First Time Central Heating (FTCH) is one of the most impactful upgrades available under the ECO4 scheme. It is designed for households that currently have no central heating system at all, such as homes using electric heaters, gas fires, storage heaters, or no fixed heating.

Installing a full central heating system can transform a property — making it warmer, more comfortable, and far cheaper to heat. For eligible households, this upgrade can be funded completely free under ECO4 as part of a whole-house energy improvement plan.

What is First Time Central Heating?

FTCH provides a full heating system to homes that have never had one before. This typically includes:

• A brand-new A-rated condensing boiler
• Radiators throughout the home
• All required pipework
• Smart heating controls
• Thermostatic radiator valves

This upgrade brings the home in line with modern heating standards and helps improve the property’s EPC rating significantly.

Who qualifies for FTCH under ECO4?

To qualify, the home must:

• Not have an existing central heating system
• Have electric, solid fuel, gas fires, storage heaters, or no heating
• Have a low EPC rating (typically D–G)
• Meet ECO4 financial, benefit, or LA Flex criteria

A free survey will confirm whether your property is suitable for central heating installation and whether insulation upgrades are required alongside it.

How First Time Central Heating improves your home

Installing FTCH delivers several major benefits:

• Strong, consistent heating throughout the home
• Lower heating bills compared to electric or outdated systems
• Better temperature control with modern thermostats
• Improved comfort during winter

For many households using electric heaters or single-room heating, FTCH offers a life-changing improvement to warmth and affordability.

What’s included in the installation?

Your new central heating system will typically include:

• A new condensing boiler
• Radiators fitted in every main room
• Full pipework installation
• Smart controls for efficiency
• A system flush and safety testing

All work is carried out to government standards and tailored to the layout of your home.

Installation quality

All FTCH installations under ECO4 are completed by certified, TrustMark-accredited installers, ensuring safe installation, proper system balancing, and long-term reliability.

For eligible households, First Time Central Heating is one of the most transformative upgrades available — bringing full-home warmth, improved EPC ratings, and lower heating costs, all fully funded through the ECO4 scheme.