ECO4 Scheme: Your Guide to Free Home Energy Improvements
Did you know that over 810,700 energy efficiency measures have already been installed across 243,900 households through the ECO4 scheme by March 2025? That’s hundreds of thousands of families now enjoying warmer homes and lower energy bills – and yours could be next. This article explains the scheme and is your guide to free home energy improvements.
The Energy Company Obligation 4 Scheme (ECO4) is the government’s flagship scheme helping households improve their home’s energy efficiency. With £4 billion in funding running until March 2026, it’s designed to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions across Great Britain.
“ECO4 aims to upgrade the least energy efficient homes occupied by low income and vulnerable households, delivering average annual bill savings of £300-350 per household.” – Government ECO4 Guidance
Whether you’re a homeowner struggling with high energy bills, a landlord looking to improve your property’s efficiency, or a tenant living in cold, draughty accommodation, ECO4 could transform your situation. We’re seeing an average of £138.5 million in annual bill savings across all participating households.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Who qualifies for ECO4 funding and support
- What energy efficiency measures are available
- How to apply before the scheme closes in March 2026
- Real success stories from households like yours
Read on to find out if you are eligible for the free home upgrades on offer.
Am I Eligible for ECO4?
Determining your ECO4 eligibility can seem daunting, but I’ll break it down simply. The good news is that many households qualify for this government-backed energy efficiency scheme.
Primary Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Benefits recipients | Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, JSA, ESA, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit |
| Income thresholds | Child Benefit recipients: Single parent under £20k, Couples under £30k annually |
| Property rating | EPC rating D-G required |
| Social housing | Properties with EPC D-G ratings eligible |
ECO4 Flex Alternative Routes
If you don’t meet the standard criteria, ECO4 Flex provides additional routes through local authority referrals. Your council can refer you based on local priorities, even if you don’t receive qualifying benefits.
Required Documentation
When applying, you’ll need the following but don’t worry, we will do some of these checks for you, so you don’t have to worry:
- Proof of benefits (We will check this with DWP for you)
- Income verification (Such as payslips and bank statements)
- Property ownership proof (We will carry out ownership)
- Personal identification (Such as a passport or driving licence)
- Address confirmation (Such as utility bills or council tax statement)
- Current EPC certificate (We’ll check your EPC rating for you)
We advise getting what you need together before starting the application process. Missing documentation is the most common reason for delays, so gathering everything you need upfront saves time.
Next Steps
Check your property’s EPC rating first. You can do this online using your postcode here. If you’re a tenant, speak with your landlord about applying together, as their cooperation is essential and you will not be able to proceed without their consent.
What Energy Improvements Are Available?
The ECO4 scheme offers a comprehensive range of energy efficiency measures designed to reduce your bills and improve home comfort. We’ll explore the key improvements available and their potential benefits.
Insulation Measures
The foundation of energy efficiency lies in proper insulation:
- Cavity Wall Insulation – Fills gaps between brick walls, reducing heat loss
- Loft Insulation – Upgrading to 270mm depth could cut heating bills
- Solid Wall Insulation – Internal or external options for older properties
- Floor Insulation – Prevents heat loss through suspended floors
Heating System Upgrades
ECO4 prioritises heating improvements (50% of all installations):
- Heat Pumps – Air source systems can deliver 300-400% efficiency
- Solar Thermal – Provides hot water using renewable energy
Renewable Technologies
Clean energy solutions include:
- Solar PV Panels – Generate electricity and reduce grid dependency
- Battery Storage – Store excess solar energy for later use
- Innovation Measures – Cutting-edge technologies now available
How to Apply for ECO4
Applying for ECO4 funding can seem daunting, but we’ve broken down the process into manageable steps to help you secure energy efficiency improvements for your home.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check your eligibility – Read our article here to confirm you qualify based on benefits received or property type
- Gather required documentation – Collect proof of benefits, property ownership documents, and energy bills
- Complete our application form here – Our team will look at your application and come back to you within a few days
- Property survey – We will assess your home’s energy efficiency needs
- Technical application – we’ll handle the technical application submission on your behalf
- Await approval and schedule installation – If approved, we will contact you to arrange the best installation dates with you.
Processing Times: Applications typically take 2-4 weeks to process, although some complex cases may take longer.
The ECO4 scheme emphasises a “whole house retrofit approach,” meaning installers assess your entire property’s energy performance rather than focusing on individual measures. This comprehensive methodology ensures maximum energy savings and prevents unintended consequences like condensation or ventilation issues
We recommend starting your application early, especially during peak winter months when demand increases. Remember, we will guide you through most of the process, making ECO4 more accessible than previous schemes.
Benefits of ECO Scheme
The ECO scheme delivers substantial advantages for eligible households:
Key Benefits:
- Zero upfront costs – Complete installation at no expense for qualifying households
- Significant savings – Average annual energy bill reductions of £300-500
- Enhanced comfort and health – Improved insulation and heating systems create warmer, healthier living environments
- Increased property value – Energy efficiency improvements boost home market value
- Environmental impact – The scheme has already reduced carbon emissions for thousands of households
We’ve seen firsthand how these improvements transform homes, making them more comfortable while drastically reducing energy bills. The health benefits are particularly significant for vulnerable households, reducing damp, cold, and respiratory issues.
The ECO scheme has already helped thousands of households achieve warmer homes and lower bills. With the March 2026 deadline approaching, we encourage eligible households to act quickly. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your home’s energy efficiency at zero cost to you.
If you want to talk to one of the team and see if we can help you with free home heating upgrades, get in touch today.