We’ve put together this quick guide so that you can properly understand the scheme, however you can also just fill out our quick form (here) and we’ll guide you through the whole process at no cost.
So, what exactly is the ECO4 Scheme?
ECO4 is a £4 billion government fund designed to tackle three major issues at once: fuel poverty, rising energy bills, and climate change.
The best part? If you qualify, you could receive substantial home improvements including heating systems, insulation, and even solar panels completely free of charge.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE: The scheme is currently scheduled to end on 31 March 2026.
What upgrades can you actually get for free?
When you’re eligible, energy companies will typically cover the full cost of your upgrades. We’re talking about substantial improvements that could transform your home:
- New, A-rated efficient boilers to replace your old, inefficient heating system
- Air source heat pumps (often paired with solar panels for maximum efficiency)
- Upgraded electric storage heaters (again, often combined with solar panels)
- Various types of insulation including loft, wall, and cavity insulation
- Installing modern heating controls for precise temperature management and energy savings
The exact upgrades you’ll receive depend on your specific circumstances, including your current heating system, your home’s energy performance rating, and what insulation you already have in place.
Do you Qualify? Here’s the Simple Breakdown
ECO4 eligibility might seem complicated, so here’s a quick explanation. You need to be eligible both through your property and a qualifying member of the household.
You’ll may qualify if anyone in the household receives any of these benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Benefit (with certain income thresholds)
But here’s what many people don’t realize: even if you don’t receive benefits, you might still qualify through:
- Low-income (under £31,000 per year in total per household)
- Health conditions that worsen in cold conditions, including heart problems, respiratory issues, compromised immune systems, asthma or high blood pressure.
Your property also needs to qualify:
You don’t need to worry about this (as we’ll sort it out for you), but here are some factors that determine what upgrades you can get:
- Your home’s energy rating (EPC) plays a crucial role:
- You can check your energy rating here (not all are listed): https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
- Your specific postcode, what particular upgrades are needed, your property type, and various technical requirements.
The reality is there are quite a few moving parts behind the scenes, and it can get complicated quickly. But that’s exactly why we handle all the technical parts for you through our eligibility check.
The Process Broken Down Into Simple Steps
Now that you understand what’s available and whether you might qualify, let’s walk through exactly how the process works in practice:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Use the Warm Homes Eligibility Checker. We assess your eligibility and support you through all stages of the application process at no cost.
2. Arrange Your Free Home Survey
A certified installer will schedule a free survey of your home. This assessment is a necessary step to determine whether the upgrades can be carried out under the funding.
3. Navigate the Funding Assessment
The installer evaluates what funding is available for your specific upgrades. Different installers have access to different funding agreements. That’s why we match you with the installer most likely to make your particular case work.
4. Get Your Upgrades Installed
Once everything receives approval, your chosen installer coordinates all the work.
Why Do So Many Eligible People Miss Out?
Despite the fantastic opportunities ECO4 provides, countless eligible households never benefit. Understanding why this happens can help you avoid the same pitfalls:
Many people qualify without realizing it. The scheme isn’t exclusively for benefit recipients. Households earning under £31,000 annually, or those where cold conditions aggravate health issues like asthma or arthritis, often qualify too. Don’t assume you’re not eligible—you might be surprised.
Misinformation is surprisingly common. Sometimes installers incorrectly advise potential applicants that they don’t qualify. This might happen because that particular installer can’t handle your specific project or lacks access to the right funding.
Access can vary dramatically between installers. Different installers operate with varying access to funding.
Ready to Find Out If You Qualify?
The ECO4 scheme represents a genuine opportunity to transform your home’s comfort and efficiency without the typical financial burden.
To apply, please use the link below:
