Grant Schemes Available with Aura Heating

Grant Schemes

If you’re looking to heat your home in the most affordable and economical way possible, it’s important to know about the grants and schemes you might be eligible for. From boiler upgrade schemes that can repair or replace a broken boiler to heating tune ups designed to modernise existing systems, help is available to those who need it. There are even opportunities to upgrade to an air source heat pump for reduced carbon consumption. Here, we talk you through the grant schemes available with Aura Heating.

LEAP Boiler Scheme

The LEAP Boiler Scheme offers assistance to fuel poor or vulnerable households to repair or replace broken or condemned boilers. Qualifying residents will need to be identified as being in fuel poverty or a fuel poverty risk group and referred for the LEAP scheme. They must also:

• Have their own home
• Use gas central heating as their primary heat source
• Have at least one resident that’s over 65, under the compulsory school age, or suffering from significant health problems or a disability.
• Be in a ‘no heat’ situation with a broken boiler
• Have access to no other suitable emergency funding

The LEAP Boiler Scheme is currently closed in England and Wales but remains open in Scotland. You can find out more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply by visiting the scheme’s website.

Heating System Tune Up (HST)

A Heating Tune Up is a comprehensive inspection and maintenance procedure designed to improve the longevity of your heating system. It can prevent boiler breakdowns and may also include updates and modernisations to make the entire system more efficient. A HST includes the provision for an annual service, new heating controls, smart thermostatic radiator valves and (where necessary) a new hot water cylinder.

The benefits of a HST are plentiful. For example, it can:

• Lower costs and improve efficiency
• Eliminate breakdowns and periods of no heat
• Prevent carbon monoxide leaks
• Lower your carbon footprint
• Improve air quality

Here at Aura Heating, our expert heating engineers will carry out your HST, ensuring your system is running safely and efficiently. Contact us today to arrange an appointment.

Home Upgrade Grants (HUG)

The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) is available in England and is designed to make your home more energy efficient, saving you money in the long-run. It is available until March 2025 and can be used to install efficiency upgrades such as insulation, as well as low carbon heating where necessary.

You may be eligible if you’re a homeowner, do not use a gas boiler as your main heating system or have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of D,E,F or G. You will also need to have a household income of less than £36,000 a year or live in a very specific area where income doesn’t count. Those on benefits such as Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support may also be able to claim funding. If you’re eligible, the local council will survey your home to see what improvements can be made.

Homeowners living at their property will receive full funding, while private tenants can ask their landlord for permission to apply. Landlords must pay a £500 deposit for an assessment by the council, after which they can receive up to 66% of the overall cost of improvements such as loft, cavity wall and external wall insulation. Relief is also offered for solar panels and air source heat pumps.

If you’d like more information about the Home Upgrade Scheme, or you have completed an application and are looking for an expert to install your energy efficiency measures, contact Aura Heating today.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government energy efficiency scheme in Britain designed to tackle fuel poverty, promote better living standards, and help reduce carbon emissions. ECO4 is the fourth iteration of the scheme and will continue until 2026. It’s aimed at households who receive income related benefits and is available to both owner occupiers and privately rented properties where the EPC rating is rated between D-G.

The grant is based on the size of the property and the energy improvement measures needed. Typical scheme actions include boiler replacements, insulation, and the installation of air source heat pumps. You can find out more about the scheme here, or contact your local council to find out if they are taking part. If you need assistance, the team at Aura Heating will be happy to help.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

The boiler upgrade scheme provides financial assistance to those looking to swap a gas, oil, electric or LPG boiler for a more eco-friendly air source heat pump. Heating installers certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) – including Aura Heating – can claim the following on your behalf:

• £7,500 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
• £7,500 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump, including water source heat pumps
• £5.000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler.

In order to qualify for the scheme, you must own the property you’re applying for and it must meet minimum efficiency levels. You must also be replacing a fossil fuel heating system – upgrades to existing low-carbon heating systems are not covered. Your heat pump installers will apply for the grant on your behalf, and must commission and install the appliance within 120 days of application.

To benefit from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, contact our heat pump installers in Hampshire today.

Help with VAT:

From 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2027, there is 0% VAT on the installation of energy-saving materials including heat pumps and biomass boilers. This is to encourage the nation’s uptake of low-carbon energy. Speak to your provider if you require further information.

If you’re looking for reputable heating engineers in Hampshire, contact Aura Heating today. We’re MCS certified installers covering Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset, South London, Berkshire and Wiltshire, and offer the latest in innovative heating technology for energy efficient homes.