Government Grants for Home Energy Improvements
The UK government offers several grant schemes to help homeowners improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Combined, these schemes can fund £10,000-£25,000 of improvements depending on eligibility. Over 3 million UK homes have benefited from government energy efficiency schemes since 2013.
Available Grants at a Glance
| Scheme | Maximum Value | Available Until | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme | £7,500 | March 2028 | Homeowners in England/Wales |
| Great British Insulation Scheme | Varies | March 2026 | EPC D-G or eligible council tax bands |
| ECO4 | Full cost | March 2026 | Low income, benefits recipients |
| Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) | £10,000 | March 2026 | Off-gas grid, low income |
| Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund | Full cost | Ongoing | Social housing tenants |
Boiler Upgrade Scheme in Detail
The BUS provides £7,500 towards air source heat pump installation or £5,000 towards ground source heat pump installation. You need a valid EPC certificate and the property must not be a new build. The grant is applied directly by your MCS-certified installer, reducing your upfront cost. Applications are processed within days.
Great British Insulation Scheme Explained
GBIS funds insulation measures for homes with EPC ratings of D, E, F, or G, and for homes in council tax bands A-D in England or A-E in Scotland and Wales. Eligible measures include cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, solid wall insulation, flat roof insulation, and room-in-roof insulation. Contact your energy supplier or the Simple Energy Advice service to apply.
ECO4 for Low-Income Households
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) requires large energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for low-income and vulnerable households. Eligible benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Income Support. ECO4 can fund multiple measures including insulation, heating system upgrades, and solar panels.
How to Check Your Eligibility
Start with the Simple Energy Advice service at simpleenergyadvice.org.uk or call 0800 444 202. They provide free, impartial advice and can check eligibility for all available schemes. Your local authority may also offer additional grants. Get an EPC assessment first as most schemes require one, costing £60-£120 through an accredited assessor.
