Introduction: Understanding the ECO4 Scheme and Costs
The ECO4 scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes by providing free upgrades such as insulation, heating system improvements, and renewable energy installations.
Funded by major energy suppliers, ECO4 helps low-income and fuel-poor households reduce energy bills while contributing to the UK’s net-zero carbon targets.
But is the ECO4 scheme truly 100% free? Many homeowners and tenants wonder if they will need to pay anything towards the upgrades. The answer depends on several factors, including your eligibility, property type, and the specific improvements being made.
If you’re considering applying for ECO4, this guide will break down:
- What ECO4 covers and how it is funded
- Whether homeowners or tenants ever need to contribute financially
- When ECO4 upgrades might require a partial contribution
- Why you should apply now before the scheme ends
- How Green Homes Group can help secure maximum funding for you
Let’s dive into the details to ensure you understand exactly what’s free under ECO4 and how to apply for your home energy improvements.
What We Will Be Discussing in This Article
What is the ECO4 Scheme and How Does it Work?
- The purpose of ECO4
- How the scheme is funded
- Who qualifies for ECO4
The ECO4 Scheme & What It Covers for Free?
- Insulation upgrades
- Heating system improvements
- Renewable energy installations
- Smart heating controls and ventilation
Are There Any Hidden Costs with ECO4?
- Who pays for the upgrades?
- The role of TrustMark-approved installers
- Fully funded vs. partially funded upgrades
Do Homeowners Ever Have to Pay for ECO4 Measures?
- When contributions may be required
- Typical costs for premium upgrades
- How to avoid unnecessary costs
Why Should You Apply for ECO4 Now?
- Limited funding availability
- Rising energy costs and financial savings
- How Green Homes Group makes the process easy
How to Apply for ECO4 and Secure Free Upgrades
- Step-by-step application process
- Eligibility checks and required documents
- What happens after your application is approved
The ECO4 Scheme & How Does it Work?
The ECO4 scheme is the fourth phase of the UK Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) programme. It was introduced to:
- Combat fuel poverty by making homes more energy efficient
- Reduce carbon emissions by upgrading outdated heating systems
- Lower household energy bills by improving insulation and introducing renewable energy sources
Unlike traditional grants, ECO4 is not funded by the government directly. Instead, major energy suppliers (such as British Gas, EDF, and E.ON) are obligated to fund home upgrades under government regulations.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can receive fully funded energy-saving improvements through a TrustMark-certified installer. Green Homes Group is here to guide you through the process and ensure you get the maximum funding available.
What Does the ECO4 Scheme Cover for Free?
The ECO4 scheme is designed to make UK homes more energy efficient by providing fully funded home upgrades that lower energy consumption, reduce heating costs, and contribute to net-zero carbon targets. The scheme prioritises a whole-house approach, ensuring that multiple improvements are carried out together for maximum energy savings.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what ECO4 covers and how these measures benefit your home:
1. Insulation Upgrades
Proper insulation is the first line of defence against heat loss. Without effective insulation, homes lose a significant amount of heat, making them expensive to heat in winter and prone to overheating in summer. ECO4 covers the full cost of several insulation upgrades, including:
- Loft Insulation
- Around 25% of heat loss in an uninsulated home occurs through the roof.
- ECO4 covers full loft insulation to trap heat inside during colder months.
- Insulating your loft can save £250–£400 per year on energy bills.
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- If your home has uninsulated cavity walls, it could be losing up to 35% of its heat.
- ECO4 funds the installation of insulating materials within the wall cavities.
- This upgrade can save homeowners an average of £300 per year.
- Solid Wall Insulation (Internal and External)
- Older homes, built before the 1920s, typically have solid walls instead of cavity walls.
- These homes can lose up to 45% of their heat through walls.
- ECO4 provides internal or external insulation, reducing heat loss and improving home comfort.
- Solid wall insulation can save £400–£650 annually in heating costs.
- Underfloor Insulation
- 15% of home heat can be lost through uninsulated floors.
- ECO4 fully covers underfloor insulation, which prevents cold draughts.
- This upgrade can save £100–£200 per year on heating bills.
2. Heating System Improvements
Replacing an outdated, inefficient heating system is one of the fastest ways to cut down energy bills. ECO4 funds heating upgrades that enhance energy efficiency and provide more effective, sustainable heating solutions.
