ECO4 Grants 2026: Free Boiler, Insulation & Heating Upgrades for UK Homes
By Peter Davies, ECO4 Analyst
Reviewed
ECO4 grants cover fully funded energy efficiency improvements for eligible UK households, including free boilers (£4,000-£8,000), heating systems (£8,000-£15,000), insulation, and heat pumps. Funding is provided by major energy suppliers under UK government regulation. There are no upfront costs. The scheme closes - apply now while funding remains available.
Total funding
£4B
Free grants
100%
Grant types
8+
Annual savings
£800+
What Does ECO4 Cover? Quick Overview
All measures below are 100% funded for eligible households. No upfront costs, no repayment required.
Discover every energy efficiency grant available through the Free Boiler Upgrade UK ECO4 service. Get free boilers, insulation, heating systems, and more with government-regulated funding. Not sure if you qualify? Check ECO4 eligibility or read about LA Flex eligibility if you don't receive qualifying benefits.
| Grant Type | Value | Annual Saving | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Boiler Replacement | £4,000-£8,000 | £300-500 | Qualifying benefits, old boiler, EPC D-G |
| First-Time Central Heating | £8,000-£15,000 | £800+ | No existing heating, qualifying benefits |
| Cavity Wall Insulation | £1,500-£3,000 | £200-350 | Cavity walls, built 1920-1990 |
| External Wall Insulation | £8,000-£15,000 | £400-600 | Solid walls, low income or benefits |
| Loft Insulation | £800-£1,500 | £150-250 | Inadequate loft space |
| Air Source Heat Pump | £5,000-£12,000 | £300-800 | Replacing fossil fuel heating |
| Smart Heating Controls | £300-£800 | £75-150 | Existing heating, low income |
| Back Boiler Replacement | £4,000-£7,000 | £800+ | Existing back boiler, benefits |
Figures are typical ranges based on property type and package size. Your actual grant value and savings depend on your home assessment.
Every ECO4 Grant Available
Full detail on all 8 measures — eligibility, what's included, and typical annual saving. Every measure below is 100% funded for eligible households.
Replace your old, inefficient boiler with a modern A-rated condensing boiler at no cost through ECO4 funding.
Eligibility
- Receive qualifying benefits
- Have an old, inefficient boiler
- Property EPC rating D-G
What's included
- New A-rated condensing boiler
- Full installation and setup
- System upgrade and safety checks
- Manufacturer warranty included
Get a complete central heating system installed if your home doesn't currently have one.
Eligibility
- No existing central heating
- Qualifying benefits or low income
- Homeowner or private tenant
What's included
- Complete heating system
- Boiler and radiators
- Pipework and controls
- Professional installation
Insulate your cavity walls to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
Eligibility
- Cavity walls without insulation
- Property built between 1920-1990
- Meet income or benefit criteria
What's included
- Full cavity wall insulation
- Professional assessment
- Quality installation
- 25-year guarantee
Upgrade your loft insulation to reduce heat loss through your roof.
Eligibility
- Inadequate loft insulation
- Accessible loft space
- Qualifying household income
What's included
- Top-up or new loft insulation
- Mineral wool or eco-friendly materials
- Professional installation
- Building regulations compliance
Insulate solid walls from the outside to dramatically improve energy efficiency.
Eligibility
- Solid wall construction
- No existing wall insulation
- Low income or benefits
What's included
- External insulation system
- Weather-resistant render
- Complete installation
- Improved property appearance
Install a renewable air source heat pump to replace your old heating system.
Eligibility
- Replacing fossil fuel heating
- Suitable property type
- Meet ECO4 criteria
What's included
- Air source heat pump unit
- Hot water cylinder upgrade
- System controls and setup
- Professional commissioning
Install smart thermostats and heating controls to optimize your heating system.
Eligibility
- Existing heating system
- No current smart controls
- Qualifying household
What's included
- Smart thermostat
- Wireless controls
- Zone control valves
- Installation and setup
Replace outdated back boilers with modern, efficient heating systems.
Eligibility
- Existing back boiler system
- Qualifying benefits
- Property suitability
What's included
- New combi or system boiler
- Removal of old back boiler
- System upgrade and cleanup
- Full installation warranty
Who Qualifies for ECO4 Grants in 2026?
