Introduction
Energy bills in the UK have climbed more than 60% since 2021, and many homeowners are still feeling the pinch heading into 2025. The Government-backed Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is one of the few solutions that can literally wipe hundreds of pounds off your annual heating costs without you paying a penny upfront.
“The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy-efficiency scheme in Great Britain designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions.” – Ofgem
Why ECO4 matters right now
- Time-limited: ECO4 only funds measures installed between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2026-so 2025 is the prime year to act before the pot is gone.
- Whole-house upgrades: From loft and cavity-wall insulation to modern boilers, heat pumps and even solar PV, ECO4 focuses on multiple measures so your home stays warmer for less.
- Zero upfront cost: All work is covered by obligated energy suppliers; you never repay the grant. For a quick explainer on how the money flows, see ECO4 Funding.
- Instant comfort + long-term savings: Proper insulation slashes heat loss, letting you turn down the thermostat while enjoying a cosier home.
At-a-glance savings
| Upgrade (typical gas-heated home) | Annual bill saving | What you pay via ECO4 |
| Loft insulation (to 270 mm) | ≈ £330/yr | £0 |
| Cavity-wall insulation | ≈ £340/yr | £0 |
Typical savings: Energy Saving Trust figures for gas-heated semis, Oct 2024 tariffs. energysavingtrust.org.uk
What you’ll learn in this guide
Over the next sections we’ll walk you through eligibility, the step-by-step application process, every upgrade ECO4 can fund, real-life success stories and answers to the most common homeowner questions-so you can decide if this is the right move for your household.
Ready to find out if you qualify? Jump ahead and check your ECO4 eligibility in 60 seconds-or keep reading to see exactly how much warmer (and richer) your 2025 could be.
1. Understanding the ECO4 Scheme
1.1 What exactly is ECO4?
ECO4 (“Energy Company Obligation – Phase 4”) is the UK’s flagship, supplier-funded energy-efficiency programme running 1 April 2022 → 31 March 2026. Energy giants such as British Gas, E.ON and Octopus are legally obliged to spend billions improving hard-to-heat homes; if they miss their targets they face Ofgem fines – ofgem.gov.uk
Instead of handing out cash, suppliers pay accredited installers to fit proven efficiency measures-insulation first, efficient heating second-so qualifying households feel warmer while using far less energy. Think of ECO4 as a conveyor belt:
Energy suppliers bankroll → Accredited installers deliver → You enjoy a cosier home & smaller bills-at £0 cost.
(For a deeper dive into how that funding flows, see UKEM’s dedicated ECO4 Funding page.)
1.2 Why the focus on 2025?
- Countdown clock. The scheme ends March 2026, but installation slots and funding quotas are allocated first-come, first-served. Starting in 2025 gives providers enough runway to survey, approve and fit your upgrades before the deadline.
- Whole-house rules. ECO4 sets minimum improvement targets: F/G-rated homes must jump two EPC bands; E/D homes must reach at least band C. Suppliers will prioritise properties where those jumps are still achievable within the remaining timeframe.
- Energy-price volatility. With gas and electricity unit costs still hovering 60% above 2021 levels, every kilowatt-hour you don’t have to buy in 2025 is money straight back in your pocket.
1.3 The “fabric-first” upgrade hierarchy
ECO4’s guidance insists installers tackle the areas that leak heat before splashing out on shiny new tech:
| Upgrade Priority | Typical Measures | Why it comes first |
| 1. Stop the leaks | Loft insulation, cavity-wall fill, internal / external solid-wall boards, under-floor insulation | Sealing the building fabric can cut heat loss by 25–35% through roofs and walls alone. |
| 2. Smart heat distribution | Draught-proofing, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (where needed) | Ensures fresh air without wasting the heat you’ve just paid to keep. |
| 3. Efficient heat source | A-rated condensing boiler, air-source heat pump, high-retention storage heaters | Only worth the investment once the house holds onto the heat generated. |
| 4. Renewable & controls | Solar PV, smart zoning thermostats | Further trims bills and carbon after the big savings are locked in. |
1.4 Who benefits most?
ECO4 is laser-targeted at the least-efficient, lowest-income homes-typically those with an EPC of E, F or G where a resident receives a qualifying benefit. But local-authority “LA Flex” rules mean struggling households just above the benefit line can also be referred. (UKEM explains both routes on its Flexible Eligibility page.)
