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The ECO4 Scheme has been a game-changer for many households within the UK, raising numerous questions in turn. In fact, this is a great opportunity for low-income families in the UK to have their old, inefficient boilers upgraded for free and begin immediate bill savings by keeping their homes much warmer. But to some people, it’s a little hard to understand how it really works. Who exactly qualifies? What kind of upgrades can you get? How do you apply?
Below, we answer the most common questions about the ECO4 Scheme in a straightforward way. Everything from ‘Is it free?’ and ‘Am I eligible?’ to ‘How does it work?’ We have your answers here.
Read on to discover all you need to know about the ECO4 Scheme – and how it might help make your home more energy-efficient.
What Is the ECO4 Scheme?
The ECO4 Scheme is a government program that helps people make their homes more energy efficient. ECO stands for Energy Company Obligation, aimed at lowering energy costs and, simultaneously, cutting carbon emissions in the UK. Under the ECO4, large energy suppliers are compelled to assist low-income and vulnerable households with funding for home improvement that reduces energy use.
It does “whole-house” upgrades: upgrading many sections of the house at once, such as heating system replacement, insulation improvements, or installation of solar panels.
Who Qualifies for the ECO4 Scheme?
ECO4 is designed for low-income earners or those vulnerable to fuel poverty. In most cases, you will need to be an owner occupier or a private tenant (living with a landlord’s permission) and have a low household income or be in receipt of any of the benefits detailed below.
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Pension Savings Credit
- And many more.
Do You Have to Be on Benefits for the ECO4 Scheme?
Although having benefits will give you a better chance, it is not the only decisive factor. Other keys are based on the EPC rating of your house and one household’s income. You may have a low-income situation where you are not on any benefits, yet you may still qualify. We can support you through the application procedure and see if your house qualifies for the government scheme.
What Types of Improvements Does the ECO4 Scheme Cover?
The energy upgrade supported by the ECO4 Scheme involves a range of different measures, making homes warmer, greener, and more cost-effective to heat. Under this scheme, the most common improvements include:
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Internal and External Wall Insulation
- Solar Panels
Each of these enhancements focuses on making your home warmer with less worry about a higher energy bill every month.
Can I Get My Boiler Replaced Under ECO4?
Yes, you can replace, repair, or upgrade your boiler through ECO4 if it is broken and unable to be repaired at an affordable price. ECO4 also covers upgrades on inefficient heating systems, in particular those that are non-condensing – that is, the older, less efficient types.
This scheme does have a cap, though, on the number of broken heating systems that can be replaced under it. If you are wondering whether your boiler will qualify or not, then it’s better that you check with your ECO4 provider as soon as possible.
Free Boiler Replacement Grant
Is It Possible to Get a New Free Boiler Using the ECO4 Scheme?
Yes, the ECO4 scheme will facilitate a new and efficient boiler that is absolutely free of cost if you are eligible. This scheme is financed by large energy companies in order to assist low-income households or those who cannot afford fuel.
To qualify, your home’s energy efficiency rating (also known as EPC) needs to be low (typically D, E, F, or G). The scheme is designed to prioritise households in fuel poverty, so it mainly benefits people with lower incomes or those on specific government benefits.
How Much Money Can I Save with the ECO4 Scheme?
With the ECO4 scheme, homeowners can potentially save hundreds on their yearly energy bills. For instance, switching to a new A-rated boiler can save households up to £400 a year on average, as newer models are more efficient in retaining and distributing heat.
Insulating your walls or loft, a common upgrade under ECO4 could lead to additional savings between £630 and £750 annually. These improvements make a noticeable difference in both comfort and cost, particularly in older or less efficient homes.
Which Energy Companies Offer the ECO Scheme?
Under the ECO scheme, several big energy companies are obliged to participate, including British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON Energy, Scottish Power, and Shell Energy. The suppliers fund the measures, such as boiler replacements and insulation upgrades, which are under obligation to the government for ECO4.
I Don’t Have Central Heating. Can I Get Free Modern Central Heating or Storage Heaters?
Yes, you could be eligible under the ECO4 scheme if you do not have central heating for a free installation. ECO4 covers grants for installing or upgrading heating systems, including electric storage heaters. These will apply to those homes that have low EPC ratings and meet other measures of eligibility, including those based on income.
It also includes homes for those who do not have access to the gas grid. They would be entitled to an air source heat pump. Your grant will depend on how energy efficient your house is at present, along with what kind of heating system it’s replacing.
Are ECO4 Grants Repayable?
No, ECO4 grants are not repayable. They are fully funded by energy companies; thus, there will be no loans and, more importantly, no repayments to worry about. Because of a requirement placed on energy companies by the government, they fully fund any improvement under ECO4.
This, therefore, makes such upgrades as a new boiler or insulation debt-free for eligible households.
What Effect Does ECO4 Have on the Environment?
The ECO4 scheme has contributed a lot to the reduction of the UK’s carbon emissions by making households energy-efficient. The goal of the programme aligns with the UK’s broader objective to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through ECO4, upgrades like insulation and modern heating systems cut down household energy consumption, leading to lower CO₂ emissions.
For example, a dwelling that is insulated will prevent approximately 1.7 tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year. With such enhancements to thousands of homes, the ECO4 scheme is paving the way towards a greener and more sustainable UK.
