With the cost of living rising and winter temperatures dipping lower each year, many Welsh households are struggling to keep their homes warm without breaking the bank. If you’ve been looking for a way to reduce your heating bills and improve your home’s energy efficiency, loft insulation might be the answer.
Even better, you may not have to pay for it yourself.
Thanks to UK Government initiatives like the ECO4 Scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), many residents in Wales can access free or heavily subsidised loft insulation. These schemes are designed to help low-income and middle-income households, especially those living in energy-inefficient homes.
This article will explain exactly how these programmes work, who qualifies, and how to get started with a free home survey through Green Homes Group.
Loft insulation is a thermal barrier installed in your loft space or attic. It prevents heat from escaping through the roof—something that can account for as much as 25% of heat loss in an uninsulated home.
Insulating material (usually mineral wool or similar) is laid between the joists on your loft floor. Additional layers may be installed across the joists to bring insulation up to modern standards—typically 270mm thick.
Wales benefits from UK-wide energy efficiency programmes that are tailored to local needs. The two main routes to funded loft insulation are:
Both schemes are backed by the UK Government and delivered via energy suppliers, but they serve slightly different audiences and offer varying levels of support.
The ECO4 scheme is part of the UK Government’s long-term plan to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions. It focuses on helping low-income and vulnerable households make energy-efficient upgrades—including loft insulation, wall insulation, heating system replacements, and more.
You may qualify if:
The scheme doesn’t just fund insulation—it can cover:
However, loft insulation is often the starting point, as it provides a quick, low-cost win for improving energy efficiency.
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), formerly known as ECO+, is a more inclusive programme launched in 2023. It aims to help a wider group of households improve their insulation—even those who don’t qualify for ECO4.
You may qualify if:
A “low-income eligibility group” also exists within GBIS, covering those who do receive benefits or have other vulnerabilities.
GBIS funds one key insulation measure per home. This is often:
Unlike ECO4, GBIS doesn’t aim to upgrade the whole property—just one impactful improvement.
Each scheme has its own set of criteria, but most homeowners or private renters in Wales will fall into one of these categories:
| Requirement | ECO4 | GBIS |
|---|---|---|
| On means-tested benefits | ✔ | ✔ |
| EPC rating D–G | ✔ | ✔ |
| Council Tax Band A–D | Not required | ✔ (required in Wales) |
| Income below £31,000 | ✔ (via LA Flex) | Often applicable |
| Health conditions / vulnerable | ✔ | ✔ |
To know for sure, a home survey is essential. This will check your insulation levels, EPC rating, and household details to determine your eligibility.
Contact our team and we’ll carry out an initial eligibility check over the phone.
We’ll arrange a qualified surveyor to inspect your property and assess your insulation needs.
We’ll match you with either ECO4 or GBIS, depending on your circumstances.
Although we are not installers, we partner with a trusted network of fully vetted, TrustMark-registered installers in Wales.
The installer will complete your loft insulation—usually within half a day. Minimal disruption. No mess.
Some schemes may require a post-installation check to ensure quality and compliance.
At Green Homes Group, our mission is simple: to help Welsh residents access insulation funding easily, ethically, and efficiently.
We’re here to make the process stress-free and straightforward.
Once your grant is approved, the installer will:
The process usually takes 2 to 4 hours and causes minimal disruption. You don’t need to move out or make major preparations—just clear any stored belongings from the loft.
Yes – if you’re eligible, the schemes usually cover 100% of the cost.
Yes, with your landlord’s consent. Landlords can also apply if their tenant qualifies.
If your existing insulation is under 100mm thick, you may qualify for a top-up to bring it up to standard.
Yes. GBIS is designed specifically for low- and middle-income households not on benefits.
Yes – especially under ECO4 and GBIS where the tenant meets eligibility rules.
Absolutely.
If you’re eligible for a grant through ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme, you could receive loft insulation for free, saving you hundreds of pounds a year in energy costs. It’s one of the fastest ways to make your home warmer, cheaper to run, and more environmentally friendly.
With funding available right now – and with Green Homes Group doing all the legwork – it’s a simple, smart decision.
At Green Homes Group, we’ll help you determine whether you qualify for ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme. We do not carry out installations ourselves, but we work with a trusted network of certified installers across Wales.
Book your free survey today and find out if you’re eligible for a loft insulation grant in Wales.
Learn more about you can improve your home energy-efficiency with our full range of services.
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