Your Step-by-Step Guide
If you own your home and struggle with high energy bills, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme could fund major energy-saving upgrades at no cost to you. ECO4 runs until March 2026 and is designed to help low-income households and those on qualifying benefits make their homes warmer and cheaper to heat.
This checklist walks you through everything you need to know, from checking eligibility to installation day, so you can confidently claim the support you deserve.
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
The first step is making sure you meet the key requirements:
- Homeowner or private tenant – You must live in the property you own or rent privately (with your landlord’s permission).
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating – Your home should have a rating of D, E, F or G. You can look up your property on the EPC Register to find out.
- Qualifying benefit – Someone in your household must receive a benefit such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment & Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Benefit (within income limits), or Housing Benefit. You can view the full list on our ECO4 funding page.
Not sure if you qualify? Complete our quick ECO4 eligibility form and our team will check everything for you in under a minute.
2. Identify the Upgrades Your Home Needs
ECO4 can fund a wide range of improvements. A home survey will determine the best mix for your property, but typical measures include:
- Insulation – Loft, cavity wall and room-in-roof insulation keep heat in and cut energy loss.
- Heating system upgrades – Replace an old boiler through our gas boiler upgrades service or install first-time central heating if you currently rely on electric or solid-fuel heating.
- Electric heating replacements – If you’re off the gas grid, ECO4 can help with electric storage heaters or modern heat pumps.
- Renewable options – Our solar energy solutions can lower bills even further when combined with insulation and heating upgrades.
- Smart controls – Programmable thermostats and energy-saving controls help you manage heat efficiently.
Thinking ahead about which of these might suit your home will make the survey smoother.
3. Gather Your Paperwork
Having a few details ready speeds things up:
- Recent benefit award letters or other proof of income support.
- Your EPC certificate number, if you have one.
- Basic property details such as house type, number of floors, and whether you’re connected to mains gas.
No EPC? No problem—we can arrange an assessment as part of the process.
4. Apply for Your Grant
Applying is simple:
- Submit our online form on the ECO4 funding page or call our team.
- Supplier verification – We liaise with your energy supplier to confirm eligibility.
- Free home survey – An accredited installer visits to design the upgrade plan. There’s no cost for the survey or for the work itself.
All paperwork and coordination are handled by UK Energy Management, and there is no obligation to proceed if you change your mind.
5. Prepare for Installation
Once approved:
- Clear access to lofts, boilers or radiators so installers can work efficiently.
- Arrange for someone to be home during the survey and installation.
- Ask any questions—our accredited team is happy to explain each step.
After the work is complete you’ll receive warranties and guidance on using your new systems, whether that’s an upgraded boiler, insulation or solar panels.
6. Key Takeaways
- It’s a grant, not a loan – ECO4 funding is completely free for qualifying households.
- No hidden costs – Surveys, materials and labour are all covered.
- Expert support – From your first enquiry to the final inspection, UKEM manages the process.
Your Quick-Reference Checklist✅
Check if you receive a qualifying benefit.
✅ Confirm your EPC rating.
✅ Think about the upgrades you need.
✅ Complete the ECO4 application form.
✅ Schedule your free home survey.
✅ Enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
Taking action now means you can enjoy lower bills and a cosier home well before next winter. Visit our ECO4 funding page today and see how simple it is to get started.
