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Free insulation and boiler grants

Free insulation and boiler grants

Including 'free' £1,000+ cavity wall & roof insulation

Martin Lewis
Martin Lewis | Edited by Steve Nowottny
Updated Monthly

There are freebies on offer from energy providers if your home qualifies, from new loft and cavity wall insulation to boiler grants.

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What can you get?

£1,000s in grants and freebies are available under what's known as the Energy Company Obligations (ECO) scheme. It's only available to people who get certain benefits and have an income of £16,190 or less. Many big energy providers are giving away:

  • Boilers. A grant toward the cost of replacing an old or broken boiler, which can cost up to £2,500 – full info on boilers.

Which suppliers are offering grants and freebies?

Energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers are required to offer energy efficient home improvements under the ECO scheme. However, the number of measures they'll install depends on their market share, so smaller suppliers will generally have very limited availability.

Suppliers that are part of the scheme include all the big names, including British Gas, E.on, EDF Energy, Scottish Power, SSE and Ovo, as well medium-sized providers such as Avro Energy, Bulb, Octopus Energy, Shell  Energy, Utility Warehouse and Utilita. For the full list, including contact details see Ofgem's website.

Quick questions

  • Why do energy providers do this?

    Large and medium-sized providers have obligations to pump money into making homes more efficient, especially for tough-to-reach groups. If they miss targets, they get big fines.

    It sometimes doesn't matter which company you're signed up to, either. This isn't just about suppliers helping their own customers – these supplier just need to put money into the system.

  • What options are there in Northern Ireland?

    Some offers below aren't available if you live in Northern Ireland. But you may be able to get free insulation and other freebies through other schemes. For more, see Energy Saving Trust's advice on grants and support for Northern Ireland.

  • I rent my property – can I get the freebies?

    It depends on which scheme you're applying to, so do check. But normally you'll be allowed, with the landlord's permission.

    If you live in flats, you should still be able to install free home improvements, but you may have to get it installed for the whole block, which means getting agreement from all your neighbours.

Boiler grants

A new boiler typically costs £2,500, according to the Energy Saving Trust, but some householders can get a grant that can slash this to just £200-£400, or even get one installed for free.

Who can get a boiler grant?

It's likely you will qualify if:

  • You own your own home (or, in some cases, rent from a private landlord) AND...

  • Someone living at the property qualifies for certain benefits, such as pension credit, universal credit, child benefit (subject to income limit), carer's allowance and disability living allowance. See the full list of qualifying benefits.

Which firms offer boiler grants?

Suppliers that must offer this include all the big names, such as British Gas, EDF Energy, E.on, Scottish Power, SSE and Ovo, as well as medium-sized providers such as Bulb, Octopus Energy, Shell Energy, Utility Warehouse and Utilita. See Ofgem's full list and contact details for the firms.

How do I get a boiler grant?

Unfortunately, applying isn't that simple as most suppliers don't let you apply online. 

  • What kind of boiler do you need to have?

    You need to have a broken or inefficient boiler that is at least five years old. If you've a new-ish, working A- or B- rated boiler, you probably won't qualify.

    This is decided on a case-by-case basis through a free inspection. It's based on a number of factors, including the boiler's efficiency, age and condition.

    The energy companies will usually just replace gas boilers, not oil. If you don't have a boiler already, you can't get a new system installed.

  • How long will it take?

    The energy companies say it typically takes four to 12 weeks from when you first apply to get the boiler installed. Fitting the boiler usually takes from a few days to a week, though it varies depending on property.

  • What's included with the grant?

    The offer usually includes fitting, though there may be an extra cost if an engineer needs to carry out extra work – for example, if you need new or additional pipe work. You should be told about this beforehand.

  • Can you still get if you rent or you're a council tenant?

    If you rent privately, you can still get a boiler grant – though you should speak to your landlord first to obtain their permission.

    You won't be able to get a boiler grant if you live in a housing association property or are a council tenant. Instead, this will be arranged through their own schemes.

Free loft and cavity wall insulation

Cavity wall and loft insulation is worth up to £1,000 and can slice up to £570/year off energy bills. Energy firms are offering it for free, as long as you own your home and meet their eligibility criteria – but make sure it's right for your home first.

What exactly is loft and cavity wall insulation?

  • Cavity wall insulation. Most homes built between 1920 and 1990 have a gap between internal and external walls. Filling the cavity with insulating material means cold air's kept out, and warm air stays in – but it's not suitable for all.

  • Loft insulation. Up to a quarter of your home's heat escapes through the roof, but you can limit this by laying mineral wool under the rafters.

Cavity wall insulation ISN'T right for everyone

Installed properly and in appropriate properties, cavity wall insulation can improve energy efficiency and cut home heating bills. Yet there has been a catalogue of horror stories of major damp and mould problems emerging after installation – with claims it's cost some £1,000s to fix, and even impacted their health.

If you're considering cavity wall insulation, it's vital to first check that it's suitable for your home.

