ECO 4 Scheme
Keeping your home warm and your bills affordable hasn’t been easy in recent years. Rising energy prices have left many households looking for answers, and that’s exactly where the ECO4 Scheme comes in.
ECO4 (short for Energy Company Obligation, phase 4) is a government-backed scheme running until March 2026. Its aim is simple but powerful: cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and help the UK move closer to its Net Zero 2050 target.
For many households, these upgrades mean hundreds of pounds saved each year. Just as importantly, they bring peace of mind: no more worrying about a home that never quite feels warm enough, or energy bills that keep climbing.
At Free Energy Savings, we guide you through the process from start to finish. From checking your eligibility to arranging the free property survey and managing the paperwork, we handle it all, so you don’t have to worry about complicated forms or confusing rules.
Apply Now For The ECO 4 Grant Scheme
Fill out the form below to take advantage of the ECO 4 grant scheme.
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3 Step Eligibility Process
Complete Online Form
Fill out our quick online form to apply for your ECO 4 Grant.
Get a Survey
Schedule a free home survey to assess your property’s heating system and energy needs.
Get an ECO 4 Grant
Receive a grant for a brand new, heating system or insulation at no cost.
What Is the ECO4 Scheme?
If you’ve heard of ECO4 but aren’t quite sure what it means, you’re not alone. Many people come across it when searching for free boiler or insulation grants, but the truth is that ECO4 is much bigger than just one upgrade.
ECO4 is short for the Energy Company Obligation, phase 4, a government-backed scheme funded by the UK’s major energy suppliers. It is part of the government’s wider plan to tackle fuel poverty, cut household energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions across the country. The scheme will run until March 2026, making it one of the most important home energy programmes currently available.
So, what does ECO4 actually do? Put simply, it provides free or heavily subsidised home improvements for households that need them most, usually low-income homes or those with poor energy efficiency ratings. The upgrades aren’t limited to one measure either. Unlike earlier versions of the scheme (like ECO3), ECO4 is designed around a whole-house retrofit approach, which means you could get multiple improvements installed at the same time.
That could mean insulation to keep the heat in, a new boiler to replace an inefficient one, and even renewable options like solar panels or air source heat pumps, all under the same funding route.
Another key difference with ECO4 is its focus on energy performance certificates (EPCs). Homes with the lowest EPC ratings (D to G) are prioritised, and upgrades are chosen to make the biggest improvement possible.
Why does this matter? Because ECO4 isn’t just about saving money in the short term. It’s about future-proofing homes, reducing reliance on gas, and supporting the UK’s journey toward Net Zero 2050.
ECO4 also works alongside other schemes such as the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), giving households more options depending on their circumstances.
At its core, ECO4 is about making sure families don’t have to choose between heating and eating, and that homes across the UK become warmer, greener, and more affordable to run.
What Home Improvements Can ECO4 Cover?
One of the biggest advantages of ECO4 is that it doesn’t just focus on a single upgrade. Instead, the scheme looks at your home as a whole and identifies what will actually make the biggest difference to your comfort, bills, and energy rating.
Here are the main types of improvements ECO4 funding can help with:
Insulation
- Loft insulation to stop heat escaping through the roof
- Cavity wall, internal wall, or external wall insulation to keep warmth inside
- In some cases, underfloor insulation for homes that lose heat through the ground
Heating
- Replacement of old, inefficient boilers with modern energy-efficient models
- Air source heat pumps, which use renewable energy from the air to heat your home
- Heating controls and radiator upgrades to make your system more efficient
Renewables
- Solar panels (PV) to generate your own electricity and cut dependence on the grid
Secondary Measures
- Smart controls, thermostatic radiator valves, and other smaller upgrades that help you get the most out of your main system
Because ECO4 follows a whole-house retrofit approach, you may qualify for more than one measure at the same time. For example, a household with poor insulation and an old boiler might receive both upgrades under the scheme, turning a cold, draughty property into a warmer and more energy-efficient home almost overnight.
This approach is important because improving just one part of the house often isn’t enough. A brand-new boiler won’t work to its full potential if all the heat is still escaping through the walls. ECO4 tackles these issues together, giving households lasting improvements rather than quick fixes.
In short, the scheme is designed to help you spend less on energy, feel more comfortable in your home, and take a step towards greener living.
ECO4 Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
The big question most people have is simple: Do I qualify for ECO4?
The answer depends on your household income, the benefits you receive, and how energy efficient your home is right now. Let’s break it down.
