Is there help with the cost of a new boiler in Scotland?
The short answer
Yes, but most help is for clean heating rather than a like-for-like gas boiler. The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan offers homeowners up to £7,500 in grant plus up to £7,500 as an interest-free loan for a heat pump. Households on lower incomes, or with health conditions, may get a fully funded heating upgrade through Warmer Homes Scotland. Call Home Energy Scotland free on 0808 808 2282.
Key points
- Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan: up to £7,500 grant and £7,500 interest-free loan for heat pumps, for owner-occupiers.
- Rural and island homes get an extra £1,500 uplift.
- Gas boilers are not on the list of heating systems the grant pays for.
- Warmer Homes Scotland can fund heating upgrades for eligible households, sometimes worth £10,000 or more.
- The Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not apply in Scotland.
Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan
This is the main Scottish Government scheme for homeowners. It offers a grant, an interest-free loan, or a mix of both.
| Measure | Grant | Optional loan |
|---|---|---|
| Air, ground or water source heat pump | Up to £7,500 | Up to £7,500 |
| Heat network connection | Up to £7,500 | Up to £7,500 |
| Biomass boiler or eligible stove | Up to £7,500 | Up to £7,500 |
| Insulation and energy efficiency | 75% of cost, up to £7,500 | Remainder |
| Rural and island uplift | Extra £1,500 |
To qualify, you must own the home, live in it as your only or main residence, and it must be an existing property in Scotland. You do not need to be on benefits. Heat pumps funded by the scheme must provide all of the home's heating and hot water.
What about a new gas boiler?
A straight swap from an old gas boiler to a new gas boiler is not on the list of systems the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan pays for. Most homeowners replacing a gas boiler pay for it themselves.
If cost is the problem, ask your installer about spreading payments, and get at least three quotes. Our ranked table of Glasgow gas engineers is a good place to start. Before replacing a boiler that is only a few years old, ask whether a repair is possible. Regular annual servicing also extends a boiler's life.
Warmer Homes Scotland
Warmer Homes Scotland is a Scottish Government scheme for households who are struggling to heat their home. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, including age, income, health and how energy efficient your home is. Home Energy Scotland says the rules were widened in 2025, so if you were turned down before, it is worth asking again.
The scheme can cover insulation, draught proofing and heating system upgrades, and support can be worth £10,000 or more. Home Energy Scotland advisers will tell you what your home could get.
Other help in Glasgow
- Energy supplier schemes. Supplier-funded schemes change often. Home Energy Scotland can tell you which are open.
- Council help. Glasgow City Council runs some grant schemes for private homes, for example its grant towards replacing lead water pipes.
- The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales only. Ignore adverts that suggest otherwise for Scottish homes.
Watch out for grant scams
Be wary of cold callers who say you qualify for a free boiler and ask for bank details or an upfront fee. Genuine Scottish schemes are accessed through Home Energy Scotland. If in doubt, hang up and call Home Energy Scotland yourself on 0808 808 2282. Our guide to spotting doorstep scams covers the warning signs.
Questions
Can landlords get the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan?
The homeowner grant and loan is for people who own and live in the home. Separate support has existed for private landlords at times, so ask Home Energy Scotland what is currently available.
Do I have to use a particular installer?
Funded heat pump installations must use an installer certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. Home Energy Scotland will explain the process before any work starts.
Is a heat pump suitable for a Glasgow tenement?
Sometimes, but it can be difficult in flats because of space and shared walls. A heat network connection or other options may suit better. An adviser can assess your home.
How do I apply?
Start by calling Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or using its website. Do not start work before your funding is approved.
Sources
- Home Energy Scotland: Grant and Loan (opens in a new tab)
- Home Energy Scotland: more people now eligible for Warmer Homes Scotland (opens in a new tab)
- Glasgow City Council: National Lead in Drinking Water grant (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general information about Glasgow and Scotland, checked on 3 November 2026. Prices and rules change, so confirm anything important with the organisation named before you act.