You may qualify if you meet both of these conditions.
Property EPC rating
Your property has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. Worst-performing homes (F and G) are prioritised.
One of three routes applies
- Someone in your household receives a qualifying benefit, OR
- Your household income is below your council's LA Flex threshold (typically £31,000-£40,500), OR
- Someone in your household has a health condition made worse by a cold home
Route 1: Qualifying Benefits (Most Common)
According to GOV.UK's Energy Company Obligation guidance, if anyone in your household receives any one of these benefits, you likely qualify:
| Benefit | Income Limit? |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | No |
| Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings) | No |
| Income Support | No |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - income-based | No |
| Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - income-based | No |
| Housing Benefit | No |
| Child Tax Credit | Yes - see below |
| Working Tax Credit | Yes - see below |
| Child Benefit (as only benefit) | Yes - varies |
Child Benefit income thresholds (2026)
- Single claimant, 1 child: up to £19,900
- Single claimant, 2+ children: up to £24,800-£27,500
- Couple, 1 child: up to £24,800
- Couple, 2+ children: up to £27,500-£32,300
Note: these thresholds change regularly. Check with your installer or our eligibility checker for current figures.
Route 2: LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility)
Don't have qualifying benefits? You may still qualify through your local council. LA Flex lets councils refer households for ECO4 funding based on:
- Low household income (typically under £31,000-£40,500 annually; thresholds vary by council)
- Health vulnerability (respiratory, cardiovascular, or other conditions worsened by cold)
- Age or disability (older people, disabled residents)
- Fuel poverty (struggling to heat your home adequately)
Each council sets its own LA Flex criteria in a Statement of Intent document. Some councils are more generous than others - it's worth checking with your local authority to see if they operate a scheme and what their specific thresholds are. Typical approval time through LA Flex: 5-15 working days once you contact your council or an approved installer.
Property Requirements
Your home must:
- Have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G
- Be a private residence (owned or privately rented)
- Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (an EPC can be obtained for around £50-£100 if needed)
If your home isn't already connected to the gas grid, a new mains connection is arranged and billed separately by your regional GDN (Cadent, SGN, Wales & West Utilities or Northern Gas Networks) - ECO4 itself funds the boiler, internal pipework and controls.
Bottom lineIf you claim a qualifying benefit, or you meet your council's LA Flex income or vulnerability criteria, and your EPC is D-G, you're very likely eligible - the eligibility check takes about 60 seconds.
What Measures Does ECO4 Cover?
ECO4 takes a whole-house approach, bundling multiple improvements to raise your home's EPC rating significantly - typically by at least 2 bands, e.g. G → E, or F → D.
Insulation Measures
- Loft insulation - new installation or top-up to recommended depth
- Cavity wall insulation - standard width cavities only
- Solid wall insulation - internal or external, for hard-to-treat properties
- Underfloor insulation - suspended timber floors
- Flat roof and room-in-roof insulation
Heating Upgrades
- Boiler replacement - old inefficient boiler to modern A-rated condensing boiler
- First-time central heating - full system installation for homes without existing heating
- Heating system upgrades - replacing storage heaters, back boilers, or other outdated systems
- Smart heating controls - programmers, thermostats, zone controls, TRVs
Other Measures
- Air source heat pumps (in some cases; check eligibility)
- Solar panels (as part of a wider package, not standalone)
- Energy-efficient doors (where doors cause significant heat loss)
The "Minimum Improvement Rule"
ECO4 requires that your package of measures lifts your property by at least 2 EPC bands, or to band C, whichever is lower. This means:
- EPC G → target at least E (2-band improvement)
- EPC F → target at least D (2-band improvement)
- EPC E → target at least C (2-band improvement)
- EPC D → may receive a smaller package (limited funding for lower-priority homes)
This is why ECO4 typically installs multiple measures, not just a boiler or insulation alone - a single measure often cannot deliver the required EPC uplift on its own.
What ECO4 Does NOT Cover
- Cosmetic work (painting, decorative work)
- Double glazing (standalone)
- Extensions or structural work
- Electrical rewiring (unless required for heating installation)
- Renewable energy systems (standalone)
Every ECO4 package is designed against PAS 2035, the British Standard for whole-house retrofit assessment - this is what determines which combination of measures your specific property needs to hit the required EPC uplift.
