ECO4 Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme
Get Up To £10,000+ for Home Improvements in 2025
Transform your home with free energy efficiency upgrades through the UK Government’s ECO4 scheme. Housing Disrepair Experts helps qualifying homeowners and tenants across England, Scotland, and Wales access funding for insulation, heating systems, and more – reducing energy bills by up to 40%.
What is the ECO4 Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation Phase 4 (ECO4) is a UK government initiative running from 2022 to 2026, designed to improve energy efficiency in homes across Britain. The scheme, worth £4 billion, delivers energy efficiency and heating measures to homes in Great Britain, administered through Ofgem and funded by major energy suppliers who are legally required to contribute as part of their regulatory obligations.
The ECO4 scheme supports households on the lowest incomes, with households in receipt of means tested benefits being eligible. The programme specifically targets energy-inefficient properties, with only energy efficiency band D-G homes eligible for ECO4.
Key Features of ECO4:
Support available for approved energy efficiency measures (customer contributions may apply)
Professional installation by TrustMark-registered contractors following PAS 2035/2030 standards
Significant reductions in heating bills (varies by property and measures installed)
Improved comfort and property value
Contribution to UK net-zero carbon targets
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How Much ECO4 Support Can You Receive?
ECO4 is not a grant scheme - different companies may provide different levels of support, and funding can cover some or all costs depending on scoring and your home’s specific requirements. A customer contribution may be required.
Typical Support Available by Improvement Type:
Loft Insulation: Funding available (often up to 100% depending on scoring—customer contributions can apply)
Cavity Wall Insulation: Funding available (often up to 100% depending on scoring—customer contributions can apply)
Internal Wall Insulation: Significant support available (often up to 100% depending on scoring—customer contributions can apply)
External Wall Insulation: Comprehensive support available (often up to 100% depending on scoring—customer contributions can apply)
Heat Pump Installation: Support available for eligible properties (customer contributions typically apply)
First Time Central Heating: Limited support available (ECO4 prioritises fabric-first and low-carbon heating)
Important Scheme Limits:
Boiler Replacement: Strictly limited. ECO4 prioritises fabric-first and low-carbon heating; broken efficient heating replacements are capped across the scheme (~5,000 per year)
Solid Wall Target: The scheme includes a specific minimum target of 90,000 solid wall measures over the 4-year programme
EFG Minimum Target: 150,000 private tenure homes in bands E, F, G must be supported
The support covers approved costs up to the scored value, including materials, professional installation, building compliance certificates, and post-installation assessments.
Important: These are government-backed grants, not loans – you never need to repay the money.
ECO4 Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
Primary Eligibility Requirements
Property Requirements:
Your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating as follows:
Private Housing (Owner-Occupied): Must have EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
Private Rented Properties (PRS): Must have EPC rating of E, F, or G only, plus package rules apply (must include solid wall insulation, first-time central heating, district heating connection, or renewable heating)
Social Housing: Must have EPC rating of E, F, or G
You can check your property’s energy efficiency rating using the government’s Energy Performance Certificate register.
Qualifying Benefits (Help to Heat Group):
You must be receiving qualifying benefits to be eligible for ECO4 support:
Full Qualifying Benefits List:
Universal Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
Pension Credit (Savings Credit)
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Housing Benefit
Child Benefit (within income caps)
ECO4 Flex Route
Suppliers can meet up to 50% of their obligation through ECO4 Flex (optional). This allows local authorities and devolved governments to refer households on low incomes who may not be receiving qualifying benefits but are experiencing fuel poverty. The scheme is voluntary for local authorities.
Property Ownership Status
Homeowners: Directly eligible if other criteria are met
Private Tenants: Eligible with written landlord permission for the work
Social Housing Tenants: May qualify for specific measures through housing associations
Additional Requirements
Properties must be your main residence
For private rented properties, you need landlord consent
Previous ECO funding doesn’t automatically disqualify you from ECO4
What Home Improvements Are Covered by ECO4?
Insulation Improvements
Loft Insulation
Top-up or complete loft insulation installation
Modern materials meeting current building standards
Typical cost coverage: £300 - £800
Cavity Wall Insulation
Filling gaps in external walls with insulating material
Professional assessment to ensure suitability
Typical cost coverage: £500 - £1,500
Internal Wall Insulation
For solid wall properties without cavities
High-performance insulation systems
Typical cost coverage: £5,000 - £12,000
External Wall Insulation
Complete external wall cladding systems
Suitable for various property types
Typical cost coverage: £8,000 - £15,000
Floor Insulation
Under-floor insulation for suspended floors
Reduces heat loss through ground floors
Typical cost coverage: £1,000 - £3,000
Heating System Upgrades
Boiler Replacement
High-efficiency A-rated boilers
Smart controls and programmable thermostats
Full system upgrades where necessary
Heat Pump Installation
Air source heat pumps for suitable properties
Ground source systems for larger homes
Complete heating system conversions
First Time Central Heating
ECO4 limits support for new/replacement gas heating systems; the focus is fabric-first improvements and low-carbon heating solutions. Where first-time central heating is supported, low-carbon options are prioritised.
