Your Complete Guide to FREE ECO4 Home Heating Upgrade
Free Storage Heaters from the Affordable Warmth Scheme
The UK Government, as part of its climate change policy, has committed to legally binding international agreements aimed at cutting harmful emissions from fossil fuel energy production. To ease household energy costs, it has set targets to reduce fuel poverty by supporting low-income households with the installation of energy-efficient electric storage heaters, helping them lower their fuel consumption.
Through the Affordable Warmth Scheme, you could qualify for an ECO grant to have free storage heaters installed if you meet certain criteria, such as receiving state benefits and having an inefficient or faulty heating system. The size of your grant will depend on factors like your property type, number of bedrooms, and other eligibility conditions

Off Grid Heating, Free Electric Storage Heater Grants
Winter in Britain often means grey skies, shorter days, and battles over the thermostat. For homes without mains gas or central heating, electric storage heaters provide an effective way to stay warm and comfortable. You may even be eligible to have storage heaters installed throughout your home for free, helping you cut down on energy bills while keeping cosy all winter long.
How Electric Storage Heaters Work
Electric storage heaters, often called night storage heaters, are designed to make use of lower off-peak electricity rates. To benefit, you’ll need to be on a time-of-use tariff such as Economy 7 or Economy 10. If you already have storage heaters in part of your home but not in every room, you could qualify for free installation of storage heaters throughout your entire property through a government grant
Night storage heaters are electric units designed to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity. They work by heating ceramic or clay bricks inside an insulated case, which then store the heat. The stored warmth is released into the room through convection: as hot air rises from the heater, it draws in cooler air, which is then warmed by the bricks. This continuous cycle helps distribute heat evenly throughout the room.
Advanced Features of Modern Storage Heaters
Modern storage heaters come with smart features for added convenience, including a boost function for instant extra warmth, quiet fans to distribute heat evenly, and programmable timers so you can schedule heating to suit your routine.
Understanding Off-Peak Electricity Tariffs
Electricity suppliers offer cheaper rates during periods of lower demand, typically overnight or at weekends. This is known as off-peak energy. One common example is the Economy 7 tariff, which gives households seven hours of reduced-rate electricity overnight. Some providers also offer Economy 10 tariffs, extending cheaper rates across 10 hours. Other time-of-use tariffs are available too, designed to suit your specific electricity usage patterns. These tariffs require a smart meter so your supplier can record exactly when you use energy.