Bottom lineECO4 rarely funds a single measure in isolation - expect a bundled package (typically a boiler plus one or two insulation measures) sized to lift your EPC by at least 2 bands.
How Do I Apply for ECO4 Grants? Step-by-Step
There is no central government application form - ECO4 is delivered through energy suppliers and their approved installers.
Check your eligibility
Confirm you or someone in your household receives a qualifying benefit, or that your household income is below your council's LA Flex threshold, or that someone is vulnerable to cold. Also confirm your property's EPC rating is D-G. This takes about 5 minutes.
Contact an approved installer or your energy supplier
Contact your current energy supplier (British Gas, EDF, E.ON, OVO, Scottish Power, Octopus Energy, etc.) and ask for their ECO4 team, speak to an approved ECO4 installer near you, or ask your local council about LA Flex if you don't have qualifying benefits. You don't need to be a customer of a specific supplier - any major obligated supplier can deliver measures to you.
Home assessment
A free, no-obligation assessor visits to verify your eligibility, carry out an energy assessment similar to an EPC survey, identify recommended measures, and produce a cost estimate and measure package for you to approve.
Free installation
Measures are installed by Gas Safe-registered, TrustMark-certified installers. You pay nothing upfront - the supplier funds the work directly. Typical installation time is 1-5 days depending on the package, and work carries guarantees such as 25-year insulation warranties and manufacturer boiler warranties.
Post-installation
You receive an installation certificate as proof of work, a new EPC survey is typically lodged reflecting the improvements, and warranties and documents are provided. You can start saving on energy bills immediately.
Bottom lineThere is no application form to fill in yourself - your job is steps 1 and 2 (check eligibility, contact a supplier or installer). Everything from the home assessment onward is handled for you, typically within 6-16 weeks start to finish.
Why Should You Apply for ECO4 Now, Rather Than Wait?
Funding is capped, and both budgets and installer capacity are tightening as the deadline approaches. Per Ofgem's ECO4 scheme rules, suppliers must reach their full bill-savings obligation by 31 December 2026 with no carry-over allowed - which is exactly why quotas are filling now rather than later.
Funding allocation
- ECO4 runs on fixed supplier budgets. As suppliers meet their obligations, quotas fill up.
- Most major suppliers have allocated the bulk of their 2026 funding. New applications are increasingly limited.
- Properties rated F and G are highest priority (least efficient), but even these are filling fast in many regions.
- Off-gas homes (heated by oil or LPG) and extremely low EPC ratings may still have availability.
Installer capacity
- Installer availability is tightening as the deadline approaches. Many firms are reducing 2026 work to manage the rush.
- Waiting means longer waits for assessment and installation, risking missing the scheme entirely.
What Happens After 31 December 2026?
ECO4 closes entirely on 31 December 2026. No new applications will be accepted after this date.
Per the DESNZ-backed Warm Homes Plan published on GOV.UK, the £15 billion successor programme is public-investment funded rather than a levy on energy bills.
Successor schemes (uncertain)
- Warm Homes Plan - the government's £15 billion home-upgrade strategy, including multiple schemes. Read our Warm Homes Plan guide.
- Warm Homes: Local Grant (England, some councils active now, typically £36,000 income limit)
- Warmer Homes Scotland / Nest Wales (devolved schemes)
Details on future schemes are not yet confirmed, and eligibility may be stricter or change significantly.
Bottom lineNothing after ECO4 is guaranteed or fully specified yet - if you qualify today, applying before 31 December 2026 is the only certain route to a fully funded boiler or insulation upgrade.
What Are the Special Rules for Landlords, Tenants and Vulnerable Households?
For Landlords
ECO4 is available for rental properties, but the tenant must meet eligibility criteria (benefits or LA Flex referral) and must consent. You, the landlord, must provide written consent. In most cases the work is fully funded; occasionally a contribution may be requested for expensive measures.
Benefit: your property's EPC rating improves, helping you comply with MEES. In England and Wales, properties must be EPC E or better to let legally - ECO4 can help you reach compliance at little cost.
