understanding local criteria can help households make informed decisions about applying while funding remains available.