🏡 ECO4 Scheme FAQs

The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) scheme is a government energy efficiency program that runs from April 2022 to March 2026. It requires larger energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements in homes across Great Britain, focusing on low-income and vulnerable households to help reduce energy bills and carbon emissions.

You may be eligible if you’re a homeowner or private tenant receiving certain benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits, Income Support, JSA, ESA, etc.), or if your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G and your household income is below £31,000. Social housing tenants may also qualify under certain conditions.

No, you don’t need to own your home. Private tenants can qualify with landlord permission, and some social housing tenants may also be eligible. Homeowners, including those with mortgages, can apply directly if they meet the eligibility criteria.

ECO4 covers various energy efficiency measures including insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall, underfloor), heating upgrades (boiler replacement, heat pumps, solar panels), double glazing, and other fabric improvements. The specific measures recommended depend on your property’s current condition and needs.

Contact an approved ECO4 installer or scheme provider who will assess your eligibility, conduct a property survey, recommend suitable measures, and handle the application process on your behalf. They’ll guide you through all necessary paperwork and coordinate the installation work.

For households receiving qualifying benefits or meeting low-income criteria, ECO4 measures are typically fully funded with no cost to the homeowner. Some properties may require a contribution depending on the work needed and the funding available, but this will be discussed upfront.

Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit Savings Credit, and Child Benefit (under certain income thresholds).

The timeline varies depending on the measures being installed. From initial application to completion, it typically takes 6-12 weeks. Simple measures like loft insulation might take just a day, while more complex work like external wall insulation could take 2-3 weeks. Your installer will provide a detailed schedule.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates your property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). For ECO4, properties with ratings D-G are prioritized. An EPC assessment will be conducted before work begins to determine eligible measures and again after to show improvements.

Yes, air source and ground source heat pumps are available under ECO4 for eligible households. Heat pumps are particularly encouraged as low-carbon heating solutions. Your property must meet certain criteria, and fabric improvements (insulation) may need to be completed first to ensure the heat pump operates efficiently.

LA Flex (Local Authority Flexible Eligibility) allows local councils to identify eligible households that don’t receive qualifying benefits but are still in fuel poverty or vulnerable to cold homes. This can include households on low income, with health conditions, or living in inefficient properties.

Most ECO4 measures don’t require planning permission as they’re considered permitted development. However, external wall insulation on listed buildings or properties in conservation areas may need approval. Your installer will advise if any permissions are needed and assist with applications.

A qualified assessor will visit your home to evaluate its current energy efficiency, identify suitable improvement measures, check for any issues (like damp or asbestos), take measurements, and photograph the property. This survey determines what work can be done and ensures measures are appropriate for your home.

Cavity walls have a gap between two layers of brick, and insulation is injected into this gap. Solid walls have no cavity and require internal or external insulation boards. Properties built before 1920 typically have solid walls, while those built after usually have cavity walls. Your survey will identify which type you have.

Yes, all ECO4 work comes with warranties. Insulation typically has a 25-year guarantee, boilers come with manufacturer warranties (usually 5-10 years), and other measures have appropriate guarantees. Additionally, installations must meet TrustMark standards and comply with building regulations, providing extra consumer protection.

Savings vary depending on your property and measures installed. Cavity wall insulation can save £185-310 annually, loft insulation £250-350, solid wall insulation £400-550, and upgrading to an efficient boiler £300-450. Heat pumps can save even more while reducing carbon emissions significantly.

Yes, you can still qualify for ECO4 even if you received ECO3 funding, as long as you meet current eligibility criteria and there are additional suitable measures that can improve your property’s energy efficiency. Each property is assessed individually for remaining improvement opportunities.

Most installations can be completed while you remain in your home. Work may cause some disruption, and you might need to move furniture temporarily. For extensive work like whole-house insulation, installers will work room by room to minimize disruption. Your installer will explain what to expect for your specific measures.

All ECO4 work must comply with building regulations. Approved installers ensure work meets required standards, obtain necessary certificates, and notify building control where required. This ensures installations are safe, effective, and legal. You’ll receive all relevant certification upon completion.

Yes, landlords can access ECO4 funding if their tenants meet eligibility criteria. This helps landlords meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) requiring rental properties to have at least EPC rating E. Landlords may need to contribute toward costs, and improvements benefit both tenants and property value.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can be included under ECO4 in specific circumstances, particularly when combined with other measures as part of a comprehensive retrofit package. However, ECO4 prioritizes fabric improvements and heating upgrades. Solar PV availability depends on property suitability and funding allocation.

All ECO4 installers must be TrustMark registered and follow strict quality standards. If you have concerns, contact your installer first. If unresolved, you can escalate to TrustMark, the scheme administrator, or your energy company. You’re protected by warranties and consumer rights throughout the process.

Modern insulation is designed to work with your home’s ventilation. Surveys check for adequate ventilation, and installers may recommend improvements like trickle vents if needed. Proper ventilation prevents condensation and maintains healthy indoor air quality while keeping your home energy efficient.

The ECO4 scheme runs until March 31, 2026. However, it’s advisable to apply earlier rather than later as funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and installer availability can be limited as the deadline approaches. Start your application process as soon as possible to secure funding.