If your boiler is well past its best it’s just possible that you might qualify for a free heat only boiler under a Government backed scheme. Under the ECO Scheme, the Government is helping UK households replace their aged boiler with more efficient cost effective boilers as part of its commitment to carbon footprint reduction targets.

The Scheme applies to different types of boiler, including heat only boilers, so if you are eligible you may be in line for a grant to replace your old inefficient boiler with an energy efficient one. Receiving a grant for a heat only boiler will be better both for the environment and for your future energy bill costs. 

If you are looking to see if you are eligible for a grant for a heat only boiler, read on to discover some of the features and benefits of having a new heat only boiler in your home…

What is a heat only boiler?

Heat only boilers are also known regular or conventional boilers.The system usually requires two tanks in the loft and a hot water cylinder to run effectively.

Installing a heat-only boiler is usually straightforward when they are being added to an existing system. They are easy to use and usually require you to remember to turn the hot water on in advance of needing to use it.

Main features of heat only/conventional boilers:

• Usually relatively easy to install
• Compact in size
• Allow you use more than one hot water tap at the same time
• Can replace any existing heat-only boiler

Who should use a heat only boiler?

Heat only boilers are better suited to homes that have a big demand for water. If your household requires the use of multiple taps and bathrooms using hot water at the same time, plus a large number of radiators, this is an ideal solution. Conventional boilers can also be a good choice in areas where water pressure is low.

A heat only boiler  is often the right choice if you are looking to replace a boiler of the same style or if you have an older radiator system which may not be able to cope with the pressure delivered by alternative systems such as combi or systems boilers. Choosing a heat only boiler will avoid changes to the pipework and heating system that otherwise might be required.

What are the pros and cons of using a heat only boiler?

Heat only boilers have some advantages over other types of boilers, which makes them the best option for some, although not all, homes. The benefits of heat only boilers include the following:

Pros

• Most suited to busy households where hot water is needed is several rooms at the same time
• Can run multiple appliance and taps at  the same time without falls in temperature or pressure
• Often the best option for an older property with an old heating system 
• Usually do not require major pipework changes when used a replacement for a traditional heating systems

Cons

• Requires two tanks in the loft and a hot water cylinder to run effectively
• Doesn’’t provide hot water on demand, so you have to wait for the water to heat up
  
• Less energy efficient than combi boilers because heat is lost over time from the hot water cylinder if the water is not used

How does a heat only boiler work?

A conventional or heat only boiler system requires two tanks in the loft. The first is the cold water tank and draws water from the mains supply which is heated in the hot water cylinder to supply the taps and shower. 

The second tank, also known as a feed or expansion tank, brings in cold water to maintain the water levels within the central heating. This tank can also be used for storage should the system heat up too much water.

Are heat only boilers efficient?

Heat only boilers may not be quite as efficient as combi boilers as they require the whole tank to be heated, even if only a small amount of water is required. This heat can be lost over time if the water is not used.

However, if you are looking to replace an old heat only boiler, it goes without saying that a new one will be significantly more energy efficient than your older one. Often the choice of boiler may be taken out of your hands depending on your existing set up, and it is often the case that replacing an existing heat only boiler with a new, more efficient model of heat only boiler is the only realistic cost-effective option.

How much could a new heat only boiler save me?

A new heat only boiler is bound to work more much efficiently than any system that you currently have in your home. Estimates vary, but it is possible that the installation of a new A-rated heat only boiler could bring you savings of up to £300 a year. 

What brands of boiler could I have installed if I’m eligible for a free heat only boiler grant?

We focus on providing two main boiler brands – Baxi and Worcester Bosch – which we believe are best suited to the needs of our customers. Both come with excellent warranties providing you with peace of mind with your new boiler installation. If you qualify for a grant for a heat only boiler, we will help you determine which boiler is best suited to your home based on your current set up and requirements.

What size heat only boiler do I need?

Heat only boilers usually vary in size from 24-42 kW. You can get a good idea of the boiler you might require by looking at the kilowatts size of your current boiler. However, we will be able to best advise you after we have considered a number of factors including number of people living at your home, the type of building it is, how insulated it is, number of radiators, bathrooms etc.

Find out if you’re eligible today

If the idea of a new heat boiler appeals to you, find out if you are eligible for a Free Heat Only Boiler Grant today. Even if you find you are not eligible, we can still assist in finding you a new boiler at a highly competitive price.

Grants for heat only boilers could be available to you if you: 

• Receive income related benefits
• Are a UK homeowner 
• Your boiler is 7+ years old?

Stop wasting money on your heating bills, do your bit for the environment, and check today to see if a grant for a heat only boiler is open to you.