ECO4 Scheme: Complete Guide 2025/26 -- Closing March 2026
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 NowEnding March 31, 2026 -- The ECO4 Scheme Is Closing
Apply now before it's too late! ECO5 will launch in April 2026 but applications for the current scheme must be submitted before March 31, 2026. Time is running out to claim up to £25,000 in free energy grants.
Do 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
- ✓Deadline: Scheme closes March 31, 2026 -- apply now
- ✓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
ECO4 Closes March 31, 2026 -- Check If You Qualify Now
Free assessment • Up to £25,000 available • No obligation • Scheme closing March 2026
Check Eligibility Before It ClosesOver 200,000 homes upgraded through ECO4 since 2022. Apply before the March 31, 2026 deadline.