ECO4 Scheme: Complete Guide 2025
The UK's largest energy efficiency grant. Get free insulation, boilers, solar panels and more. Find out if you're eligible for up to £25,000.
Check Your Eligibility NowDo You Qualify for ECO4?
Benefits OR Low Income
Receive benefits or earn under £36,000/year
EPC Rating D-G
Your home's energy rating is D or below
Own or Rent
Homeowner or private tenant (with permission)
What is the ECO4 Scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government scheme running from April 2022 to March 2026 that requires energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for low-income and vulnerable households.
ECO4 provides up to £25,000 per household for measures including insulation, boiler replacement, solar panels, and other energy efficiency upgrades.
Key Facts:
- ✓Budget: £4 billion over 4 years
- ✓Target: 500,000 homes by March 2026
- ✓Funding: 100% free for benefit recipients, subsidized for low-income
- ✓No repayment: Grants don't need to be paid back
ECO4 Eligibility Criteria
Route 1: Means-Tested Benefits (100% Free)
If you receive ANY of these benefits, you qualify for 100% funding:
AND your property must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
Route 2: Flex Eligibility (Low Income)
If you don't receive benefits but have low income:
- ✓Household income under £36,000 per year
- ✓EPC rating D-G
- ✓Council Tax bands A-D in England, A-E in Scotland/Wales
Flex route may require a small contribution (typically 10-30% of costs)
What Does ECO4 Cover?
🏠 Insulation
- • Cavity wall insulation (£700-£1,600)
- • External wall insulation (£8,000-£14,000)
- • Internal wall insulation (£4,000-£10,000)
- • Loft insulation (£300-£1,200)
- • Room-in-roof insulation (£2,000-£4,500)
- • Underfloor insulation (£800-£2,000)
🔥 Heating
- • Boiler replacement (£2,000-£3,500)
- • Air source heat pumps (£8,000-£14,000)
- • Ground source heat pumps (£20,000-£35,000)
- • Infrared heating panels (£2,000-£5,000)
- • Storage heaters (£1,500-£3,000)
- • Smart heating controls (£200-£400)
☀️ Renewables
- • Solar PV panels (£5,000-£8,000)
- • Solar thermal (£3,000-£5,000)
- • Battery storage (£3,000-£6,000)
🚪 Other Measures
- • Draught proofing (£100-£300)
- • Window & door replacement (£3,000-£8,000)
- • Cylinder insulation (£50-£150)
- • Pipe lagging (£50-£200)
Note: Not all measures are available to all homes. A surveyor will assess which improvements are most suitable and cost-effective for your property.
How to Apply for ECO4
Check Eligibility
Confirm you receive qualifying benefits or meet income requirements. Check your EPC rating (you can order a free EPC if needed).
Contact ECO4 Provider
Reach out to an authorized ECO4 installer. We work with certified providers who handle applications on your behalf.
Home Survey
A qualified surveyor visits to assess your property and identify suitable energy efficiency measures. Free, no obligation.
Application & Approval
Installer submits application to energy companies. Approval typically takes 2-4 weeks. You don't need to do any paperwork.
Installation
Once approved, work is scheduled and completed by certified installers. Installation time varies by measure (1 day to 2 weeks).
⏱️ Typical Timeline
• Eligibility check: Same day
• Home survey: 1-2 weeks from enquiry
• Application approval: 2-4 weeks
• Installation: 4-12 weeks from approval
• Total time: 8-20 weeks from start to finish
Benefits of ECO4
Lower Energy Bills
Save £300-£600+ per year on heating costs
Warmer Home
Better heat retention and comfort year-round
Improve EPC Rating
Boost property value and marketability
Reduce Carbon Footprint
Cut CO2 emissions by up to 3 tonnes/year
Check If You Qualify for ECO4 Funding
Free assessment • Up to £25,000 available • No obligation
Check Eligibility NowOver 200,000 homes upgraded through ECO4 since 2022