What Grants Are Currently Available
Here are some of the key government-backed energy efficiency schemes in the UK as of 2025:
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
- A long-running scheme funded by energy suppliers to help low-income or fuel-poor households make energy-saving improvements.
- Eligible measures include insulation (loft, cavity, solid wall) and heating upgrades (boilers, heat pumps).
- Typical eligibility: households with certain benefits, or properties with poor EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- Provides grants of up to £7,500 for installing low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps.
- Useful for homeowners looking to replace older, inefficient boilers with greener alternatives.
- Local Authority (LA) “Help to Heat” Grants
- Through the “Help to Heat” initiative, some local authorities offer grants for insulation and heating improvements.
- These grants may vary significantly by area, so check with your council for availability.
Who Is Eligible
- Homeowners and some private tenants may qualify, depending on the scheme.
- Eligibility often depends on:
- Receiving means-tested benefits (e.g., Universal Credit)
- Having a home with a low EPC rating (e.g., D, E, F, or G)
- Your home’s current heating system or insulation status (old boilers, no insulation)
How to Apply
- Check Your Eligibility
- Visit the UK Government “Help to Heat” grants page to see which schemes apply in your area.
- Use online eligibility checkers offered by trusted installers to see if you qualify for ECO4 or boiler grants.
- Get an Assessment
- If eligible, a TrustMark-registered retrofit assessor or installer will survey your property.
- They’ll check your EPC rating, heating system, and insulation to determine which measures apply.
- Submit Your Application
- Provide proof of benefit (if required), your EPC, and other documentation.
- The installer usually handles the application process directly with the funding body.
- Installation
- Once approved, certified installers carry out the work (e.g., fitting a new boiler or installing insulation) at no direct cost to you (if fully funded).
- Work is carried out to PAS 2035 / PAS 2030 standards.
- After Installation
- Ensure you keep all paperwork: EPC report, installer certificate, and any guarantees.
- Monitor any energy savings and improvements to your home’s performance.
Tips & Warnings
- Use reputable installers: Always check they are TrustMark-registered or PAS-certified.
- Beware of door-to-door “grant” salesmen: Some offers may not be legitimate.
- Double-check your EPC rating before applying; eligibility often depends on it.
- Grants are limited and may not be available forever — apply when you qualify.