Quick questions

  • What's the problem?

    A 2016 report by the Building Research Establishment looking at cavity wall insulation in Wales – where many problems have been reported – concluded there is evidence it's been poorly installed, or installed in unsuitable properties in some cases.

    Problems seem to be concentrated on the west side of the country, including in south-west England, west Wales, north-west England and north-west Scotland. These areas are known to be particularly unsuitable for cavity wall insulation because of severe exposure to 'wind-driven rain'.

  • How can I check if cavity wall insulation is right for my home?

    First check whether the area you're in is deemed high risk. The map below from the Building Research Establishment shows the areas that are most at risk of 'wind-driven rain' in blue and dark blue.

    The areas in the UK most at risk of 'wind-driven rain' are roughly most of Wales and Northern Ireland, and if you were to draw a line down the middle of the UK, most places to the west of that line

    According to the Energy Saving Trust, if you're in one of these problem areas, it's likely your home isn't suitable for cavity wall insulation.

    It's not just about location though – you should also check that your property itself is suitable. The Energy Saving Trust says it'll usually be suitable for cavity wall insulation if:

    • Its external walls are unfilled cavity walls.
    • The cavity is at least 50mm wide.
    • The masonry or brickwork of your property is in good condition.
    • It was built before 1990 (most newer houses will have insulation already).

    If you do want to get ahead with cavity wall insulation, make sure your installer is registered with the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA).

    Finally, if you're still unsure, get a second opinion from another installer. Don't proceed unless you're sure it's right for your home.

  • What can I do if I have problems with my insulation?

    If you do experience problems with your home after cavity wall insulation is installed, you should first complain to the company that originally carried out the installation.

    However, if it was a while ago you may find it no longer exists. If that's the case – or if it does exist but isn't able to give you a satisfactory resolution within 41 working days – you can contact the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA).

    It will investigate your complaint free of charge – all cavity wall insulation fitted by registered installers is covered by a 25-year guarantee overseen by CIGA, so if it finds in your favour it can help cover the cost of any repairs or any other needed work up to a value of £20,000.

    If CIGA fails to help, or you disagree with its decision (and some have reported problems), you can escalate your case to an independent arbitrator run by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution.

    You've 12 months from the date CIGA issues its final decision to take it to the independent arbitrator. However, you'll need to pay £25 plus VAT to refer your case, and all decisions are final and legally binding.

    The Cavity Insulation Victims' Alliance (CIVALLI), a volunteer-led organisation set up by people who have had major problems with cavity wall insulation, may also be able to help. It provides plenty of information and guidance on what to do if you have had issues, and can help people fight their case.

  • Why has cavity wall insulation been installed inappropriately?

    Though there's been no official verdict on how and why some cavity wall insulation has been installed inappropriately, some have blamed Government energy efficiency targets and the money made available to installers by energy companies – who could be fined if they fail to meet those targets.

    This may have led some installers to push insulation where it may not have been suitable.

Who qualifies for free insulation?

It's likely you will qualify if:

  • You own your own home (or, in some cases, rent from a private landlord) AND...

  • Someone living at the property qualifies for certain benefits, such as pension credit, universal credit, child benefit (subject to income limits), carer's allowance and disability living allowance. See the full list of qualifying benefits.

Which firms offer free insulation?

Suppliers that must offer this include all the big names, such as British Gas, EDF Energy, E.on, Scottish Power, SSE and Ovo, as well as medium-sized providers such as Bulb, Octopus Energy, Shell Energy, Utility Warehouse and Utilita. See Ofgem's full list and contact details for the firms.

How do I apply for the free insulation? 

Unfortunately, most suppliers don't let you apply online, so applying isn't that simple. 

  • First, check that you qualify. Use the Simple Energy Advice eligibility calculator if you're in England or Wales, or Home Energy Scotland for those in Scotland.

  • Contact a supplier and book a survey. You can then contact any participating supplier to check what it's offering in your area (you don't have to go to your supplier – any participating firm can help, depending on availability).

    You'll likely have to call the supplier to find out its exact application process as only E.on lets you apply online. You'll then be able to book a survey to assess if your home is suitable. The work should be free, but if the installation is particularly complex, you will be told if there's likely to be a cost and can choose not to go ahead. 

How much can I save with insulation?

The Energy Saving Trust reckons cavity wall insulation typically costs up to £610 to install (including building work), and can save between £75 and £255 a year on your energy bills, depending on your home. Loft insulation costs up to £395 and can save between £125 and £315 a year.

Quick questions

  • Could I be rejected?

    You usually won't qualify if...

    • You live in a flat and can't coordinate with all other tenants.

    • Your home is timber or metal framed, or made from natural stone or concrete.

    • Your home has damp problems – the Energy Saving Trust says you should sort these out first.

    You also may not be able to get it if you live in a housing association property or are a council tenant. The idea is they can arrange to install it for you through their own schemes.

  • I don't qualify for free insulation, how can I get it cheaply?

