First Time Central Heating
Yorkshire Energy Solutions Ltd provides advice on First Time Central Heating Grants available under the UK Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. This programme aims to help households reduce energy consumption and cut carbon emissions by making energy-efficient solutions more affordable and easier to access.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for First Time Central Heating Grants, you must meet the following criteria:
You must either own your home or rent it privately.
The property must never have had a central heating system installed before.
The new heating system must use a boiler connected to radiators to provide space heating.
Eligibility is based on the main heating system shown on the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
The property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G (note: some higher-rated D properties may not qualify).
Homes that are council-owned, housing association properties, or shared ownership are not eligible.
Why Central Heating Makes Your Home Warmer, Greener, and More Efficient
Installing a central heating system brings multiple benefits to your household:
Enhanced comfort – Keep your home warm and welcoming all year round, with the flexibility to adjust the temperature in each room to match your preferences.
Improved energy efficiency – Modern systems are built to maximize energy use, helping you cut down on heating expenses.
Safer, healthier living – Central heating supports better indoor air quality and reduces risks such as carbon monoxide exposure, ensuring a healthier environment for your family.
Eligible Heating Systems
Your property must either have no current heating system or be using one of the following types:
Electric room heaters (e.g., direct-acting heaters, fan heaters, or older electric storage heaters)
Fixed mains gas room heaters
Gas fire with a back boiler
Solid fuel fire with a back boiler
Mains gas warm air heating
Electric underfloor or ceiling heating (not linked to an electric boiler)
Bottled LPG room heaters
Solid fuel room heaters
Wood or biomass room heaters
Oil-fuelled room heaters
Under ECO Flex rules, local councils can confirm a household’s eligibility for a grant even if no qualifying benefits are being claimed. There are four different ways to qualify through ECO Flex, but each must be approved by your local authority first.
Approved Benefits or ECO Flex
To qualify for a First Time Central Heating Grant, you or a permanent member of your household must be receiving at least one of the following state benefits, tax credits, or allowances — unless you are eligible under the ECO Flex Rules:
Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit
Pension Credit – Savings Credit
Universal Credit
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
Income Support
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Child Benefit (subject to maximum household income limits)
Housing Benefit
Home Insulation Solutions
To qualify for First Time Central Heating Grants, your home must have adequate loft insulation and, if relevant, cavity wall insulation. If these are not already in place when you apply, the installer of your central heating system can usually arrange to have them installed as part of the process.
ECO4 Scheme Updates
A major difference between ECO3 (which ended on 31/03/2022) and ECO4 (which started on 01/04/2022) is the requirement for First Time Central Heating grants for mains gas systems. To qualify, the property must have been connected to the mains gas supply before 31st March 2022. Homes without a gas connection before this date may still be eligible for a grant to install an air source heat pump.
Why Yorkshire Energy Solutions Ltd?
As loft insulation specialists, we’ve supported thousands of homeowners simply by improving insulation levels in their lofts.
Our in-house installers are fully qualified, highly experienced, and bring expertise we take great pride in.
Every loft insulation project we carry out includes:
- 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee
- 2-year workmanship warranty
- TrustMark certificate for the lifetime of the installation