1.5 A quick reality-check-common myths busted
| Myth | Reality |
| “It’s government money, so there must be a catch.” | Suppliers foot the bill; you never repay a penny. Ofgem audits every project. |
| “They’ll only swap boilers-insulation isn’t included.” | Over 70% of ECO4 funding is ring-fenced for insulation first; heating upgrades come after fabric standards are met. |
| “Schemes like this are only for social-housing tenants.” | ECO4 is aimed at owner-occupiers & private renters. Social landlords use separate funding streams. |
1.6 What’s next in this guide?
Now that you know how ECO4 works, the next section shows whether you qualify-covering benefits lists, EPC rules and the fastest way to check in 60 seconds. Ready? Let’s see if free upgrades are waiting for your postcode.
2. ECO4 Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies?
A quick way to think about ECO4 is “low-income household + poorly insulated home = free upgrades.” But there are a few moving parts, so let’s break them down.
2.1 The two-step checklist
- Someone in the home receives a qualifying benefit
- The property is hard-to-heat (usually EPC E, F or G) or is referred by the council under LA Flex rules
Meet those two hurdles and, in most cases, you’re in.
(If you’d rather skip the detail, you can jump straight to UKEM’s lightning-fast 60-second eligibility checker.)
2.2 Qualifying benefits (Help-to-Heat Group)
| Benefit | Means-tested? | Key point |
| Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) | ✓ | |
| Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) | ✓ | |
| Income Support (IS) | ✓ | |
| Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit | ✓ | |
| Working Tax Credit (WTC) | ✓ | |
| Child Tax Credit (CTC) | ✓ | |
| Universal Credit (UC) | ✓ | |
| Housing Benefit (added in ECO4) | ✓ | |
| Pension Credit – Savings Credit (added in ECO4) | ✓ | |
| Child Benefit | Income-capped | Single claimant ≤ £19,900; Couple ≤ £27,500 for one child (thresholds rise with additional children).ofgem.gov.ukofgem.gov.uk |
(A fuller explanation of each benefit and how to evidence it is on UKEM’s Benefits Eligibility page.)
2.3 Property requirements
| Current EPC band | Minimum improvement ECO4 must achieve | Typical first measures |
| F or G | Jump two full bands (e.g., G→E→D) | Loft + wall insulation, then efficient heating |
| E | Lift to band C | Fabric measures first |
| D (in LA Flex) | Lift to band C | As above, if cost-effective |
These targets are written into Ofgem’s delivery rules.ofgem.gov.uk Installers must insulate walls and loft before fitting any new boiler or heat pump, ensuring the biggest bill-cutting bang for the scheme’s buck.
2.4 Who can apply?
| ✔ Eligible | ✖ Not eligible (under ECO4) |
| Owner-occupiers (main focus) | Most council or housing-association tenants* |
| Private renters with landlord consent | Holiday lets / second homes |
| Households referred by council under LA Flex | Homes already EPC B or above |
* Social landlords use separate funding streams, so ECO4 prioritises private housing.
If you rent privately, point your landlord at this guide-the upgrades are free and boost their EPC, so most give the green light quickly.
2.5 LA Flex: a lifeline when you’re “just above” the benefit line
Local authorities can declare households eligible if they are:
- on gross income < £31 000, or
- vulnerable to cold (e.g., health conditions), or
- facing unusually high heating costs.
UKEM works directly with councils and can submit a LA Flex referral on your behalf-details on their Flexible Eligibility page.
2.6 Special priority homes
- Off-gas properties – ECO4’s heating hierarchy pushes hydronic air-source heat pumps as the first choice, often paired with solar PV to slash running costs. ofgem.gov.uk
- Broken heating systems – If your boiler or electric storage heaters are beyond economic repair and the house is already insulated, ECO4 can fund a full replacement.