    If you don't qualify for the schemes above, look for an installer on the National Insulation Association website. 

    The DIY route could work out cheaper for loft insulation, at about £150. For more help, Homebuilding magazine has a handy step-by-step guide to insulating your loft.

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Our top thrifty heat-saving tips

On top of the help available above, there are sensible changes you can make which can save you large, from homemade draught excluders to insulating your chimney. Here's some of the top thrifty ways to keep your home toasty and your bills low:

  • Make your own sausage dog draught excluder. Draught excluders stop heat escaping in gaps between the door and the floor. If you're a creative type, you can make your own sausage dog draught excluder from an old pair of woolly tights filled with some stuffing or old socks.

  • Try a chimney sheep to reduce draughts. If you've an open, uninsulated chimney, you could be losing money on wasted heat. Chimney Sheep is a wool draught excluder, starting at £16. It's made from felted sheep wool, so it's naturally breathable and allows moisture to pass through. Be fire aware though – make sure there's nothing blocking your chimney if you're planning to use it.

    Another option is a chimney balloon, which is an inflatable 'pillow' that can block your chimney. You can pick them up from DIY shops for around £15.

  • Line your curtains with cheap fleece. Chunky window-wear, especially lined and insulated, will keep the warmth in. If you're on a budget, line curtains yourself with cheap fleece blankets (from about £2 at places such as Ikea and Asda) – but remember to check it's fire retardant.

More top tips:

  • Keep doors closed

    It's better to keep doors closed for the area you want heated. Radiators, electric panel heaters and convection heaters all work by creating a convection current in a room. As hot air rises, it circles around to the other side of the room, cools and sinks, and travels back along the floor to the heater to be reheated again.

  • Put shelves above radiators

    Even if you're not handy with DIY and your shelving slopes like a ski resort, a well-placed ledge can help. Putting a shelf above a radiator helps prevent the heat rising, especially if you have high ceilings, keeping the warmth closer to the ground.

    However, don't put any shelving directly on top of a radiator, which will trap the heat rather than channelling it around the room.

  • Put reflective panels behind radiators

    Most heat is lost through external walls. Radiator reflector panels bounce heat back into the room rather than let it pass through external walls. The Energy Saving Trust says homes with uninsulated walls will get the most benefit.

  • Prepare for winter with our Forumites' top tips

    For more tips, join the Old Style forum board's Prepare for winter thread and our Energy mythbusting guide.

    If you use heating oil to heat your home, you can save, too – follow the simple steps in our Heating oil comparison guide.

Other ways to cut your energy bill

Here are five energy-saving basics to keep your costs down:

  • 1. Switch your energy supplier to a cheaper deal

    Switching your energy is the best way to cut your energy costs – especially if you're on a standard tariff as most could still save over £200/year switching to the cheapest energy deal.

    Use our Cheap Energy Club to find your best deal. Plus, there's up to £25 cashback if you switch via Cheap Energy Club.

    Or, if you find switching confusing, we can help you through it with our new MSE Pick Me A Tariff tools. Simply tell us your preferences and we'll find your winner from the whole market – perfect for those unsure or nervous about switching. 

    It's the same gas, the same electricity, the same safety. All that changes is the customer service and the price you pay. For more on this, see our Cheap gas & electricity guide.

  • 2. See if a smart thermostat can help cut down you heating costs

    Smart thermostats can also help some save on their energy bills. These gadgets give you greater control over your home's heating, letting you adjust it on the move via a mobile app or online, and set more complicated heating schedules than your traditional thermostat.

    They can be pricey though, so see the Smart thermostats guide to check if they're right for you.

  • 3. Pay for your energy by monthly direct debit

    Fixed monthly direct debit payments – where you pay a fixed estimate each month – save you 5%-10%, as companies are sure you won't default and they earn interest on any overpayments. These should be refunded at the end of the year.

    See Energy Direct Debits Help for more info.

  • 4. Take a meter reading each month

    Every time you receive a bill, do a meter reading. Don't rely on your energy provider's estimate, these are often way out. If they're underbilling, you'll have a big whack to pay when they get an actual reading. If they're overbilling, then they've unfairly got your cash.

    If your direct debit is way off-kilter, call up and request for it to be changed. You have a range of rights to ensure it's correct. See our full Energy direct debits guide for more help.

    You can also check with your supplier to see if you can get a free smart meter, which sends automatic meter readings to your supplier – so no more estimated bills. For more, see our Smart meters guide.

  • 5. If you have prepayment meters, switch to a billed meter if possible

    While a push from the Government means it's getting better, those on prepayment meters are still pretty hard done by compared with those who pay by direct debit. If possible, switch to a billed meter. You may have to pay for one, but the savings are usually worth it.

    Often, firms won't let you switch meters because of credit score or income difficulties. For full info on how to ditch a prepayment meter for a credit meter – or, if you can't, how to save on a prepay meter – see the full Cheap prepaid gas & electricity guide.

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