Eco 4 Scheme
ECO4
ECO4 Scheme
The UK government established the ECO4 Scheme to support households in enhancing their homes’ energy efficiency by minimising heat loss and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Under this initiative, energy companies are required to reinvest in UK households to improve energy performance. The scheme’s main objective is to combat fuel poverty and boost the energy ratings of existing homes. In collaboration with the Energy Saving Trust, such initiatives have been operating for several years, benefiting thousands of households by improving their energy efficiency.
The ECO4 Grant Scheme has no fixed limits and provides funding for comprehensive home improvements simultaneously. Eligibility for ECO4 Grants depends on receiving one of the qualifying benefits and the results of an energy assessment report, which must meet the scheme’s criteria. Currently, grants are available to households with an energy rating of D or below. Even if you already have an EPC, a new free assessment is still required. Additionally, applicants must submit the last three months of energy bills and other supporting documents as proof
What can you get under ECO4 Grants Scheme?
Insulations
External wall insulation
Properties built before 1920 often have solid walls that are less energy efficient, leading to higher heating costs. Insulating these walls can reduce heating bills without losing indoor space. Through the ECO4 Grant Scheme, you may qualify for free external wall insulation, improving warmth, energy efficiency, and property value. Research shows walls account for about 35% of heat loss, making insulation essential for comfort, energy savings, and a better EPC rating. The installation involves fixing a starter track, applying 100mm EPS insulation boards, and finishing with a protective render.
Loft Insulation
The UK Government’s Loft Insulation Grant is still available, offering significant benefits for both homeowners and private tenants. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can receive a grant to insulate your loft, helping to create a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
Insulating your loft is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency—completely free of charge. Since over 25% of a home’s heat is typically lost through the roof, proper insulation can make a substantial difference. Loft insulation involves installing 270–300mm of insulation between the joists, creating a barrier that reduces heat transfer through the roof. This helps keep your home warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and more comfortable year-round.
First time central heating
The UK Government’s ECO4 scheme offers a First Time Central Heating Grant, providing a free central heating system, including an A-rated boiler from brands like Vaillant or Worcester Bosch, along with pipework, radiators, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), and a room thermostat. The grant may also cover other energy-efficient home improvements. Households using low-efficiency electric heating can significantly cut energy bills, with no repayment required.
Available to eligible homeowners and private tenants, applicants must receive a qualifying ECO4 benefit and have a property that meets the required energy efficiency band. For private tenants, landlord or letting agent permission is needed. The property must have a gas meter installed before April 1, 2022.
Eligible Heating Systems:
- Electric room heaters
- Portable electric heaters
- Inefficient storage heaters
- Oil/LPG boilers
- Other inefficient systems
Boiler replacement
To qualify for the ECO4 Grant, applicants must either be homeowners or reside at the same address as a homeowner. If living with the homeowner, the applicant cannot be a paying tenant and must be receiving at least one of the ECO4 qualifying benefits. Additionally, the property’s existing boiler must be a non-condensing boiler, typically installed before 2005.
Through the ECO4 Grant, you may be eligible for a free boiler replacement, upgraded heating controls, as well as roof and wall insulation, depending on the outcome of a property assessment.
Please note that this grant is not available for rental properties. Qualifying homes will receive an A-rated boiler from leading brands such as Vaillant or Worcester Bosch, completely free of charge. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for this grant, don’t worry, there may be other options available to you.
Heating controls
Heating controls regulate indoor heating, ensuring comfort while reducing energy waste and carbon emissions. They include devices like room thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) that work together to maintain a consistent temperature and optimize energy use.
Types of Heating Controls:
- Traditional Controls: Manually operated mechanical devices.
- Advanced Smart Controls: Internet-connected systems that adjust settings based on your habits.
Heating controls can be upgraded without replacing the boiler, and government-funded grants may provide advanced controls for eligible households.
Benefits of Smart Heating Controls: Smart controls offer mobile app access to manage heating. They monitor indoor temperature and adjust when the desired level is reached, conserving energy and extending the system’s lifespan.
Air Source Heat Pump
If you’re looking for an economical way to heat your home, an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) could be the ideal solution. ASHPs extract heat from the outside air and transfer it to water, which is then used to heat your home via radiators or underfloor heating systems. They are also efficient at providing hot water for taps, showers, and baths, supplied through a hot water cylinder.
For many types of homes, Air Source Heat Pumps have proven to be one of the most efficient and suitable renewable heating solutions. They offer significant energy savings and have become the most widely used type of heat pump for domestic purposes in the UK, with tens of thousands of installations completed.
Air Source Heat Pump Grant for Homeowners and Tenants:
Whether you are a homeowner or a private tenant, you may be eligible to receive a free Air Source Heat Pump under the ECO4 Grant scheme. Eligibility is subject to an assessment of your property’s existing energy performance. A current Energy Performance Report (EPR) is required to qualify, which will be provided free of charge, even if you do not have an existing Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Solar PV
Photovoltaics (PV), commonly known as solar panels, harness energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for use in your home. The electricity generated by solar panels is not only free but also renewable and environmentally friendly. It is a low-carbon energy source that provides a continuous supply, which can be stored in batteries for later use. Solar power has become one of the most popular renewable energy technologies across the UK, offering an excellent way to combat rising energy costs with free electricity.
Solar PV Grant for Homeowners and Tenants:
Under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, you may qualify for a grant to install a solar system. This grant is available to both homeowners and private tenants, subject to an assessment of your property’s existing energy performance. A current Energy Performance Report (EPR) is required for eligibility, which will be provided free of charge, regardless of whether you already have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
ECO4 Qualifying Benefits
To be eligible for the ECO4 Scheme, you or someone in your household must receive one of the following qualifying benefits:
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Saving Credit
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Benefits (Subject to income threshold)
Check Your Eligibility
Please complete the form to check your eligibility