- New A-Rated Boilers
- ECO4 replaces old, inefficient non-condensing boilers with new A-rated boilers.
- Condensing boilers recover heat that would otherwise be lost, making them 90%+ efficient.
- A boiler upgrade can reduce heating costs by up to £315 per year.
- Note: Boiler replacements are only available for certain qualifying households.
- High-Heat Retention Electric Storage Heaters
- Ideal for homes without gas central heating.
- These heaters store electricity when tariffs are lowest (e.g., during the night) and release heat throughout the day.
- They are much more energy-efficient than older electric heating systems.
- Can save up to £200 per year on electricity bills.
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Heat pumps extract heat from the air to efficiently warm your home, reducing carbon emissions.
- They work even in low temperatures, making them perfect for UK weather.
- Running costs are up to 40% lower compared to traditional electric heating.
- ECO4 fully covers installation, which would typically cost £7,000–£14,000.
- Homeowners can expect long-term savings of £300–£600 per year.
3. Renewable Energy Installations
To support the UK’s transition to renewable energy, ECO4 includes solar energy solutions for eligible households.
- Solar Panels
- ECO4 funds solar PV panel installations, allowing households to generate their own electricity.
- Homeowners with solar panels can save up to £500 per year on energy bills.
- Surplus electricity can be fed back to the grid, further reducing costs.
- Solar Batteries
- Solar batteries allow homes to store excess electricity generated during the day.
- This stored energy can be used at night or during peak electricity rate hours.
- A solar panel + battery system can reduce energy bills by up to 70%.
- ECO4 provides fully funded battery storage for eligible applicants.
4. Smart Heating Controls & Ventilation Improvements
To further improve energy efficiency and home comfort, ECO4 also funds smart heating controls and ventilation measures.
- Smart Thermostats & Heating Controls
- These systems optimise heating schedules, reducing energy waste.
- Homeowners can control heating remotely via smartphone apps.
- Smart thermostats can cut heating costs by 10-20% per year.
- Ventilation Upgrades
- Poor ventilation can lead to damp, mould, and condensation.
- ECO4 covers mechanical ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality.
- Proper ventilation reduces humidity levels, preventing costly mould-related damage.
How Do These Upgrades Benefit You?
By combining these fully funded improvements, the ECO4 scheme helps households save money, increase home comfort, and reduce their carbon footprint.
Key Benefits of ECO4 Upgrades
- ✅ Lower Energy Bills – Save up to £1,600 per year depending on your home’s efficiency level.
- ✅ Warmer, More Comfortable Homes – Insulation and upgraded heating make homes cosier in winter and cooler in summer.
- ✅ Reduced Carbon Footprint – Eco-friendly solutions help the UK reach its Net Zero goals.
- ✅ Completely Funded – No upfront costs for qualifying homes.
- ✅ Increased Property Value – Energy-efficient homes sell for more and are cheaper to run.
Why Choose Green Homes Group?
At Green Homes Group, we specialise in securing maximum funding under ECO4 and providing seamless, hassle-free installations. Our team ensures:
- You get the upgrades you need, with no hidden costs.
- All work is completed by TrustMark-approved professionals.
- You receive high-quality installations that provide long-term savings.
Are There Any Hidden Costs with ECO4?
One of the most common concerns homeowners have about the ECO4 scheme is whether there are any hidden fees, repayment plans, or unexpected costs. The good news is that ECO4 is a fully funded scheme, designed to provide energy-efficient upgrades at no cost to eligible households.
How Is ECO4 Funded?
The scheme is funded entirely by major UK energy suppliers, as part of their legal obligation to support carbon reduction and tackle fuel poverty. The funding is distributed through approved installers, meaning that households do not receive the money directly—rather, the cost of installation is covered entirely by the scheme itself.
What This Means for Homeowners:
- No upfront costs – You do not need to pay anything to apply, qualify, or have measures installed.
- No repayment plans – Unlike some government-backed schemes, there is no expectation that you will need to pay the money back over time.
- No hidden fees – The ECO4 scheme is transparent, and the entire process is handled by approved providers who operate under strict regulations.
Ensuring High-Quality Work with TrustMark Certification
To protect homeowners and ensure high-quality installations, all work carried out under the ECO4 scheme must be done by TrustMark-certified professionals. This certification guarantees that:
- Installers meet strict government standards for energy efficiency work.
