Insider’s Guide: Securing Grants for EPC Band G Homes (Without Costly Mistakes)
If your home is EPC Band G, you face the highest bills—but also the biggest grants for upgrades under ECO4. This guide, written by experienced UK installers, reveals insider tips, common mistakes, and how to secure every measure you’re entitled to.
Insider’s Guide: Securing Grants for EPC Band G Homes (Without Costly Mistakes)
Why EPC Band G Homes Face the Biggest Hurdles—And How to Beat Them
ECO4 grant eligibility requirements – If your home is rated EPC Band G, you’re living in one of the UK’s least energy-efficient properties. That means sky-high heating bills, draughts you can feel in your bones, and—most crucially—a unique opportunity: government-backed grants for EPC Band G through the ECO4 Scheme.
But here’s the truth installers never shout about: not all Band G properties are treated equally, and the application process is packed with hidden traps. As someone who’s surveyed, installed, and signed off energy upgrades in Band G homes across the UK, I want to arm you with the real-world knowledge you need to get every penny—and every upgrade—you’re entitled to.
How the ECO4 Scheme Targets EPC Band G Homes
The ECO4 Scheme is the government’s flagship programme to help the UK’s coldest, least efficient homes. According to Ofgem’s rules, Band G properties are a top priority: they’re guaranteed eligibility, provided the household meets income or vulnerability criteria.[1][2][5]
- Band G homes must improve by at least two EPC bands (e.g., G→E→D) for funding to be released. This is stricter than for better-rated homes.[5]
- Installers are required to tackle insulation (loft, cavity or solid wall) before a new boiler or heat pump can be fitted. No shortcuts allowed.[5]
- Funding covers the full cost if you qualify—no hidden charges, no ‘contribution requests’ for standard measures.
Installer's Pro-Tip
For Band G homes, don’t just ask for a boiler. The fastest route to approval (and maximum upgrades) is to request a full assessment and let the installer recommend the package. We’ve seen applications rejected when homeowners insisted on a single measure—ECO4 wants the biggest jump in efficiency, not piecemeal fixes.
Eligibility: What Installers Wish You Knew About EPC Band G Grants
1. EPC Band G—But Not Automatically Eligible
- You must be a homeowner or private tenant (with landlord’s consent).
- Your property must be your main residence—second homes are excluded.[1][5]
- Household income is usually under £31,000, or you receive specific means-tested benefits (see full list below).
- Alternatively, you may qualify via your council’s LA Flex route if you’re low-income, vulnerable, or in a hard-to-heat home—even without benefits.[1][3]
2. You’ll Need a Current EPC Certificate
- If your home has no EPC, get a qualified assessor to issue one before applying.[4]
- Out-of-date EPCs (over 10 years old) aren’t accepted for ECO4.
- Check your EPC status on GOV.UK for free—don’t pay for unnecessary assessments if you already have a valid one.[4]
3. Benefit Criteria (As of 11/09/2025)
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings)
- Income Support
- Income-based JSA or ESA
- Child Tax Credit / Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Benefit (subject to income thresholds)
- LA Flex (local authority referral)
Common Mistake to Avoid
Many homeowners assume that ‘Band G’ status alone means instant approval. In practice, we’ve seen applications delayed for months because the benefit paperwork didn’t match, or the EPC was out of date. Double-check all your documents before starting.
Step-by-Step: The Real Process of Getting a Grant for an EPC Band G Home
- Check your EPC rating on the official register. If you’re not Band G, you may still qualify, but the process differs.
- Gather proof of benefits or low income—these are checked against DWP records.
- Book a free home survey with an accredited installer (like freeboilerupgrade.uk). We’ll assess all possible upgrades—not just boilers, but insulation, solar panels, and more.
- Installer submits your application to an obligated energy supplier. Don’t try to do this yourself—the paperwork is complex, and errors can mean delays or rejection.
- Works are scheduled—insulation is always first, then heating systems. You’ll be kept informed at every stage.
- Final EPC assessment—we must prove your home jumped at least two bands before the grant is signed off.[5]
What Upgrades Can You Expect? (And What You Can’t)
- Loft, cavity, or solid wall insulation—always the first step for Band G.
- New A-rated boiler or air source heat pump—only after insulation is completed and if your old system is inefficient.
- Solar PV panels—possible if it helps achieve the required EPC jump.[3]
- No funding for partial upgrades or properties that can’t achieve a two-band leap (rare, but possible in some solid-wall homes without planning consent).
Installer's Pro-Tip
If your property is hard to insulate (e.g., solid stone walls), ask your installer about hybrid packages—combining insulation, secondary glazing, and renewables. We’ve secured grants for Band G homes by proving to Ofgem that this was the only way to hit the EPC target.
FAQs: Grants for EPC Band G Homes
- Can I apply if I rent? Yes, with landlord consent. Many landlords agree as it boosts property value and meets legal standards.[5]
- What if my EPC rating improves before works start? The grant is based on your EPC at the time of application. If your rating changes after, it won’t affect eligibility—but tell your installer if you plan major upgrades yourself.
- Do I have to pay anything? For standard ECO4 measures, there’s no cost to eligible households. If you’re offered ‘extras’ not covered by the grant, get a written breakdown before agreeing.
- How long does the process take? From survey to install is typically 4-12 weeks, depending on demand and property type.
- What happens if my home can’t reach two bands higher? In rare cases, a grant isn’t possible. A good installer (like us) will model improvements and advise before any work starts.
- Can I choose which upgrades I get? ECO4 is outcomes-focused: the package is designed to maximise your EPC jump, not just your preference. We always explain your options before you commit.
Conclusion: Take the First Step—Don’t Leave Money on the Table
Securing grants for EPC Band G homes isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about understanding the rules, the pitfalls, and the opportunities to transform your home’s efficiency for free. At freeboilerupgrade.uk, our team handles every detail, from paperwork to install, making sure you never miss out on the upgrades you deserve.
All information is current as of 11/09/2025, but government schemes can change—so check your eligibility today and lock in your funding while it lasts.