Government Grants for Storage Heater Replacement & Heating Grants
Government Grants for Storage Heater Replacement and Heating Grants are available under the ECO4 scheme to replace old, inefficient, or faulty electric storage heaters with modern, energy-efficient models. These upgrades can significantly reduce electricity bills and improve home heating efficiency.
ECO4 Scheme Overview
Aspect | Details |
Scheme Name | ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) |
End Date | March 31, 2026 |
Target Properties | Homes with EPC rating E, F, G (D may qualify later) |
Funding Source | Energy companies meeting obligations |
Cost to Homeowner | FREE for qualifying households |
To be eligible for a free electric storage heater grant, you must either own your home or be a private tenant with your landlord’s consent. Your property must already have electric storage heaters and hold an EPC rating of E, F, or G. In some cases, homes with an EPC rating of D may also qualify later in the scheme, depending on available funding.
Eligibility is also based on receiving certain qualifying benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit. If your household does not receive benefits, you may still qualify through local authority flexibility (ECO Flex). In some cases, private tenants may also be required to have solar PV installed alongside the electric storage heaters to meet scheme requirements.
The ECO4 scheme is now in its final phase and is set to close on March 31, 2026, or sooner if energy suppliers meet their targets. Applications for storage heater grants are currently open—so act now to upgrade your heating system and start saving on energy bills!
What Are Electric Storage Heaters
Electric storage heaters work by storing heat during off-peak hours—usually overnight—and gradually releasing it throughout the day. When paired with off-peak electricity tariffs such as Economy 7, they provide an efficient and cost-effective way to heat your home.
Key Benefits of Electric Storage Heaters
- Cost-effective operation using cheap overnight electricity
- Thermal energy storage for all-day warmth
- Perfect for homes not connected to mains gas
- Ideal heating solution for off-peak electricity tariffs
What Type of Storage Heaters Qualify
To be eligible for a free electric storage heater through the ECO4 scheme, your current storage heaters must be outdated, inefficient, or no longer working properly. The scheme provides replacements with modern, energy-efficient models, including options such as
Qualifying Storage Heater Types
Type | Features | Benefits |
High Heat Retention Storage Heaters (HHRSH) | Superior insulation, precise controls | Better heat retention, lower running costs |
Smart Storage Heaters | Advanced features, app connectivity | Remote control, optimized heating schedules |
Programmable Models | Programmable thermostats | Customizable heating patterns |
Fan-Assisted Units | Fan-assisted heat distribution | Even heat spread, improved comfort |
Who Qualifies For Electric Storage Heater Grants
To qualify for electric storage heater grants under the ECO4 scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria related to property type, energy efficiency, and household circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria
Property Ownership Requirements
- Homeowners are eligible if their property has an EPC rating of E, F, or G
- Band D properties may qualify later in the scheme, but funding is limited to 15% for these homes
- Private tenants can qualify with landlord permission but may require solar PV installation alongside storage heaters
Existing Heating System Requirements
Your property must have old or inefficient electric storage heaters. Portable heaters or electric fires do not qualify.
Qualifying Benefits
Applicants must receive one or more income-related benefits, including:
Benefit Type | Specific Benefits |
Universal Credit | All claimants eligible |
Pension Credit | Guarantee or Savings Credit |
Tax Credits | Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit |
Legacy Benefits | Housing Benefit, Income Support |
Jobseeker’s Allowance | Income-based Jobseeker Allowance (JSA) |
Employment Support | Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) |
Local Authority Flexibility (ECO Flex)
Households not receiving benefits may qualify through ECO Flex referrals if identified by local authorities as vulnerable or fuel-poor.
Vulnerable Households Priority
Vulnerable Households includes:
- Pensioners and people over 60
- Families with children under five
- Individuals with disabilities or health conditions that are worsened by living in a cold home
Off-Gas Properties Priority
Homes using electric heating, coal, wood, LPG, or oil as the main fuel source may be prioritised for upgrades.
What are the Benefits of Upgrading
Upgrading to modern electric storage heaters offers several benefits:
Financial Benefits
Lower energy bills through off-peak tariffs and improved efficiency
Environmental Benefits
Reduced carbon footprint with optimised energy use and compliance with efficiency standards
Comfort and Control
Enhanced comfort with smart controls, programmable thermostats, and remote management options
These upgrades improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance home comfort while supporting a more sustainable environment.
Comprehensive Benefits Summary
Category | Specific Benefits |
Financial | Up to 50% reduction in heating costs |
Environmental | 30% lower carbon emissions |
Comfort | Consistent all-day warmth |
Control | Smart, programmable operation |
Efficiency | Modern technology, better insulation |
What if You Don’t Qualify
If you are not eligible for a storage heater grant, you may still qualify for Green Deal finance. This option allows you to install more efficient units without any upfront costs, as the loan is repaid through the savings generated on your energy bills.
Alternative Financing Options
- Green Deal Finance: No upfront costs, repaid through energy savings
- Energy efficiency loans: Various lenders offer competitive rates
- Local authority schemes: Some councils offer additional support
- Manufacturer financing: Direct payment plans available
How can FreeHeating Help
After you complete the form, we will connect you with an approved local installer who can access storage heater grants. They will get in touch by phone to schedule a free, no-obligation survey. If your property meets the requirements and you qualify for funding, the installer will carry out the work and handle the grant claim on your behalf.
Why Choose Our Service
- Approved local installers with proven track records
- Access to all available grants and funding streams
- Free, no-obligation surveys for all applicants
- Full grant claim service – no paperwork hassles for you
- Telephone support throughout the process
- Suitable property assessments by qualified professionals
Our Simple 4-Step Process
- Complete Online Application – Quick eligibility check
- Free Property Survey – Professional assessment
- Installation Booking – Qualified engineers only
- Grant Processing – We handle all paperwork

Apply Now – Time is Running Out!
The ECO4 scheme closes on March 31, 2026, with limited funding available. With rising energy costs and colder months ahead, now is the ideal time to apply and secure your free electric storage heaters.
Don’t face another cold winter with outdated, inefficient heating. Apply now and join thousands of households across the UK that have already upgraded to modern, energy-efficient electric storage heaters with the support of government grants.
Check your eligibility today—it only takes 60 seconds, and you could have efficient, comfortable heating installed throughout your home within weeks, completely free of charge.
Last updated: September 2025. This guide covers all available government grants for electric storage heaters under the ECO4 scheme. All information is current as of September 2025, but schemes may end early if funding is exhausted.