- All upgrades are fully compliant with safety and quality regulations.
- Consumers receive guaranteed workmanship, reducing the risk of faulty or substandard installations.
If you qualify for ECO4, you can be assured that there are no hidden costs or unexpected bills—only the benefit of a warmer, more energy-efficient home at no expense to you.
Do Homeowners Ever Have to Pay for ECO4 Measures?
While most homes receive 100% free upgrades, there are certain exceptional cases where a homeowner may need to contribute toward some improvements. Below are some scenarios where a contribution might be necessary:
1. Property Condition and Pre-Installation Repairs
- If your home requires structural repairs before an ECO4 upgrade can be safely undertaken, you may need to cover those costs.
- Examples include damaged roofing, unsafe wiring, or severe damp issues that must be resolved before insulation or heating systems can be fitted.
- These costs are not covered by the ECO4 scheme, as it is specifically designed for energy efficiency improvements rather than general home repairs.
2. Non-Standard or Premium Upgrades
- ECO4 provides standard, high-quality upgrades, but some homeowners may wish to install premium or additional features beyond what the scheme covers.
- For example, if you want a high-end smart heating control system instead of a standard thermostat, or a premium solar panel system with additional capacity, you may be required to pay the difference between the standard grant-funded measure and your preferred upgrade.
- In these cases, you would be responsible for covering the extra cost.
3. Private Landlord Approval and Contributions
- If you are a private tenant, you can still apply for ECO4, but your landlord must approve the upgrades.
- Some landlords may choose to contribute towards additional improvements, especially if they wish to enhance the value of the property further.
- However, tenants themselves will never be required to contribute—the cost will either be fully covered by ECO4 or split between the energy supplier and the landlord.
How Green Homes Group Ensures You Get Maximum Funding
At Green Homes Group, our goal is to ensure that every eligible homeowner gets the maximum available funding with as little out-of-pocket expense as possible.
Here’s How We Help:
- ✔ Full Eligibility Check – We assess your home’s needs to determine the best combination of fully funded upgrades.
- ✔ Complete Application Support – We handle all the paperwork and application processing for you.
- ✔ TrustMark-Approved Installers – We work exclusively with government-certified professionals to ensure top-quality work.
- ✔ No-Surprise Policy – We inform you upfront if your home may require any additional costs before work begins.
If you qualify for ECO4, Green Homes Group will do everything possible to make sure you receive your energy-saving home improvements for free.
Why Should You Apply for ECO4 Now?
The ECO4 scheme is time-sensitive and will run until March 2026, or until funding runs out. Energy suppliers have a set obligation, and once they meet their targets, funding could be withdrawn early.
Key Reasons to Apply Now
- ✅ Limited funding – Once supplier obligations are complete, applications close.
- ✅ Energy prices are rising – Reduce your bills with free efficiency upgrades.
- ✅ Homes with poor insulation are harder to sell/rent – Increase your property value.
Applying today ensures you don’t miss out on free energy-saving improvements.
How to Apply for ECO4 and Secure Free Upgrades
1. Step 1: Eligibility Check
- Use Green Homes Group’s free grant checker to see if you qualify.
- Eligibility depends on income, benefits received, and home energy efficiency.
2. Step 2: Free Home Survey
- A TrustMark-certified assessor will visit your home to evaluate necessary upgrades.
3. Step 3: Installation Approval
- The energy supplier approves your funding.
- No paperwork or complex forms—Green Homes Group handles everything.
4. Step 4: Installation Begins
- A certified installer completes the work at zero cost to you.
- Enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
Final Thoughts: Take Advantage of ECO4 Before It’s Too Late
What We’ve Discussed
- ✅ The ECO4 scheme is mostly free—with full funding by energy suppliers.
- ✅ All essential insulation and heating upgrades are eligible.
- ✅ Some additional costs may apply in rare cases (such as premium upgrades).
- ✅ Funding is time-sensitive, and applications will close once supplier quotas are complete.
- ✅ Green Homes Group is the leading expert in helping households access full funding with no hassle.
Take Action Today!
ECO4 presents a rare opportunity to upgrade your home for free. Don’t wait until funding runs out—contact Green Homes Group today and start your application.
📞 Call us now to check your eligibility
💻 Visit our website for more information
🏡 Start saving on your energy bills with ECO4!
