Businesses offering free boilers - Genuine or Scammers?

12th November 2025

There's no simple "yes or no" answer to whether businesses offering "free boilers" are scammers.

The reality is some of these offers are legitimate, but many contain big red flags and some are outright scams.

Take a look at how the schemes work, what to watch out for, and how to tell if a "free boiler" offer is real or dodgy.

How some free boiler offers can be legitimate

In the UK there are government-backed schemes such as the ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation) that can cover cost of certain energy-efficient home improvements (including replacing old boilers) for eligible households.

If you qualify (typically low income, certain benefits, older inefficient boiler, etc) then you may get a boiler replacement at no or low cost, provided the installer is accredited and the work meets scheme criteria.

Some people report successfully receiving free boiler replacements under such legitimate schemes.

Why many of the "free boiler" offers are risky scams

Many organisations offering "free boilers" do so via aggressive cold-calling, door-to‐door sales, or unsolicited mail suggesting you're automatically eligible. Authorities warn these are common tactics. For example, messages saying "you qualify for a free boiler!", "just act now!", "government scheme closing soon!" are classic signs of high-pressure selling.

Some companies claim you'll get a free boiler, but then only if you pay an upfront "fee", or you're automatically signed into a long finance contract, or you get an overpriced install. Example: A case where 1,200 people paid £299-£399 upfront and only 3 boilers were installed, and those came with finance obligations.

Some offers turn out to be misleading - using official‐looking branding, claiming government endorsement when none exists, or hiding eligibility criteria. For example the Advertising Standards Authority banned adverts offering big grants for heat-pumps/boilers because the eligibility which is vital was omitted.

Some companies may be legitimate but their contractors/lead generation arms are poor quality — bad installations, incomplete work, or hidden costs. Reviews show serious complaints about installation standards, hidden condition requirements, etc.

How to check if a "free boiler" offer is likely legit or a scam

Here are red flags and checklist items:

Red Flags

You receive an unsolicited call or someone at your door saying you automatically qualify for a "free boiler" or "government grant" with little condition.

You're asked to pay an upfront fee (even "to check eligibility") or sign something immediately with pressure like "offer ends soon".

The company uses government/logos/branding without your being able to verify the link to the scheme.

Terms are vague, you're not informed clearly about eligibility criteria, or you're told you must take additional work you weren't asked for (e.g., new insulation or other upgrades) at extra cost.

Poor reviews: many complaints, low Trustpilot ratings, negative installation feedback. For example one company had 70% 1-star reviews.
Trustpilot

Checklist for Legitimate Offers

Check the scheme: Use the official UK Government website (e.g., gov.uk) to check whether your home qualifies, what scheme is relevant (ECO4 etc), and what conditions apply.

The installer should be authorised/registered and part of the scheme network.

Ask to see a proper home survey before work begins, and ensure you understand the contract clearly: is it really free, what are the conditions, will you owe anything later.

Get three quotes if possible, check references, check the company's registration (Companies House).

Don't feel forced: a legitimate scheme should allow you time to think, confirm eligibility, and you should not have to pay large sums up‐front.

Keep all documentation: eligibility letter, contract, installer name, terms, guarantee.

There are legitimate free boiler schemes, but many of the offers being pushed around are not trustworthy, and some are definitely scams. So if you see an advertisement “free boiler, claim now!” treat it with caution: many of them will come with hidden conditions, unexpected costs, or are simply bait for other upselling.

If your goal is to get a free boiler legitimately and safely, the path is to validate eligibility yourself via official sources, choose a reputable installer, and avoid unsolicited high-pressure sales.

Legitimiate Schemes (2025)

Here are some current official schemes & resources:

ECO4 scheme: A UK-government backed initiative for energy-efficiency upgrades (including boiler replacements) for eligible households. The application is free.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): For England & Wales (also similar in Scotland) grants towards replacing a boiler with a heat pump or other low-carbon system.

Local-authority “Flex” listings: For example, Cumberland Council publishes a list of registered installers under the ECO4 Flex scheme.

Guidance from consumer watchdogs: For instance, Which? provides criteria, caution signs and process for boiler grants.

Checklist: How to Identify a Legitimate Offer

When assessing a “free boiler” offer, check the following:

Eligibility & Scheme Validity

The scheme is clearly named (e.g., ECO4, Boiler Upgrade Scheme) and you can find it on a credible official site (gov.uk, Ofgem, local council).

Your home meets property criteria: e.g., older boiler, property type, EPC rating etc.

The installer is registered/accredited under the scheme (Gas Safe registered, TrustMark, or listed by local authority).

Installation & Paperwork

There is a proper survey of your home to check suitability (fuel type, boiler age, system compatibility).

You get clear documentation: installation contract, guarantee/warranty, and confirmation the grant funding is being used.

No large upfront payment asked from you. If you're told to pay a big fee first, that's a red flag.

Transparency & Aftercare

The installer and scheme operator are transparent about what is included (boiler type, guarantees, what happens if something goes wrong).

All work must meet standards (e.g., PAS 2030/2035, Gas Safe) and you should receive evidence once done.

You should feel you have time to decide — offers that pressure you “today only” are suspect.

Key Warning Signs

Unsolicited cold-calls/door-to-door firms offering “free boiler now, guaranteed!” without validating you.

Requests for large upfront payment or “inspection fee” before checking eligibility.

Use of official-looking logos (government, council) but little actual scheme detail, or you find you don't meet eligibility criteria once you read them.

Installer is not listed/accredited under any scheme, or you can’t verify their registration.

Scotland (Highland region) - Highland Council (ECO4-Flex & GBIS Installers) has an
Installer list PDF is on Highland Council web site.

Select your local authority (council) or region and see if they publish a list of “registered installers” under ECO4-Flex or similar.

Check the installer you’re considering is listed in the directory for your region.

Note the list does not guarantee endorsement of workmanship — you still need to do your due diligence. (For example, the Cumberland list states it “cannot recommend a particular installer or endorse the quality of their workmanship.”)

Confirm that the installer holds the required accreditations (e.g., TrustMark registration, Gas Safe where relevant) via official accreditation registries.