Standard Eligibility
ECO4 is mainly designed for low-income households and those receiving means-tested benefits. If your home has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G, and you’re on one of the following benefits, you’re very likely to qualify:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
LA Flex (Local Authority Flexibility)
Not on benefits? You could still qualify. Local councils have the power to approve applications under a rule called LA Flex.
This route allows local authorities to put forward households who may not fit the strict benefit criteria but are still considered vulnerable. That could mean:
- Low-income families just above the benefits threshold
- Households with health conditions made worse by a cold home (such as asthma or COPD)
- Residents in fuel poverty who spend a high proportion of their income on energy bills
So even if you don’t receive benefits, it’s worth checking. Many households qualify through this route without realising.
Tenants and Landlords
Tenants can apply for ECO4 too, provided they have their landlord’s permission. The landlord benefits as much as the tenant: warmer homes, lower energy bills, and an improved EPC rating (which is now a legal requirement for rental properties).
Landlords themselves can also apply, as long as the property and tenant meet the criteria.
Vulnerable Households
ECO4 also recognises that some people need extra support. If you or someone in your household is considered vulnerable due to age, medical conditions, or income, you may still be eligible even if you’re not claiming benefits.
Why the EPC Rating Matters
One of the strictest parts of ECO4 compared to older versions is the focus on improving EPC ratings. Homes must start at D, E, F, or G. The upgrades funded are chosen specifically to move the property up by at least one band, sometimes even two.
That way, the improvements don’t just patch problems. They make a meaningful long-term difference.
How Much Can You Save with ECO4?
One of the first questions people ask about ECO4 is whether it actually makes a difference to bills. The short answer is yes. How much you save depends on the type of property you live in, the upgrades you receive, and what kind of heating system you had before.
On average, households see the following yearly savings after ECO4 improvements:
- Detached homes: £800–£1,200
- Semi-detached homes: £500–£800
- Terraced houses or flats: £300–£500
These figures are based on typical improvements such as new insulation, modern boilers, or renewable measures like solar panels. If your home is currently running on an old gas or electric system, the savings can be even higher.
The other side of the story is stability. With energy prices moving up and down, ECO4 upgrades give long-term protection. A well-insulated home with an efficient heating system is less vulnerable to price rises, which means you’ll feel the benefits year after year.
It’s not just about money either. A warmer, more comfortable home has a knock-on effect on health and wellbeing, particularly for households where damp, draughts, or constant cold have been a worry.
Take one example: a family in Leicester had their loft insulated and an old boiler replaced through ECO4. The result was a warmer home and around £600 a year in savings on energy bills; money they could put back into other essentials.
The truth is that most people underestimate what ECO4 could do for them. A small change, like loft insulation, might trim a few hundred pounds off bills each year. A full set of upgrades could save much more, while also increasing the value of your property.
Curious about what your home could save? Start your free ECO4 eligibility check today.
The ECO4 Application & Installation Process
If you’re worried that applying for ECO4 will be complicated, the good news is that it’s actually very straightforward. At Free Energy Savings, we manage the process from start to finish, so you don’t have to get bogged down in forms or technical details.
Here’s how it usually works:
- Apply online or take a free eligibility check
You give us a few details about your household and property. This helps us see whether you’re likely to qualify. - Free property survey
A qualified surveyor visits your home to assess what improvements would make the biggest difference. They’ll look at things like insulation, heating systems, and your EPC rating. - We submit your application
Once we have all the details, we put together the paperwork and submit it to the funding partners on your behalf. - Installation is scheduled
If your application is approved, we’ll arrange a convenient time for certified installers to carry out the work. - Post-installation checks
After the upgrades are complete, a quality check ensures everything has been installed correctly and is working as it should.
The average timeframe for this whole process is around 4 to 8 weeks from application to completed installation. Some measures, like loft insulation, can be installed in less than a day. Others, such as external wall insulation or renewable systems, may take longer but are still managed with minimal disruption to your household.
Throughout it all, we stay in touch so you always know what stage things are at. Most customers are surprised by how simple it feels, especially since they don’t have to deal with complicated forms or long phone calls with energy companies.
Ready to get started? Begin your free ECO4 application today and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Why Choose Free Energy Savings?
There are plenty of companies talking about ECO4, but not all of them guide you through the process with care and clarity. At Free Energy Savings, we focus on making the scheme simple, stress-free, and worthwhile for every household we help.