How Much Money Can I Get from the ECO4 Scheme?
The ECO4 scheme doesn’t give out cash directly. Instead, it pays for insulation and improvements to the heating system. To those eligible to apply, this has a value from £7,000 going over £20,000, depending on factors such as household income, property type, and energy efficiency needs.
The government has set aside £4 billion in funding, which is intended to cover 100% of upgrade costs for inefficient homes that qualify. While you may not get money in your pocket, you surely will get free improvements that could mean tremendous energy savings and comfort.
Will Participating in the ECO4 Scheme Affect My Government Benefits?
No, participating in the ECO4 scheme will not affect your benefits. The scheme provides assistance to low-income and fuel-poor households through energy efficiency improvement in their home at no cost.
Since the ECO4 is focused on providing support and not financial aid or income, selection within this scheme does not affect your benefits regarding other government benefits.
What If I Don’t Qualify for the ECO4 Scheme?
If you cannot qualify for the ECO4 scheme, then you may have other options to increase energy efficiency in your home. The GBIS provides another route for free insulation upgrades, and other schemes such as a Green Homes Grant, Warm Home Discount, and Winter Fuel Payment may be of help.
The best way to get the most relevant and up-to-date alternative grants is by checking with your energy provider or local council.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Boiler with the ECO4 Scheme?
On average, a boiler installation through the ECO4 scheme takes about 3-4 business days. The installation timeline can vary depending on your property and the type of boiler being installed.
How Long Will the ECO4 Scheme Last?
ECO4 commenced in April 2022 and will continue until 31st March 2026. After this date, the government will likely take other routes for alternative energy-efficient schemes that align with low-income households and ongoing climate goals.
Can Landlords Apply for the ECO4 Scheme?
Yes, landlords can apply for the ECO4 scheme, providing tenants are eligible under this scheme. This will include tenants on qualifying benefits with low incomes or those in fuel poverty. The landlord can benefit from this by improving the energy efficiency of their properties and providing a warmer and more comfortable living environment for their tenants.
ECO4 Scheme For Landlords
Can a Tenant Apply for ECO4?
Yes, tenants in private, social, or council housing may apply for ECO4 grants if they meet the eligibility requirements. However, renters will need approval from their landlord before any energy-saving measures can be installed.
Will ECO4 Improvements Disrupt Rental Operations?
The respective ECO4 improvements might cause some short-term disruptions, as installers need temporary access to properties. Planning installations during tenant turnover or working with tenants to find suitable times can help minimise inconvenience. The long-term benefits of lower energy costs and improved comfort make these improvements worthwhile.
Does ECO4 Cover External Wall Insulation?
Yes, ECO4 does cover external wall insulation. This measure helps to improve your home’s efficiency by reducing heat loss, keeping your home warmer, and lowering heating bills.
Do I Need to Pay Money Towards My ECO4 Grant Installation?
No, with ECO4, everything is covered by the scheme. There are no upfront costs or hidden charges—eligible households get free upgrades, such as boiler replacements, insulation, or heating improvements, entirely funded by the scheme.
What Is the DWP Check for ECO4?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) check confirms eligibility for ECO4 by verifying that applicants actually receive qualifying benefits. This ensures that grants go to households that really need support.
Is the ECO4 Scheme Free?
The ECO4 scheme includes free energy-saving measures for eligible households. In that way, families can easily afford the most needed home upgrades since there will be no out-of-pocket costs, enabling them to save on energy bills and live in more comfortable, efficient homes.
What If I Don’t Want All the Measures That the Installer Says I Need to Have?
An installer would recommend energy-saving measures for you after conducting a technical survey and carrying out calculations on what savings might be made for your home. However, you are not bound to accept all recommended measures. You could reject an unsuitable recommendation, provided you can still meet the minimum scheme requirements.
Can ECO4 Measures Be Co-Funded with Other Grants or Schemes?
No, ECO4 measures cannot be co-funded with any other grants or scheme. It is the policy to ensure that each improvement in energy efficiency is fully funded by ECO4 so as not to allow overlap or duplication in funding.
How Do I Apply for the ECO4 Scheme?
Start by checking your eligibility on our website and filling out a quick 60-second form. Once you’ve submitted your application with the required documents, we’ll arrange a home survey. After the survey, installation of the approved measures can begin, bringing you closer to a warmer, more efficient home.
Can You Get Solar Panels on ECO4?
Yes, solar panels for qualifying houses can be installed under the ECO4 scheme. Your renewable energy source will supply you with electricity instead of always drawing directly from the grid, which will reduce your energy bills over time.
What Documents Are Required to Apply for the ECO4 Scheme?
You will be required to provide proof of your income and your eligibility for benefits, property ownership (or landlord approval for renters), and possibly your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Further documentation may also become required depending on your individual situation.
The Bottom Line
ECO4 is an excellent opportunity for low-income and vulnerable households to make their houses energy-efficient without any cost. With the various packages available under the scheme – from new boilers to insulation and solar panels – one can lower energy bills and make considerable warmth and comfort in homes.
The scheme also supports the UK’s environmentally-related goals, as it reduces carbon emissions. Applying for ECO4 could lead to significant savings and a more sustainable, energy-efficient home if you qualify. If you have further questions, call us at your convenience—we are happy to help!