For Social Housing Providers
ECO4 is available for social housing with specific rules. Contact your energy supplier's ECO team for social housing delivery routes.
For Off-Gas Homes (Oil/LPG Heating)
Homes heated by oil, LPG, or other non-mains fuels are the highest priority under ECO4 because they cause the most carbon emissions. If your home is off-gas with an EPC of F or G, you likely still have good availability even late in the scheme year.
For Health Vulnerability
If someone in your household has a health condition worsened by cold (respiratory disease, cardiovascular condition, arthritis, etc.), you may qualify via LA Flex even without benefits or high income. Get a GP letter confirming the condition and contact your council or an approved installer.
Are There Scams You Should Watch For?
Yes. Common red flags:
- Upfront fees - ECO4 is always free to apply for. Never pay an agent or broker to "secure" funding.
- Unsolicited cold calls or door-knocking - scammers pose as ECO installers.
- Pressure to decide quickly - legitimate installers allow time for consideration.
- Vague promises - avoid anyone who won't provide a detailed assessment or guarantee.
Verify installers: check the TrustMark register or ask your energy supplier for approved partners.
What Makes Free Boiler Upgrade UK Different?
Free Boiler Upgrade UK is a TrustMark-approved, Gas Safe registered ECO4 installer network operating nationwide across England, Scotland and Wales, helping low-income and fuel-poor households replace inefficient boilers and improve insulation at zero cost under the government's Energy Company Obligation scheme.
ECO4 Grants Glossary: Key Terms Explained
Straightforward definitions for the terms used throughout this page.
- ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation, phase 4)
- The current UK Energy Company Obligation phase, running from April 2022 to 31 December 2026. Large energy suppliers fund boiler replacement, insulation and first-time central heating for low-income and fuel-poor households, regulated by Ofgem.
- LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility)
- The ECO4 route that lets local councils refer households who don't receive a qualifying benefit but still meet fuel-poverty, low-income or health-vulnerability criteria, set out in each council's published Statement of Intent.
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
- A government-issued A-G energy efficiency rating for a property, valid for 10 years. ECO4 targets properties rated D, E, F or G, with F- and G-rated homes given the highest priority.
- PAS 2035
- The British Standard for whole-house retrofit assessment and design. Every ECO4 installation must be preceded by a PAS 2035 assessment to determine the correct package of measures.
- TrustMark
- The UK government-endorsed quality scheme for retrofit and home-improvement trades. Legitimate ECO4 installers are listed on the TrustMark register, and completed work is lodged on the TrustMark Data Warehouse.
- GDN (Gas Distribution Network)
- The regional company (Cadent, SGN, Wales & West Utilities or Northern Gas Networks) that owns the gas pipes to your meter. ECO4 funds internal pipework and the boiler; a new mains connection for off-grid homes is billed separately by the GDN.
- MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards)
- The regulation requiring most let residential properties in England and Wales to have an EPC rating of E or better. ECO4-funded improvements can help landlords reach MEES compliance at little or no cost.
- Warm Homes Plan
- The UK government's £15 billion public-investment programme that replaces the Energy Company Obligation model once ECO4 closes. It is not called ECO5 - there is no scheme with that name.
Frequently Asked Questions About ECO4 Grants
Everything you need to know about ECO4 grants and funding.
How much can I save with ECO4?
Annual energy bill savings typically range from £150-£800+ depending on your measures. Boiler replacement alone: £300-500/year. Insulation alone: £150-350/year. Full heating and insulation package: £800-£1,200+/year. Savings increase further if you receive multiple measures, and these figures assume typical gas heating; heat pump installations may deliver higher savings.
Is ECO4 really 100% free?
For most eligible households: yes, completely free. Energy suppliers are legally required to fund the work via Ofgem regulation. You receive no bill, no loan, and no repayment obligation. Rare exception: on expensive measures like solid wall insulation, some suppliers may ask for a modest contribution, typically £0-£3,000 depending on the property and supplier, and this is always discussed upfront before installation.
How much can I get in total?
