If not, then there could be a way of getting home energy-efficiency improvements if you act now. Here’s how you can claim a free boiler this winter and save yourself thousands of pounds.

Under the Government's Eco Grant Scheme, eligible homeowners can have new eco-friendly boilers for absolutely nothing. Not only is it free, but you can save money on your energy bills.

First Choice Energy Ltd, which is based in Dafen Industrial Park, Llanelli, is a certified ECO3 installer and is encouraging people to take advantage of the scheme which ends at the end of March 2022.

South Wales Argus:

Director Aaron Davies said: "Sadly there are many people who are still unaware of the scheme or do not think they will qualify. The process is really quick and simple. If you are eligible you could have a new boiler which will reduce your energy bills."

Am I eligible?

If you are a homeowner who is receiving benefits, it’s likely there will be a grant available for you to receive a new eco-friendly gas boiler. Not only is this completely free, but you’ll be saving money off your energy bills.

"At First Choice Energy we are passionate about creating a more sustainable world by improving energy systems for homeowners," said Aaron.

"We’re extremely proud to be certified ECO3 installers helping UK residents live in a more energy-efficient home. All whilst making our environment more sustainable and eco-friendly. We ask customers to fill in an eligibility questionnaire, and our team will discuss the best options for you. We install energy-efficient boilers, which will help you save money on your energy bills whilst achieving our goal to reduce carbon emissions in the UK."

Check your eligibility and start the simple process by clicking here

South Wales Argus:

Who is First Choice Energy Limited?

First Choice Energy Limited is based in Dafen Industrial Park, Llanelli.

It is passionate about creating a more sustainable world by improving energy systems for homeowners in Wales and is extremely proud to be certified ECO3 installers helping residents live in more energy-efficient homes - while making our environment more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Director Aaron Davies took on the business from his father, who has been in the trade for nearly 15 years and is still very much hands-on with the team.

First Choice Energy Limited is a registered on the Gas Safe Registered Engineers list, it is endorsed by Trustmark Government Endorsed Quality and is Blue Flame approved.

What benefits are considered?

Eligibility for a free boiler grant will depend on several factors. Firstly, a permanent resident within the property needs to be in receipt of one of the following benefits, such as:

  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Child Benefit
  • Constant Attendance Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Pension Guarantee Credit
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income Support
  • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
  • Mobility Supplement
  • Personal Independence Payment
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • Tax Credits (Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits)
  • Universal Credit

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What is EC0 3 Funding?

The Energy Company Obligation or ECO is the name given to the UK Government's programme to make houses more energy efficient on a nationwide basis.

The current ECO scheme, ECO3, is scheduled to run until 31 March 2022 and is focused exclusively on lower-income households, a wide range of benefit recipients qualify for improvements in their home's energy efficiency, with measures including new heating systems and boiler upgrades, external insulation, internal insulation and loft insulation as well as double glazing and more.

What does the process involve?

First, fill in the Grant Eligibility Survey to see if you qualify for the free boiler. Providing you are eligible, the team at First Choice Energy Ltd will speak to you on the phone and then come out and survey your home. This will include things like measuring your floor space, checking the thermostats on your radiators, identifying the brand and model of your current gas boiler and asking some general questions regarding your property. A survey generally takes no longer than an hour.

When it’s time to install a new boiler, your previous boiler will be replaced with a new gas-fired condensing boiler and the floor insulation will be fitted by a carpenter. Although the process sounds messy and time-consuming, on average it takes no longer than a day. And of course, the cost to install the boiler and install the floor insulation is covered by the grant.

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Will I need to pay any contributions?

Householders that are eligible for free boiler grants have no obligation to pay back any installments. Plus there are no terms and conditions to be met other than the basic qualifying criteria.

Why do I need a new boiler?

Your boiler may be on its way out, or not working properly, so now is the time to act. With energy bills more expensive than ever, your boiler needs to be heating your home for the lowest possible cost. A boiler installed around 10 years ago will most likely be around 65-80% efficient. So, by upgrading this old boiler to a new one, the carbon savings will be significant enough to warrant the cost and therefore will qualify under the free boiler scheme.

Boilers installed in the UK are required to be condensing boilers. These are far more efficient than traditional boilers as they release gas at just 55 degrees Celsius (rather than 180 degrees), therefore requiring less energy to generate the same amount of heat.

What happens if I am not eligible?

The team at First Choice Energy may be able to help you with other grant schemes or offer advice and guidance on how to help with any problems you could face.

For more information visit First Choice Energy Ltd or email: Firstchoiceenergylimited@gmail.com