The ECO4 insulation grant pays for loft
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) has required large energy suppliers to fund energy-saving improvements for low-income and vulnerable households since 2013. ECO4, the latest phase, runs from April 2022 to March 2026 (Ofgem, ECO4 Guidance).
The grant covers 100% of the cost of insulation measures for eligible homeowners and private tenants, with no repayment required (GOV.UK, ECO4 Scheme Overview). Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and solid wall insulation (internal or external) are the main insulation types funded (DESNZ, ECO4 Technical Monitoring Questions).
The average annual saving from cavity wall insulation under ECO4 is estimated at £300–£400 on heating bills (Energy Saving Trust, Cavity Wall Insulation). The grant is administered by energy suppliers, not the government. You apply through your supplier or a registered installer (Ofgem, ECO4 Scheme).
Who qualifies for the ECO4 insulation grant in 2026
You must be a homeowner or private tenant (with landlord permission) in a property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G (GOV.UK, ECO4 Eligibility). You must be receiving at least one qualifying means-tested benefit, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit (GOV.UK, ECO4 Qualifying Benefits).
If you are not on benefits, you may still qualify if your property has a low EPC rating and your household income is below £31,000 (adjusted for region) (DESNZ, ECO4 Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex)). Local authorities can designate areas as eligible under Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex), widening access to low-income households not on benefits (DESNZ, ECO4 LA Flex Guidance).
Private tenants can apply with written landlord consent. The landlord must also meet the property eligibility criteria (Ofgem, ECO4 Guidance).
Quick numbers costs, savings, and grant value
| Measure | Typical Grant Value | Average Annual Saving | Typical Installation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loft Insulation | Up to £1,500 | £200–£300 | 1 day |
| Cavity Wall Insulation | Up to £2,000 | £300–£400 | 1 day |
| Solid Wall Insulation | Up to £6,000 | £400–£600 | 3–5 days |
The grant value is the full cost of installation, not a partial subsidy. No upfront payment is required (GOV.UK, ECO4 Scheme Overview). Savings are based on a typical three-bedroom semi-detached gas-heated home. Actual savings vary by property size and heating type (Energy Saving Trust, Insulation Savings).
How the ECO4 insulation application process works in 2026
Step 1: Check eligibility online using the GOV.UK ECO4 checker or your energy supplier’s portal (GOV.UK, ECO4 Eligibility).
Step 2: If eligible, you will be contacted by a registered installer approved by your energy supplier. They will arrange a free home survey (Ofgem, ECO4 Guidance).
Step 3: The surveyor assesses your property’s current insulation, EPC rating, and suitability for the measure (DESNZ, ECO4 Technical Monitoring Questions).
Step 4: If approved, the installer schedules the work. Installation is typically completed within 2–4 weeks of survey (MCS Register, Installer Standards).
Step 5: After installation, a quality check is carried out by the energy supplier or an independent assessor. You receive a completion certificate (Ofgem, ECO4 Guidance).
Certification and installer verification for ECO4 insulation work
All insulation installers must be registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or a DESNZ-approved equivalent (MCS Register). For cavity wall insulation, installers must be registered with the British Board of Agrément (BBA) or hold a relevant BBA certificate for the product used (BBA, Cavity Wall Insulation Certification).
For solid wall insulation, installers must be registered with the National Insulation Association (NIA) and hold MCS certification (NIA, Solid Wall Insulation). You can verify an installer by checking the MCS register (mcscertified.com) or the NIA’s find-an-installer tool (MCS Register; NIA). All ECO4 work must be carried out to PAS 2030:2019 standards for insulation (DESNZ, ECO4 Technical Monitoring Questions).
What the ECO4 insulation grant covers and what it does not
The grant covers the full cost of loft insulation (up to 270mm depth), cavity wall insulation (blown fibre or foam), and solid wall insulation (internal or external) (GOV.UK, ECO4 Scheme Overview). It does not cover any associated building repairs, such as fixing damp, replacing roof tiles, or treating timber decay. Those costs are your responsibility (Ofgem, ECO4 Guidance).
It does not cover insulation for properties already insulated to current standards (e.g., loft insulation at 270mm, cavity walls already filled) (DESNZ, ECO4 Technical Monitoring Questions). It does not cover insulation for new-build properties. The scheme is for existing homes only (GOV.UK, ECO4 Eligibility). If you are a private tenant, the grant covers the insulation but not any landlord-required repairs to the property (Ofgem, ECO4 Guidance). How to get landlord permission for ECO4 insulation work
Does the ECO4 insulation grant have a payback period that makes it worthwhile
For cavity wall insulation, the average cost is £1,500–£2,000, fully covered by the grant. The annual saving of £300–£400 means a payback of 0 years (no upfront cost) (Energy Saving Trust, Cavity Wall Insulation). For solid wall insulation, the average cost is £6,000–£10,000, fully covered. Annual savings of £400–£600 mean a payback of 0 years (Energy Saving Trust, Solid Wall Insulation).
Even without the grant, the payback period for cavity wall insulation is typically 5–7 years. With the grant, it is immediate (Energy Saving Trust, Insulation Savings). The payback is measured in reduced heating bills, not cash refunds. Savings depend on your heating system, fuel type, and home size (Energy Saving Trust, Insulation Savings). For most eligible households, the grant is worth taking because it eliminates the upfront cost and delivers immediate bill reductions (DESNZ, ECO4 Impact Assessment). Comparing ECO4 with the Great British Insulation Scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
The ECO4 insulation grant pays 100% of the cost for loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation in eligible UK homes, with no repayment needed. Ofgem administers the scheme through energy suppliers.
You qualify if you own or privately rent a home with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G and receive a qualifying benefit like Universal Credit or Pension Credit. If not on benefits, check Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) with your local council (GOV.UK).
Cavity wall insulation under ECO4 saves an average of £300–£400 per year on heating bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Loft and solid wall savings vary by property size.
Yes, private tenants can apply with written landlord permission. The landlord must also meet the property eligibility criteria, including the EPC rating (Ofgem).
You apply through your energy supplier or a registered installer, not directly to the government. Ofgem provides the list of participating suppliers on its website.
ECO4 covers loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and solid wall insulation (internal or external). These are the main measures funded under the scheme (DESNZ).
Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) lets local authorities designate low-income households not on benefits as eligible for ECO4. Check with your council if your household income is below £31,000 (DESNZ).