It depends on your property's needs. Typical packages range from £3,000-£20,000+: a boiler alone is £4,000-£8,000, a boiler plus insulation package is £10,000-£20,000, and a full heating plus multi-layer insulation package can exceed £20,000. Your home assessment determines what you actually qualify for, based on what measures deliver the required EPC uplift.
Can I get multiple grants?
Yes. Many households qualify for a package of measures, such as a boiler plus insulation, or insulation plus heating controls. Some households can also stack schemes - for example, ECO4 insulation plus a separate Boiler Upgrade Scheme heat pump grant - though availability varies by supplier and installer.
Can private renters qualify for ECO4?
Yes. Renters are eligible if they meet the benefit or LA Flex criteria. The landlord must give written consent for the work to proceed. Both the tenant, who gets lower bills, and the landlord, who gets a better EPC rating, benefit from the improvement.
What if I don't have qualifying benefits?
LA Flex is your route. Contact your local council and ask if they operate an ECO4 Flex scheme - most councils do, though criteria vary. If your household income is typically under £31,000-£40,500, depending on the council, or you have a health condition affected by cold, you may qualify.
What if my EPC is old?
Get a new one. If your last EPC is over 10 years old, the rating may have changed, as homes typically degrade. A new EPC costs around £50-£100 online and takes 1-2 days. If the new rating is D-G, you're eligible to proceed with an ECO4 application.
What about landlord responsibilities under ECO4?
For landlords: ECO4 can improve your property's EPC rating at minimal or no cost to you. Your tenant needs to meet the eligibility criteria and you must consent to the work in writing. After installation, your EPC rating improves, helping with MEES compliance if you rent the property out. For tenants: you can access ECO4 even if your landlord is reluctant, by contacting the council directly for an LA Flex referral - the landlord cannot refuse once the council has issued a referral.
Are there scams I should watch for?
Yes. Common red flags include upfront fees (ECO4 is always free to apply for), unsolicited cold calls or door-knocking, pressure to decide quickly, and vague promises without a detailed assessment. Always verify installers against the TrustMark register or ask your energy supplier for their list of approved partners.
When does ECO4 end?
ECO4 is scheduled to end on 31 December 2026, following a nine-month extension confirmed after Ofgem's 2025 consultation. A successor scheme is expected but not yet confirmed in full detail. If you think you qualify, applying sooner gives you the best chance of completing installation before the deadline.
How long does the whole ECO4 process take?
Typical timeline: eligibility check to assessment takes 1-4 weeks; assessment to approval takes 1-3 weeks, or 5-15 working days via LA Flex; approval to installation takes 2-8 weeks depending on installer capacity. Total time from initial contact to completion is usually 6-16 weeks, and this window lengthens the closer we get to 31 December 2026.
What happens when ECO4 ends?
ECO4 closes entirely on 31 December 2026, with no new applications accepted after that date. Future support is expected through the Warm Homes: Local Grant in England (some councils are already active), plus the devolved Warmer Homes Scotland and Nest Wales schemes. Full successor-scheme details are not yet confirmed, so we recommend applying for ECO4 now rather than waiting.
Need help choosing the right grants for your home?
In a Nutshell
ECO4 grants, delivered by Free Boiler Upgrade UK across nationwide UK, fund free boiler replacement, first-time central heating, insulation, and air source heat pumps for eligible households - typically worth £3,000 to £20,000+ per property. You qualify through either a qualifying benefit (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and others) or LA Flex if your income is below your council's threshold or you're vulnerable to cold. Your property needs an EPC rating of D-G, and there is no upfront cost to eligible households. The scheme closes 31 December 2026, so if you think you qualify, check your eligibility and apply now rather than waiting.
Sources & References
GOV.UK - Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
Ofgem - Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Ofgem - ECO public reports and data
GOV.UK - Warm Homes Plan
TrustMark - government-endorsed quality scheme
Gas Safe Register
Find an energy certificate (EPC register)
Check Your ECO4 Eligibility Now
Confirms your benefits or LA Flex route and your property's EPC band in about 5 minutes. If you qualify, the boiler and installation are 100% free — no upfront or hidden cost.
Ready to Apply for ECO4 Grants?
Don't miss out on thousands of pounds worth of free energy efficiency improvements before the scheme closes on 31 December 2026. Check your eligibility today and start saving on your energy bills.