Heating Grants Chelmsford: Heat Essex and Heat Pumps

Chelmsford's large number of oil-heated homes makes the grant picture a little different from most cities. Off-gas homes get a higher heat pump grant, and the local grant is open whether or not you are on mains gas.

Chelmsford at a glance

Oil heating: 3,994 Chelmsford households (5.3%) heated with oil alone in 2021, and another 1,151 (1.5%) with tank or bottled gas. 71.8% used mains gas only and 10.4% electricity only. Source
Home ownership: 70.0% of Chelmsford households owned their home in 2021. 15.5% rented privately and 13.3% from a social landlord, mostly housing associations rather than the council. Source
Local grant: Chelmsford City Council directs Warm Homes: Local Grant applications to Heat Essex. Owners, occupiers and private tenants in EPC D to G homes with income under £36,000, or on certain benefits, may qualify; a landlord's first property is fully funded. Source
Heat pump top-up: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme pays £7,500 towards an air or ground source heat pump, plus an extra £1,500 until March 2027 where the home is heated by oil or LPG and has no mains gas connection. Source
Supplier schemes: The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. Source
Energy ratings: About 43% of homes with an EPC in Chelmsford are rated band D or below (median score 70, band C), against 47% across England. Based on certificates lodged in the 10 years to March 2025. Source

Warm Homes: Local Grant through Heat Essex

Chelmsford City Council sends applications to Heat Essex. Owners, occupiers and private tenants may qualify if the home is rated EPC D to G and household income is under £36,000, or someone receives certain benefits. Some postcodes also qualify.

Private landlords can apply. The first property is fully funded, and further homes need a 50% landlord contribution. The programme runs from 2025 to 2028; check Heat Essex for whether it is accepting new applications.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Under this national scheme you get £7,500 off an air or ground source heat pump and £2,500 off air-to-air. Homes heated by oil or LPG with no mains gas get an extra £1,500 until March 2027. There is no income test, and your MCS certified installer claims it. Our Boiler Upgrade Scheme guide explains more.

What has ended

According to Ofgem, the Great British Insulation Scheme stopped on 31 March 2026. Be cautious of cold calls offering free boilers, and never pay to check eligibility.

Chelmsford homes and what they need

Interwar and postwar semis

Cavity and loft insulation are often the first measures funded under the local grant.

Modern estates around the city edge

Usually rated EPC B or C, outside the local grant. The heat pump grant still applies.

Victorian terraces near the centre

Solid walls often mean EPC D or E, putting these homes in range of the local grant.

Areas covered

Engineers who cover Chelmsford work across areas including Great Baddow, Springfield, Broomfield, Writtle, Galleywood, Moulsham, Chelmer Village, Beaulieu Park, Danbury and Boreham.

View Chelmsford on Google Maps

Questions people in Chelmsford ask

Can I get help with a new oil boiler?

No. Funding has moved to insulation and low carbon heating instead. If your oil boiler is failing, compare its replacement cost with a heat pump after the £9,000 off-gas grant.

Who can help me apply?

Chelmsford City Council's Sustainable Warmth team can help. Call 01245 606606 and ask for the Sustainable Warmth Officer.

What should I have ready when I apply?

Your address and EPC rating, proof of income or benefits, and, if you rent, your landlord's contact details. Applications move faster when the paperwork is ready.

Sources

Also nearby: Heating grants in London, Heating grants in Ipswich, Heating grants in Cambridge

All heating grants locations →