Are you a UK homeowner wondering if you can get financial help to insulate your home? Insulation grants can significantly reduce or eliminate the upfront cost of making your property more energy efficient.
The average insulation grant in the UK covers up to 100% of costs for eligible low-income households under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
The direct answer to “insulation grants uk” two main schemes explained
The two primary grant routes for insulation in the UK are ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme. ECO4 is designed for low-income households and can cover multiple insulation measures, such as loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
Both schemes are funded by energy suppliers and delivered through approved installers. If you qualify, you will not need to pay any money upfront. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
Who qualifies for an insulation grant in 2026
Eligibility for insulation grants in 2026 depends mainly on your household income, whether you receive certain benefits, or your property’s energy efficiency rating. For ECO4, you must own your home and receive a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Child Tax Credit (GOV.UK, Energy Company Obligation eligibility page, 2026).
For the Great British Insulation Scheme, your home must have an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. You do not need to be on benefits, but your household income must be below a certain threshold, or you must live in a low-income area as defined by the scheme. Private tenants can also apply, but they need written permission from their landlord (Ofgem, ECO4 guidance, 2026).
Homeowners who own their property and have a valid EPC are eligible to apply. If you do not have an EPC, one will usually be arranged as part of the free home survey.
Quick numbers insulation grant costs, savings, and payback
| Measure type | Average grant amount (ECO4 / GBIS) | Typical annual saving on heating bill | Typical installation time | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation | Up to £500 / Up to £400 | £150 – £225 | 1 day | 2–3 years |
| Cavity wall insulation | Up to £1,000 / Up to £600 | £200 – £300 | 2–3 hours | 3–5 years |
| Solid wall insulation (internal) | Up to £2,500 / Up to £1,500 | £300 – £450 | 3–5 days | 5–8 years |
| Room-in-roof insulation | Up to £1,500 / Up to £750 | £200 – £350 | 2–3 days | 4–6 years |
All figures are estimates based on a typical three-bedroom semi-detached home. Actual savings depend on your property size, current insulation levels, and energy tariff (Energy Saving Trust, Insulation savings, 2026; Ofgem, ECO4 and GBIS cost caps, 2026).
What insulation measures are covered and their typical U-values
The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing. Loft insulation grants typically aim for a depth of 270mm to 300mm, achieving a U-value target of 0.16 W/m²K. A U-value measures how well a material prevents heat from escaping; lower numbers mean better insulation. Cavity wall insulation targets a U-value of 0.30 W/m²K (Building Regulations Approved Document L1A, 2021 edition as updated 2026).
Solid wall insulation can be installed internally or externally. Internal solid wall insulation targets a U-value of 0.30 W/m²K, while external solid wall insulation targets 0.35 W/m²K. Room-in-roof insulation is also covered under ECO4, with a target U-value of 0.18 W/m²K (Energy Saving Trust, insulation standards, 2026).
The installer will confirm which insulation type is suitable for your home based on the survey results and the scheme’s requirements.
How to verify an approved insulation installer and avoid scams
To ensure you receive genuine grant-funded work, you must use an approved installer. All installers working under ECO4 and GBIS must be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for insulation work. You can check an installer’s certification on the MCS online register (MCS, installer search, 2026).
Installers should also be registered with TrustMark, the government-endorsed quality scheme. If the work involves insulation near gas pipes, the installer must be on the Gas Safe Register (TrustMark, scheme requirements, 2026; Gas Safe Register, 2026).
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or door-to-door offers promising free insulation. Legitimate installers will never ask you to pay upfront for a grant-funded measure. Always verify their credentials before agreeing to any work. How to spot and avoid home improvement scams
How to apply for an insulation grant step by step
Applying for an insulation grant is straightforward and requires very little paperwork from you. The installer handles the application with the energy supplier.
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed on 31 March 2026. It funded insulation measures only and never covered windows or glazing.
Step 2: Arrange a free home survey. If you appear eligible, your energy supplier or a participating installer will arrange a free home survey. An MCS-approved assessor will visit your property to confirm which insulation measures are suitable and whether the full cost will be covered by the grant.
Step 3: The installer handles the rest. Once the survey is complete, the installer submits the grant application to the energy supplier on your behalf. You do not need to fill in any forms or pay any fees. If approved, the installation is scheduled (Ofgem, ECO4 application process, 2026; GOV.UK, Great British Insulation Scheme application page, 2026).
After installation, your energy supplier will send you a confirmation of the work completed. You should keep this for your records. What to do after your insulation is installed
