Free heating grants with PTS Energy Solutions

Free heating grants from PTS Energy Solutions

PTS Energy Solutions could provide you with a free heating grant though the ECO4 scheme to upgrade your boiler to a high-efficiency A-rated boiler or Air Source Heat Pump.

The grants available under ECO4 depend on whether you are a homeowner or tenant of your property and are subject to you, or someone in your household receiving an eligible benefit or qualifying through the Flex route. Details of these criteria are further down this page.

Mains gas boiler upgrades

If your boiler was installed before 2005 then there is a good chance that your boiler is a non-condensing boiler. This means that your boiler is considered inefficient and is eligible for an upgrade. Some tips on how to tell if you have a non-condensing boiler are given below.

As part of the ECO4 scheme we will also upgrade the insulation in your home before installing your new boiler if:

I rent my home. Do I qualify?

Whilst we cannot upgrade your boiler with another gas boiler, we can change you over to a very high efficiency, environmentally friendly air source heat pump.

Mains gas back boiler upgrades for homeowners

Back boilers were once extremely popular as they could be fitted within the existing chimney breast but are no longer available.

Apart from a very small number of condensing back boilers manufactured after 2010, all back boilers are non-condensing. These qualify for a free replacement under the ECO4 scheme, subject to the qualification criteria shown below.

As with a standard gas boiler, before installing a new, high efficiency boiler we will ensure that the insulation in your home meets the criteria below. If it doesn’t we will install it for you before your boiler is installed.

I rent my home. Do I qualify?

Whilst we cannot upgrade your boiler with another gas boiler, we can change you over to a very high efficiency, environmentally friendly air source heat pump.

How do I know if my boiler is condensing or non-condensing?

LPG, Oil and solid fuel boiler upgrades for all

As part of the governments commitment to net-zero by 2050, ECO4 provides qualifying households with the opportunity to receive an Air Source Heat Pump alongside insulation. Unlike previous schemes, it is no longer possible to directly replace a boiler using LPG, Oil or Solid Fuel.

If your boiler uses LPG from either bottles or a bulk tank, Oil or Solid Fuel we can instead upgrade your heating to an Air Source Heat Pump.

Air Source Heat Pumps are very efficient but work best when your home is well insulated. As part of the ECO4 scheme we will also upgrade the insulation in your home before installing your new Air Source Heat Pump if:

Available for Homeowners and Tenants

Upgrades from LPG, Oil and solid fuel to Air Source Heat Pump upgrades are available whether you are a homeowner or a tenant. To receive an upgrade you must be in receipt of one of the benefits shown below or qualify through the ECO Flex scheme (if available in your area).

First Time Central Heating for all

If your home has never had a central heating system you could qualify for a First Time Central Heating grant under the ECO4 scheme.

To qualify you, or someone in your household, must be in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits listed below or qualify under the ECO Flex scheme (if available in your area)

Will I receive a boiler or Air Source Heat Pump?

If your home had a mains gas connection, which in use before 1st April 2022, we will be able to install gas central heating for you. Examples include if you cook using gas, have gas room heaters or a warm air gas heating system.

However, if you do not have mains gas, you will receive an Air Source Heat Pump which is one of the most efficient forms of heating available.

Insulation before First Time Central Heating

When installing First Time Central Heating – whether by a Gas Boiler or an Air Source Heat Pump, it is important to ensure that the heat which is being produced stays within the home.

As part of the ECO4 scheme we will also upgrade the insulation in your home before installing your new boiler if:

Do I qualify for a free heating grant?

To qualify for a free heating grant, you (or your tenant if you are a landlord apply for an Air Source Heat Pump or First Time Central Heating), must be in receipt of one of the benefits listed below:

I’m not receiving one of these benefits, can I be helped?

Up to 50% of energy efficiency measures installed in England, Wales and Scotland can be completed through the ECO4 Flex scheme and is for households whose combined gross income is below £31,000 per year or if you have certain health conditions which would make you vulnerable to the cold.

The ECO4 Flex scheme is administered by Local Authorities who are responsible for rolling it out in your area and they will verify your income or health eligibility. It is rolling out slowly and is expected to be fully live by April 2023.

We will check as part of your application if your area is now open for applications.

Are there any other criteria?

As well as being in receipt of a qualifying benefit or qualify through the Flex route (more on that below), your home must also be in one of the lower energy efficiency bands as follows:

• Owner Occupier: Your home must be in an EPC Band D, E, F or G
• Rented Property: Your home must be in an EPC Band E, F, or G
• Social Housing: Your home must be in an EPC Band E, F or G although there are some measures available if you are in a Band D property

I don’t know my EPC band

Don’t worry, if you don’t know your EPC band we can check it for you very quickly or you can visit the GOV.UK website which keeps a central register by clicking here.

If your home doesn’t have an EPC one will be completed as part of the application process for free.

I’m a Landlord, can I get any help?

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came in to effect in April 2018 and means that all rented properties must now have a minimum energy efficiency rating of band ‘E’ unless exempted.

However, from 2025, all properties rented on new tenancies must meet a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band ‘C’ and properties with existing tenants must be brought up to this standard by 2028. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £30,000.

These changes are in line with the Government’s net zero emissions by 2050 targets and will also apply to properties which are being sold from 2035.

How can we help?

If your tenant is receiving one of the benefits listed above your property will be eligible for a grant to improve your property and receive either an Air Source Heat Pump (if your property has a non-condensing boiler) or First Time Central Heating.

In fact, the ECO4 scheme says that all Band ‘E’ rated properties must reach a minimum Band ‘C’ after installation of energy efficiency measures.