First-Time Central Heating Grants
If your home currently has no central heating system, or relies on a heating setup without a boiler and radiators, you may qualify for government funding to install a brand-new central heating system.
What Happens When You Apply for a Central Heating Grant?
Want to find out if you’re eligible? Here’s a simple overview of the process
1. Check Your Eligibility
Complete our quick and easy online form to see if you qualify for funding.
2. Free Home Survey
We’ll arrange a no-cost property assessment to review your current heating situation.
3. Schedule Installation
Our certified engineers will install your new central heating system free of cost.
4. Enjoy a Warmer Home
Experience improved comfort, better energy efficiency, and a higher EPC rating.
Access Government-Funded Central Heating Support
If your property has never had a central heating system, you may qualify for a First-Time Central Heating grant under the government-backed gap scheme. This initiative is designed to help eligible households install efficient heating systems for the first time — lowering energy costs and creating warmer, more comfortable homes.
Many older UK properties still rely on inefficient electric heaters, single-room heating, or have no fixed heating system at all. Through the grant scheme, qualifying households can receive a fully funded central heating installation, which may include an energy-efficient A-rated boiler, radiators, pipework, and heating controls.
These grants are available to eligible homeowners, private landlords, and tenants (with landlord permission), subject to criteria such as EPC rating and household income. At Gap Project, we guide you through the process from eligibility check to professional installation, making the upgrade simple and stress-free.
What Are First-Time Central Heating Grants?
First-Time Central Heating Grants are available through the government-backed gap scheme, which aims to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in homes across the UK. The scheme provides funding for the installation of a complete central heating system in properties that have never had one before.
This support is particularly beneficial for households currently relying on outdated or inefficient heating methods, such as electric storage heaters, gas fires, or solid fuel systems. Installing a modern central heating system can significantly reduce energy consumption, lower monthly heating costs, and greatly improve overall home comfort.
By upgrading to an energy-efficient system, homeowners and eligible tenants can also reduce carbon emissions, enhance their property’s EPC rating, and contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
What Are the Benefits of First-Time Central Heating?
- Lower your energy bills with a modern, energy-efficient heating system
- Enjoy a warmer, more comfortable, and healthier home environment
- Improve your property’s EPC rating and overall value
- Move away from costly and inefficient heating methods
- Take advantage of available grants with little or no upfront cost
How do I qualify?
If your home does not have a central heating system — or uses a heating setup without a boiler and radiators — you may qualify for the grant. Below is a list of heating types that could make you eligible:
- Electric room heaters, including direct-acting heaters, fan heaters, or older/inefficient storage heaters
- Fixed mains gas room heaters
- Gas fires with a back boiler
- Solid fuel fires with a back boiler
- Electric underfloor or ceiling heating (not connected to an electric boiler)
- Bottled LPG room heaters
- Solid fuel room heaters (e.g. coal)
- Wood or biomass room heating
- Oil-fired room heaters
- Properties with no fixed heating system installed
To qualify for central heating funding under the gap scheme, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your property must never have had a central heating system installed.
- Your home must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G.
- You must be a homeowner, private landlord, or private tenant (tenants require landlord permission).
- You must receive eligible income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Pension Credit.
- Alternatively, you may qualify through the ECO Flex scheme if your household income is £31,000 or less, or if referred by your local authority.
Eligibility for a First-Time Central Heating Grant does not depend on your property type, the number of bedrooms, or how many people live in the home.