What is ECO4?

ECO4 is the UK government’s Energy Company Obligation scheme, designed to help households improve energ efficiency, reduce heating costs, and lower carbon emissions. Running until March 2026, ECO4 provides funding for energy-saving measures like:

  • Insulation (loft, cavity, and internal wall)
  • Heating upgrades (boilers, air source heat pumps)
  • Renewable technologies like solar panels

Who Qualifies?

ECO4 focuses on:

Low-income and vulnerable households.

Homes with low energy efficiency (EPC ratings E, F, or G).

Properties where upgrades can make a significant impact.

The ECO4 scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency of homes across the UK.

Three Qualifying Routes

To apply for the ECO4 grant and arrange the initial survey, you must qualify via ONE of the routes below:

1. Income-Related Benefits 💷

Households can qualify if someone receives one or more of the following benefits:

  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (income-based)
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Child Tax Credit (CTC)
  • Working Tax Credit (WTC)
  • Pension Credit Savings Credit
  • Child Benefit (subject to income caps and household composition)

2. Low Income Route (LA Flex) 🏡

Households with a combined gross income below **£31,000 per annum** can qualify under LA Flex.

3. NHS Referral Route (LA Flex) 🩺

Households may qualify if someone suffers from a severe or long-term health condition that can be worsened by living in a cold home, receiving repeat medication related to a cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed or mobility.

What Happens After You Apply?

1. Initial Survey

Once you’ve applied, the first step is to book a survey for an initial property assessment.

  • Purpose:
    • To confirm that your property qualifies for the ECO4 scheme.
    • To assess existing heating systems, insulation levels, and overall eligibility.

2. Funding Approval

After the initial survey, your application will be sent for funding approval.

  • Standard Route: Approval is typically straightforward if the property meets all qualifying criteria.
  • LA Flex Route: If your application is under Local Authority Flexibility, approval timelines can vary depending on the council. This step may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.

3. Technical Survey

Once funding is approved, a technical survey will be arranged.

  • Purpose:
    • To measure and confirm the specific work required for your property.
    • To ensure all upgrades meet government standards.

4. Installation Date

After the technical survey is completed, your installation date will be booked.

  • What’s Next:
    • The installer will arrive to complete the agreed upgrades.
    • This may include heating system upgrades, insulation top-ups, or other energy-saving measures.

Services

Boiler Upgrade

Upgrading to a new boiler increases energy efficiency, reduces heating costs, and provides reliable hot water. It also enhances home comfort and can lower carbon emissions, making it a smart investment for both savings and sustainability.

Solar Panels

Solar panels reduce electricity bills, lower carbon footprints, and provide renewable energy. They increase property value and can offer energy independence, making them a sustainable choice for homes and businesses.

Internal Wall Insulation

Internal wall insulation boosts energy efficiency, lowers utility bills, and enhances indoor comfort. It prevents dampness and mold, protecting both the building and your health, especially in older properties.

First Time Central Heating

Installing central heating for the first time improves energy efficiency, offers consistent warmth, and enhances indoor comfort. It can increase property value and reduce heating costs, providing a reliable and convenient solution for home heating needs.

Air Source Heat Pump

Air source heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling, lower energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions. They are a sustainable solution, using ambient air to regulate indoor temperatures, and can increase the value of your property.

Loft Insulation

Loft insulation significantly reduces heat loss, lowers energy bills, and improves home comfort. It helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, reduces condensation, and can increase the property's energy efficiency rating.

Heating Controls

Heating controls allow precise temperature management, improving energy efficiency and reducing heating costs. They provide convenience by enabling scheduled heating, ensuring comfort when needed and conserving energy when not, which can enhance the overall efficiency of heating.

High Heat Retention Storage

High heat retention storage heaters efficiently store and release heat, reducing energy costs and providing consistent warmth. They offer greater control over heating schedules, improving comfort and convenience, and are an excellent upgrade for replacing older, less efficient heating systems.

Cavity Wall Insulation

Cavity wall insulation improves energy efficiency by reducing heat loss through walls, lowering heating costs, and enhancing indoor comfort. It also helps prevent dampness and can increase the property's energy performance, making it a cost-effective upgrade for homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It’s a route where local councils can extend ECO4 eligibility to low-income or vulnerable households. The criteria vary by council, and approval times can range from 2–6 weeks.

  • Yes, landlords can apply if the property meets the scheme’s criteria, including eligibility under LA Flex.

  • We can check your EPC rating online, or arrange a survey to determine your eligibility.

  • Yes! If your property does not have an EPC rating, a survey is arranged to assess your eligibility.

ECO4 Scheme Eligibility: Check If You Qualify Today!

Take a minute to discover if you’re eligible for FREE energy-saving upgrades. Answer a few quick questions, and our advisor will guide you through the next steps.