Electric Storage Heaters
Modern, efficient electric heating systems
Smart controls and programming features
Suitable for properties without gas supply
Renewable Energy Solutions
Solar Panel Installation
Solar PV can be funded in limited cases—typically alongside a heat pump or high-heat-retention storage heaters (either existing or installed as part of the project). Generic solar PV installation is not universally covered under ECO4.
Heat Pump Systems
Air source and ground source heat pumps for suitable properties
Complete low-carbon heating system conversions
Priority measure under ECO4’s fabric-first, low-carbon approach
ECO4 Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Initial Eligibility Check
Start by verifying your eligibility using our free assessment tool. You’ll need:
Basic property information (address, property type, approximate age)
Household income details or benefit information
Current EPC rating (if known)
Processing time: Instant online assessment
Step 2: Document Preparation
Gather essential documentation before your application:
Required Documents:
Proof of income (last 3 months’ payslips or benefit statements)
Council Tax bill or mortgage statement
Current EPC certificate (we can arrange if not available)
Utility bills showing current energy usage
Landlord consent (if renting privately)
Step 3: Property Survey and Assessment
If you qualify, we’ll schedule a home survey where an expert will assess your home to determine the best measures. Our certified surveyor will:
Conduct a thorough property assessment
Identify suitable energy efficiency improvements
Explain recommended measures and expected benefits
Provide a detailed quote at no cost
Survey duration: 1-2 hours, usually within 2 weeks of application
Step 4: Installation Planning
Once your improvements are approved:
Choose installation dates convenient for you
Receive pre-installation information pack
Arrange any necessary access or preparation
Confirm final details with installation team
Step 5: Professional Installation
All work is carried out by TrustMark certified installers:
Fully insured and qualified technicians
Minimal disruption to your daily routine
Compliance with all building regulations
Quality assurance throughout the process
Installation timeframe: 1-5 days depending on measures
Step 6: Completion and Certification
After installation completion:
Full quality inspection of completed work
Building regulations compliance certificates
Updated EPC showing improved energy rating
Guidance on using new systems effectively
Timeline: How Long Does the ECO4 Process Take?
Week 1: Initial application and eligibility confirmation
Week 2-3: Documentation review and property survey scheduling
Week 3-4: Professional property assessment and measure recommendations
Week 4-6: Grant approval and installation planning
Week 6-8: Installation completion and certification
Total process: 6-8 weeks from application to completion
Factors affecting timeline:
Complexity of improvements required
Weather conditions (for external work)
Local installer availability
Building regulations approval requirements
Benefits of the ECO4 Scheme for Your Home
Financial Benefits
Immediate Savings
Reduced heating bills from day one
Lower electricity costs through improved efficiency
Protection against future energy price increases
Long-term Value
Increased property value (typically 5-10% for comprehensive improvements)
Reduced maintenance costs for heating systems
Enhanced marketability when selling
Comfort and Health Benefits
Improved Living Conditions
Consistent temperatures throughout your home
Elimination of cold spots and drafts
Reduced condensation and mould risk
Better air quality through improved ventilation
Health Improvements
Warmer homes reduce respiratory illnesses
Lower risk of cardiovascular problems
Improved mental health through comfortable living
Better sleep quality in properly heated bedrooms
Environmental Impact
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Significant decrease in household CO2 emissions
Contribution to UK net-zero targets
Reduced demand on national energy grid
Support for renewable energy integration
ECO4 vs Other Energy Efficiency Schemes
ECO4 vs ECO3
Higher funding limits: ECO4 provides more generous grants
Extended eligibility: More households can qualify under ECO4
Better targeting: Focus on lowest income households and worst-performing properties
ECO4 vs Green Homes Grant
No repayment required: ECO4 grants are completely free
Professional management: Full service from application to completion
Ongoing availability: ECO4 runs until 2026 with consistent funding
ECO4 Flex Route
Local authorities can refer households that don’t meet standard criteria but are in fuel poverty or vulnerable to cold homes. Contact your council to explore ECO4 Flex eligibility.
ECO4 Grants Available in Your Area
The ECO4 scheme operates across England, Scotland, and Wales, with Housing Disrepair Experts providing comprehensive coverage to help homeowners access local funding opportunities.
