What is the First Time Central Heating Grant?
The First Time Central Heating Grant is an initiative from the UK government. In this initiative, the UK government helps low-income households by providing them with all the necessary parts of the heating system. They provide a complete heating system according to their requirements. The UK government provides a free-of-cost heating system by considering the following objectives.
- They want to help low-income families by providing durable heating systems. In this way, they can also enjoy a comfortable life.
- The heating systems in the central heating grants are very efficient. They consume very little fuel. In this way, they don’t result in huge energy bills.
- The third main objective of the central heating system is to reduce carbon emissions. They can do this by providing low-carbon heating systems. These include condensing and renewable heating systems.
What Things are Provided in the First-Time Central Heating Grants?
The First Time Central Heating Grants provide all the required appliances and equipment that contribute to the heating of the home. These include the following:
- Boiler
- Radiators
- Pipework
- Thermostat
- Hot water cylinder
- Flu system
- Insulation upgrades
- Magnetic filters
- Fuel Supply Equipment
This equipment varies according to the type of heating system.
Which Schemes Provide the First-Time Central Heating Grants?
The UK government provides the First Time Central Heating Grants through different schemes. These schemes include the following:
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
The ECO4 is a government scheme in which they provide different heating improvements to low-income households. The UK government collaborated with different energy companies to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Moreover, they want to decrease fuel poverty, especially for low-income households.
Warmth Home Discount Scheme
The Warmth Home Discount Scheme also provides first-time heating grants. They specifically help vulnerable homes by providing them with first-time central heating systems. They target the homes which are located in the off-grid and rural areas.
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
The Home Upgrade Grant is another government initiative which they help low-income households by providing them with heating benefits. These benefits are totally free of cost and cover a comprehensive range of heating benefits.
Some of the most common benefits of the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) are the following:
- First Time Central Heating System
- Boilers, such as the Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps, Biomass boilers, solar thermal panels, etc. They provide this service specifically to the off-grid areas.
- Smart Heat Controls
- Insulation Benefits
- Windows and Doors Benefits
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the First Time Central Heating Grants?
The schemes which are providing the First Time Central Heating Grants offer these services only to those households which are eligible for them. The eligibility criteria for the First Time Central Heating Grants are the following:
- The properties which don’t have any existing heating systems are eligible for this grant. There should be no boiler, no radiator, and no electric storage heaters. At the same time, these properties should have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating lower than D. It can be D, E, F, or G.
- Households who have an annual income lower than £31,000 are eligible for this scheme.
- At the same time, the homeowner or any of their family members should receive any of the government benefits. However, there are some ineligible government benefits. That’s why they should confirm that they are receiving the eligible government benefits, such as the following:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Jobseeker Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- The vulnerable homes can also get the First Time Central Heating Grants. For this purpose, they need the help of local authorities. The eligible vulnerabilities include the following:
- Elderly or Aged individuals
- Young Children
- Disabilities
- Diseases which are specifically related to the temperature.
- The homeowners, tenants, and social scheme owners can apply for this scheme.
How to Get the First-Time Central Heating Grants?
The households can get the First Time Central Heating Grants by following the steps given below:
- First of all, the household needs to select the scheme from which they want to get the first-time central heating grant.
- After selecting the grant, check the eligibility criteria of that scheme. You can check your eligibility by using an online eligibility checker. Moreover, you can read the eligibility factors on their website. However, if you still can’t understand their factors, you can contact the customer service team of the respective scheme. They can help you check your eligibility.
- You need to arrange a survey of your home. In this survey, a certified installer will assess your home and existing heating system.
- The installer will apply for the respective scheme on your behalf. They will fill out the application form with your cooperation and submit all the relevant documents.
- If they approve your application, the installer will start the installation of all the parts of the central heating system.
Conclusion
While installing the central heating system, you will have several options for boiler types. You have to choose the one which is most suitable for your home. You can consider the heating requirements, weather conditions, size, and other relevant factors to select the appropriate one. If you can’t select the right one due to a lack of knowledge and experience, you should get help from experienced and professional boiler installers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of properties are eligible for the First Time Central Heating scheme?
The following properties are eligible for the First Time Central Heating Grants:
- The private properties
- Social housing schemes
Which type of boilers are included in the First Time Central Heating Grants?
The types of boilers which are eligible for the First Time Central Heating Grants are the following:
- Gas boiler
- Electric boiler
- Biomass boilers
- Oil boilers
Do the First Time Central Heating Grants cover all the expenses of the installation process?
In most cases, the schemes cover all the expenses of the installation process. However, it depends upon the type of scheme and specific requirements of the property. In some cases, the homeowners need to pay due to the specific needs of the property.
