Yes, the boiler replacement scheme is a government-backed initiative under the name of the Energy Company Obligation. It is funded by major energy suppliers in the UK, obligated by the Government of the UK, and regulated by Ofgem.
But the scammers have saturated the market with fake offers, thereby making the genuine installers look suspicious. Let’s sort out fact from fraud.
How does the ECO4 scheme actually work?
ECO4 is not a giveaway program; it’s a regulatory framework. Giants in energy are compelled by law to enhance home efficiency: British Gas, E.ON, EDF, Octopus Energy, Scottish Power. In turn, they fund the installers. You pay nothing.
Here it is in detail: You do an eligibility check-postcode, income, and benefits. A qualified surveyor looks at your property-not just the boiler, but walls, loft, and heating system. TrustMark-accredited installers send off the applications to the energy companies. Your approval comes through, and installation happens-no cost to you whatsoever.
Why does this exist? Because the government calculated that fuel poverty costs more than fixing it. Cold homes mean NHS costs, carbon emissions, and wasted energy. Modern boilers solve all three.
What Gets Installed?
Most people think it’s just boilers. Wrong. ECO4 covers multiple measures depending on your property’s needs:
| Improvement | Typical Cost | Annual Saving |
| A-rated condensing boiler | £3,000–£5,000 | £300–£500 |
| Cavity wall insulation | £1,000–£2,500 | £150–£250 |
| Loft insulation (270mm) | £400–£800 | £100–£180 |
| Combined package | £4,000–£7,000 | £600–£1,000 |
The surveyor determines what you need. Sometimes it’s everything. Sometimes just the boiler. The funding covers whatever meets technical standards.
Who Qualifies?
Two criteria matter: your financial situation and your property’s efficiency rating. Both must meet thresholds.
Benefit recipients qualify automatically:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
No benefits? You can still qualify under ECO4 Flex if:
- Household income below £31,000
- Local council refers you
- You have health vulnerabilities (NHS referral)
Your property needs an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G. That’s not negotiable. The scheme targets inefficient homes, not people who already have modern systems.
Owner-occupiers and private tenants both qualify. Tenants need landlord permission in writing. Social housing tenants don’t qualify; their landlords access separate funding.
How to Spot the Scams?
Here’s where people lose money. Scammers exploit ECO4’s reputation. They look professional. They sound legitimate. They disappear with your deposit.
Trading Standards reported a 340% increase in ECO4 fraud since 2022. Average loss per victim? £3,500. Some installations caused gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Red Flags That Scream Fraud
Genuine installers never:
- Demand upfront payment, “admin fees,” or deposits
- Use aggressive cold-calling or doorstep pressure tactics
- Create artificial urgency (“offer expires today”)
- Sign you up without a free home survey first
- Refuse to provide TrustMark registration numbers
Real ECO4 companies always:
- Conduct free surveys before commitment
- Provide written documentation explaining everything
- Verify eligibility through official channels
- Show Gas Safe certification for boiler work
- Let you verify their TrustMark registration independently
Think about it logically. If energy companies fund the work, why would you pay anything? You wouldn’t. Anyone asking for money is lying.
The Verification Process
Never trust contact details provided by cold callers. Here’s how you verify legitimacy:
- Visit the official TrustMark website directly
- Search for the company’s registration number
- Confirm Gas Safe registration for boiler installers
- Check if they’re PAS 2030 certified for insulation work
- Contact your local council if uncertain
Real installers welcome verification. Scammers avoid it.
The Technical Reality
Modern condensing boilers operate fundamentally differently from old systems. Most people don’t understand why this matters financially.
Old boilers run at 180°C. New A-rated condensers run at 55°C. That’s not a minor efficiency gain; it’s a complete redesign of how heat transfers. Less energy is wasted through flue gases. More heat is directed into your radiators and water.
Combined with proper insulation, you’re not just saving money. You’re changing how your home retains thermal energy. Walls stop bleeding heat. Lofts trap warmth. Your boiler runs less frequently because the house actually stays warm.
That’s where the £600–£1,000 annual savings come from. Not magic. Physics.
Why This Helps the UK
ECO4 isn’t altruism. It’s policy economics. The government calculated that upgrading inefficient homes costs less than managing fuel poverty consequences: NHS admissions from cold-related illness, excess winter deaths, and carbon reduction penalties.
Hitting net-zero by 2050 requires residential efficiency improvements. ECO4 addresses the lowest-hanging fruit: homes that waste the most energy and house people who can’t afford upgrades.
Does it work? The programme has upgraded over 1.2 million properties since 2013 across previous ECO phases. Energy bills dropped. Carbon emissions fell. That’s measurable impact.
Ensure You Are Protecting Yourself
If you’re considering ECO4, follow this sequence exactly:
- Step 1: Only contact installers through official government sources or the TrustMark website. Never use numbers from unsolicited letters or cold calls.
- Step 2: Verify TrustMark registration independently before sharing any personal information.
- Step 3: Request a free survey and assessment. No exceptions. No commitments before this happens.
- Step 4: Get everything in writing: eligibility confirmation, work scope, timeline, warranties, and installer details.
- Step 5: Never sign on the spot. Take documentation home. Research the company. Speak to Trading Standards if uncertain.
Received an urgent letter claiming you must “register by Friday”? Scam. Real ECO4 Scheme companies don’t operate that way.
Someone called claiming they’re “from the government,” offering free boilers? Also a scam. The government doesn’t cold-call households.
Report suspicious activity to Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 03454 04 05 06.
FAQs
Is this really government-run?
Yes. ECO4 is administered by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, regulated by Ofgem, and legally mandated under energy supply licensing. It’s not commercial. It’s statutory.
Can renters get a Free Boiler Grant?
Yes, with landlord permission. The property owner must agree because the improvements become permanent fixtures. If your landlord refuses, they’re idiots; free property upgrades increase rental value.
What if the work’s poor quality?
TrustMark installers provide warranties. Work gets audited by Ofgem. You have legal recourse through both the installer’s warranty and ECO4 quality assurance frameworks. That’s why registration matters: accountability.
How much will I actually save?
£300–£500 yearly for boiler-only replacements. £600–£1,000 for comprehensive packages. Some homes save more. Depends on property size, current system, and usage patterns. Your surveyor provides specific estimates.