ECO4 Grants in England
Major Cities and Regions:
London ECO4 Grants: Serving all 32 boroughs including high-demand areas like Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Hackney where fuel poverty rates are above national average
Manchester ECO4 Grants: Covering Greater Manchester, including Salford, Stockport, and surrounding areas with significant Victorian housing stock.
Birmingham ECO4 Grants: West Midlands coverage including Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Dudley with focus on older terraced properties
Liverpool ECO4 Grants: Merseyside region including Wirral and St Helens, targeting areas with high concentrations of solid wall properties
Leeds ECO4 Grants: Yorkshire coverage including Bradford, Sheffield, and Hull with specialised support for off-gas properties
Newcastle ECO4 Grants: North East England including Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and rural Northumberland areas
Regional Focus Areas:
South West: Devon, Cornwall, Somerset with support for various property types
South East: Kent, Sussex, Surrey with focus on older housing stock in coastal areas
East Midlands: Nottingham, Derby, Leicester targeting industrial housing areas
North West: Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire (note: 35% rural uplifts do not apply in England)
ECO4 Support in Scotland and Wales
Enhanced Rural Support:
A 35% score uplift applies to off-gas rural homes in Wales and Scotland to encourage delivery in harder-to-reach locations, making more comprehensive improvements viable.
Major Scottish Cities:
Glasgow ECO4 Support: Central belt coverage including East and West Dunbartonshire
Edinburgh ECO4 Support: Lothian region including Midlothian and East Lothian
Aberdeen ECO4 Support: North East Scotland including Aberdeenshire rural areas
Dundee ECO4 Support: Tayside region including Angus and Perth & Kinross
Welsh Regions:
Cardiff ECO4 Support: South Wales including Vale of Glamorgan and Rhondda Cynon Taf
Swansea ECO4 Support: West Wales including Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire
Newport ECO4 Support: Gwent region including Monmouthshire and Torfaen
North Wales ECO4 Support: Wrexham, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and Anglesey
Local Authority ECO4 Flex Programmes
Many local councils participate in ECO4 Flex, allowing them to refer households who may not meet standard benefit criteria but are experiencing fuel poverty:
Active ECO4 Flex Authorities Include:
Birmingham City Council
Manchester City Council
Leeds City Council
Sheffield City Council
Liverpool City Council
Newcastle City Council
Glasgow City Council
Cardiff Council
And many more across Great Britain
Contact your local council to enquire about ECO4 Flex referral programmes in your area.
Not always. ECO4 isn’t a cash grant—funding can cover some or all of costs depending on scoring and your home. A customer contribution may be required.
Private homes (owner-occupied & private rented) with occupants on Help to Heat Group benefits (Universal Credit, JSA(income-based), ESA(income-related), Income Support, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit/Savings Credit), Working Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Benefit within income caps), social housing with EPC D–G (with specific limits), or via ECO4 Flex referrals.
Insulation, low-carbon heating (e.g., heat pumps), first-time central heating/district heating connections, and—in defined cases—solar PV alongside certain electric heating systems.
Timelines vary significantly based on survey requirements, consent processes, and installer capacity. Each case is different depending on the complexity of measures and local availability.
Yes, we can arrange for an EPC assessment as part of the initial survey process. This is usually provided at no cost.
If you receive qualifying benefits, you may still be eligible regardless of income level. Each application is assessed individually.
Landlords cannot directly apply, but tenants can apply with landlord permission. Some measures may benefit landlords through increased property value.
Installation typically begins within 2-4 weeks of approval, depending on the complexity of measures and installer availability.
Yes, for most installations you’ll need to provide access. However, work is scheduled around your availability and completed efficiently.
All installations come with warranties and are covered by TrustMark protection. Any issues are resolved quickly through our quality assurance process.
Energy efficiency improvements typically have a positive impact on insurance. We recommend informing your insurer of any major changes.
Savings depend on your current energy efficiency and the improvements made. Typical households save £300-600 annually on heating bills.
Most measures fall under permitted development rights. External wall insulation may require planning permission in some areas – we handle all necessary applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About ECO4
We understand that making a ECO4 claimcan feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. To help you navigate, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions our clients have. From eligibility and compensation to timeframes and costs, we’re here to ensure you feel fully informed every step of the way.
If you have a question that’s not covered here, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for more personalized advice.
Why Choose Housing Disrepair Experts for Your ECO4 Application?
With years of experience helping homeowners access government energy efficiency support, Housing Disrepair Experts understands the complexities of the ECO4 scheme and guides clients through every step. We work with TrustMark-registered installers across the UK following PAS 2035/2030 standards to ensure high-quality workmanship and compliance with all regulations.