ECO4 Scheme – Free ECO Grants
What is the ECO4 Scheme?
The ECO 4 scheme, also known as the Energy Company Obligation Phase 4, is a government-backed energy efficiency initiative in the UK that runs until 2026. Funded by the country’s largest energy suppliers, the ECO 4 scheme is designed to help low-income households and those living in homes with poor energy efficiency ratings (EPC bands D to G) reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions, and improve overall home comfort. Through this fully funded programme, eligible homeowners and tenants can receive grants for a range of energy-saving upgrades, including insulation (loft, cavity wall, internal wall, and room-in-roof), efficient heating systems (such as gas boiler replacements and air source heat pumps), and renewable energy solutions like solar panels. The ECO 4 scheme plays a critical role in the UK’s strategy to combat fuel poverty and meet Net Zero targets by making homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Trusted by thousands of households, this government initiative ensures that energy-saving improvements are delivered by certified professionals under strict quality standards, promoting both sustainability and long-term cost savings.
Apply for the ECO4 scheme
Energy Companies Obligation
What Improvements Are Covered Under the ECO 4 Scheme?
The ECO 4 scheme provides a wide range of fully funded energy efficiency improvements to help households reduce energy consumption, lower heating bills, and improve overall home comfort. Funded by major UK energy companies, the ECO 4 grant targets properties with low EPC ratings and aims to upgrade them to more efficient standards. Based on a professional home assessment, eligible applicants may receive one or more of the following improvements:
Key Improvements Covered Under the ECO 4 Scheme:
- Boiler Upgrades
Replacement of non-condensing boilers with energy-efficient condensing models (like-for-like swaps). - First-Time Central Heating
Installation of central heating systems in homes that have never had one before. - Air Source Heat Pumps
Renewable heating systems to reduce reliance on gas or electric-only heating. - Solar Panel Installation
Solar PV systems to generate clean electricity and cut energy bills. - Electric Storage Heater Upgrades
Replacement or upgrade of outdated electric heating systems, often paired with solar panels. - Insulation Measures
- Loft Insulation
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Internal Wall Insulation (Solid Wall)
- Room-in-Roof Insulation
- Cavity Wall Extraction (where needed)
- Loft Insulation
- Smart Heating Controls
Advanced heating controls to optimize energy usage and increase efficiency. - Ventilation Assessment and Installation
Mandatory ventilation upgrades to ensure healthy indoor air quality after insulation work.
EPC Rating Improvement
Measures designed to raise EPC ratings from D, E, F, or G to more efficient levels, with a new Energy Performance Certificate issued post-installation.
Who Is Eligible for the ECO 4 Scheme?
Eligibility for the ECO 4 scheme is primarily based on your household income, the condition of your property, and whether you receive certain government benefits. The scheme targets low-income households living in homes with poor energy efficiency—typically with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. A key factor in determining eligibility is the potential for improving your property’s energy performance (known as the “minimum uplift”). The greater the potential improvement, the more grant funding you may receive. If your boiler is older than 2005 or you’re receiving qualifying benefits, you may be eligible for fully funded upgrades under the ECO 4 grant. At Energy Saving Genie, we simplify this process by offering a free grant checker to help you find out if you qualify for support under the ECO 4 scheme.
ECO 4 Scheme Eligibility Criteria:
- Your property has an EPC rating of D, E, F or G
- You own or privately rent your home (landlord permission may be required for tenants)
- Your boiler is older than 2005
- You receive at least one of the following qualifying government benefits:
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
- Child Benefit (with income threshold met)
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, use our free ECO 4 grant checker to find out in minutes and take the first step toward a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
What Benefits Qualify for the ECO 4 Scheme?
To qualify for the ECO 4 scheme, households must meet certain criteria—one of the most common routes is through receiving eligible government benefits. The ECO 4 grant is available to homeowners and private tenants living in properties with inefficient heating systems and a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating (D, E, F, or G). If you receive income-related benefits, you may be eligible for fully funded energy efficiency upgrades like insulation, boiler replacements, and renewable energy installations. The UK Government’s ECO 4 scheme includes both long-standing and newly added benefits in its eligibility criteria. If Child Benefit is the only benefit you receive, your eligibility will also depend on your household income level.
ECO 4 Scheme Eligibility Criteria:
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Benefit (income thresholds apply if this is your only benefit)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit – Savings Credit
- Housing Benefit (newly added under ECO4)
- Warm Home Discount Rebate
If you receive one or more of these benefits, there’s a good chance you qualify for an ECO 4 grant. Use our free ECO 4 eligibility checker to confirm your status and begin upgrading your home today.
How Long Do I Have to Wait for My Free ECO 4 Grant?
The time it takes to receive your free ECO 4 grant and complete the energy efficiency upgrades can vary depending on the type of improvement, your property’s condition, and any required planning permissions or approvals. While some installations are straightforward, others—such as heat pumps or solar systems—may require more time due to technical assessments or utility provider approvals (e.g., DNO approval). Below is a general guide to help you understand typical timeframes from your ECO 4 application to final installation:
Estimated ECO 4 Grant Timelines
Improvement Type | Estimated Time from Application |
Boiler Upgrade | From 2 weeks |
Insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall, underfloor) | From 2 weeks |
Air Source Heat Pump with Solar PV | From 4 weeks |
Electric Storage Heaters with Solar PV | From 4 weeks (subject to DNO approvals) |
While these are typical estimates, your actual timeline may vary. To avoid delays, make sure all required information is submitted accurately during your ECO 4 grant application. Want to get started? Use our free grant checker and begin your journey toward a warmer, more energy-efficient home today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ECO 4 Scheme and how does it work?
The ECO 4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation Phase 4) is a UK Government-funded initiative that provides free energy efficiency upgrades to eligible households. Funded by major energy suppliers, the scheme helps reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions by improving home insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy use. Eligibility depends on factors like EPC rating, household income, and benefits received.
Who qualifies for the ECO 4 grant?
You may qualify for the ECO 4 grant if you own or privately rent a home with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G, and receive income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credits. Households with boilers older than 2005 or inefficient heating systems may also be eligible.
Is the ECO 4 Scheme really free?
Yes, for eligible households, the ECO 4 scheme offers fully funded home energy improvements. The cost is covered by major UK energy companies as part of their legal obligation under the Energy Company Obligation. There are no hidden charges if you meet the eligibility requirements and your property passes the assessment.
How long does it take to get ECO 4 grant approval and installation?
The timeframe depends on the type of upgrade. Simple boiler or insulation installations may take as little as 2 weeks from approval. More complex upgrades like air source heat pumps with solar PV may take 4 weeks or more due to necessary DNO (Distribution Network Operator) approvals and planning.
What home improvements are covered under the ECO 4 scheme?
ECO 4 covers a wide range of improvements, including:
- Boiler upgrades
- Loft, wall, and floor insulation
- Air source heat pumps
- Solar panels
- Electric storage heaters
- Smart heating controls and ventilation
All upgrades are designed to improve your home’s EPC rating and lower your energy bills.