When you apply with us, you’re not just filling out another online form. You’re getting a team that understands the ins and outs of ECO4 and knows how to get your application approved quickly and smoothly. We’ve built a trusted nationwide network of certified installers, so whether you need insulation, a new boiler, or renewable upgrades, you’ll know the work is carried out to the highest standard.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- No-obligation, free surveys carried out by qualified experts
- Full end-to-end management of your application and installation
- Access to an approved installer network you can rely on
- Fast-track applications to speed up the process
We also understand that every household has different concerns. Some worry about hidden costs. Others feel uncertain about whether they’ll qualify. Our role is to give you straight answers, manage the details, and make sure there are no surprises along the way.
At the end of the day, ECO4 is a government-backed opportunity to make your home warmer, cheaper to run, and better for the planet. Free Energy Savings makes sure you don’t miss out.
Apply today with Free Energy Savings and let us handle the rest.
Ready to Apply for the ECO 4 Scheme?
The ECO4 Scheme is one of the most significant opportunities for UK households to cut energy bills and improve home comfort at no cost. Running until March 2026, it provides free or heavily subsidised upgrades such as insulation, boiler replacements, and renewable options like heat pumps or solar panels.
For many families, ECO4 means a warmer home, protection from rising energy prices, and hundreds of pounds in yearly savings. For others, it’s the peace of mind that comes with finally fixing draughts, damp issues, or outdated heating systems.
At Free Energy Savings, our role is simple. We handle the application, survey, and installation process so you can access funding without stress or confusion. With our nationwide network of approved installers, you can trust that every upgrade is completed to the highest standard.
If your home is hard to heat, or if you’re wondering whether you qualify, now is the time to check. Most households are surprised by what’s available once they apply.
Start your free ECO4 eligibility check today and take the first step toward lower bills and a warmer, more efficient home.
Frequently Asked Questions
ECO4 is the fourth phase of the government’s Energy Company Obligation scheme. It provides free or heavily subsidised home energy upgrades for qualifying households, funded by the UK’s major energy suppliers. The scheme runs until March 2026.
Yes, if you qualify, the funding can cover the full cost of improvements like insulation or boiler replacements. In some cases, part-funding may apply, but most eligible households receive upgrades without paying anything upfront. There are no hidden fees.
If you don’t receive benefits, you may still qualify under the LA Flex route. Local authorities can approve applications for low-income households, those with health conditions affected by cold homes, or families spending a high percentage of income on energy bills.
Yes. Tenants can apply as long as they have landlord permission. Landlords also benefit from the scheme, as properties become warmer, more efficient, and have higher EPC ratings (which is a legal requirement for rentals).
It depends on the measures. Loft insulation can often be done in less than a day. Boiler replacements usually take one to two days. Larger jobs like external wall insulation or renewable systems may take a week or more, but everything is scheduled to cause minimal disruption.
Yes. ECO4 is based on a whole-house approach, so you may receive multiple upgrades at once. For example, insulation and a new boiler could be installed under the same application.
ECO4 focuses on upgrades that improve your home’s energy efficiency. Cosmetic changes, repairs unrelated to heating or insulation, or luxury upgrades are not covered.
In most cases, no. Standard measures like loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and boiler replacements don’t require planning permission. For certain upgrades, like external wall insulation or solar panels, planning permission may be needed in conservation areas or listed buildings — but we’ll guide you if that applies.
Yes. ECO4 requires that every funded upgrade improves a home’s EPC rating by at least one band, sometimes two. This makes homes more energy efficient, more comfortable, and more attractive to future buyers or renters.
From the initial application to completed installation, the average timeframe is around 4 to 8 weeks. Some applications move faster, depending on the type of property and the upgrades being installed.
What Our Customers Have To Say
Read More Of Our Reviews On Trust Pilot
We’ve had some bad experiences with installers in the past, but Free Energy Savings was a breath of fresh air. They were helpful and patient, answering all of our questions about the ECO4 scheme and making sure we understood how it worked. The installation was done quickly and professionally, and the team was extremely respectful of our home.
- Jessica B
We were a bit unsure about how the ECO4 grant worked, but Free Energy Savings made everything so simple. The team explained every detail of the grant and the benefits from a new boiler installation. When it came time for the installation, they arrived right on schedule and worked hard to get everything set up. What impressed me most was the attention to detail….
- Amelia L
Free Energy Savings exceeded all of our expectations. From the moment we contacted them, they were responsive and informative. The team helped us through the paperwork for the ECO4 grant, which was a big help since we had no idea where to start. The installation crew was friendly, professional, and fast. It’s been a couple of months now, and we’re already…
