"Eco4", free new boiler etc etc. What's the catch.

May 24, 2024 Last reply: 2 years ago 5 Replies

Of late my FB has been flooded with sponsored ads from various outfits all promising a free boiler "if you qualify".



Plus at least 2 doorsteppers this week who caught SWMBO and tried to get her to "have a survey" insisting that she would qualify. However they don't inspire confidence with their free "@gmail.com" email addresses



After a little digging it seems there is an "Eco4" scheme which is where HMG have pressed energy companies into "doing something". In this case a load of initiatives for people on certain benefits.



SWMBO is on ESA (support group) and receives full-fat PIP. Apparently the ESA qualifies.



Has anyone been through this ? I have a deep instinctive mistrust of tradesmen in general and in particular when the overall deal looks as dodgy as this.



Our boiler is 22 years old, so well due replacing. We should have cavity and loft insulation, but I guess you can never have too much.


It seems a consequence of initiatives, where the money tap is turned on and off according to the wind.

If it was a consistent government policy we wouldn't have these fly by night enterprises that disappear as quickly as they come.

A friend of mine was "accosted" in a weak moment a couple of years back. Despite not being in need (ie he has house, pension, funds to spare) the form was filled in such as he got a free boiler replacement. I think it might have been linked to a council scheme but the suspicion was that certain targets had to be shown to be met.

Also be aware that some firms will install the boiler on a gable end inside a loft. If you haven't got a gable end they find all sorts of excuses to say no.

Well they are promising to replace the boiler where it is.

It'd probably have to be a non-condensing type I think - I applied and didn't get anywhere because my 17 year old boiler is condensing. Just.

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