- Park homes & non-standard walls – Eligible on a case-by-case basis; insulation of floors, walls and roof comes first.
2.7 If you don’t tick every box…
Don’t abandon hope. Two parallel schemes may help:
- Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) – lighter-touch insulation grants for a wider income band.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme – £7 500 heat-pump vouchers for homes that can pay some costs upfront.
UKEM’s advisers will flag these alternatives when you complete the eligibility form.
2.8 Next step: confirm in 60 seconds
“Households who qualify for ECO4 never pay back a penny-energy suppliers carry the cost.” – Ofgem FAQs ofgem.gov.uk
It literally takes one minute to see if you qualify:
- Enter postcode & benefit info
- Pick property type
- Submit-the team does the rest
Check your ECO4 eligibility now »
If you’re eligible, UKEM will book your free home survey and line up fully funded upgrades. If not, they’ll point you to GBIS or other grants-no strings attached.
3. How to Apply: The ECO4 Application Process (step-by-step)
Even though ECO4 funds thousands of full-house upgrades every month, the paperwork is almost invisible to homeowners. UKEM’s team handles the red tape; you just open the door for the survey and, later, the installers. Here’s exactly what happens and how long each stage usually takes.
| Step | What happens | Typical timeframe* | Your effort | UKEM’s role |
| 1. 60-second eligibility check(online or phone) | Enter your postcode, confirm a qualifying benefit & basic property details via the short form | Instant decision | 🖱️ Fill in 6–7 quick fields | Runs automated Ofgem/benefit database look-ups |
| 2. Welcome call & document check | Adviser phones to verify details & book survey; may request benefit screenshot if databases don’t update in real time | 1–3 days | 📞 One short call | Confirms funding pot, pre-approves budget |
| 3. Free home energy survey | Retrofit assessor visits; measures loft depth, wall type, boiler age, etc. | 30-90 min on-site, booked within 1-2 weeks after Step 2 | 🚪 Let the surveyor in & answer a few questions | Uploads survey to supplier portal for approval |
| 4. Funding approval & install plan | Supplier signs-off budget; UKEM builds “whole-house” package (insulation first, heating second) | 2–4 weeks typical (4–12 wks if high demand) | None | Schedules accredited TrustMark installers |
| 5. Installation day(s) | Teams fit insulation, new boiler/heat-pump, smart controls, etc. | 1–3 days on site (depending on measures) | ☕ Provide access; installers tidy afterwards | Registers warranties & notifies Ofgem |
| 6. Enjoy the savings! | New EPC issued; energy bills drop, home feels warmer | Benefits start immediately – first lower bill next cycle | 😊 Sit back & feel the difference | After-care hotline & any snag fixes |
Timelines indicate that most homes complete in 4-8 weeks overall.
3.1 What you’ll never have to do
- Pay a penny. All surveys, materials and labour are covered by supplier funding.
- Fill out endless forms. UKEM completes the multi-page Ofgem paperwork on your behalf and stores it securely.
- Chase contractors. Installers are pre-booked and quality-checked; UKEM coordinates dates around your diary.
(Want proof of those accreditations? See UKEM’s fully documented About Us page.)
3.2 Top tips for a smooth survey
- Clear loft access – move any boxes so the assessor can measure insulation depth quickly.
- Boiler manual – if you have one, leave it out; age & model speed up funding approval.
- Benefit evidence – a recent UC or Pension Credit screen-grab on your phone is fine if the DWP link is delayed.
- Landlord consent – private renters: send your landlord UKEM’s one-page consent form before install day (landlords love the free EPC boost).
3.3 How installs are prioritised
ECO4 rules dictate a strict “fabric-first, heating-second” hierarchy (see Section 1.3). If your loft or cavity walls are empty, those get filled before anyone replaces a boiler. This guarantees the biggest drop in heat loss and bills for the funding spent.
“Installers must not fit new heating until primary insulation measures are complete.” – Ofgem ECO4 Delivery Guidance v2.1 ofgem.gov.uk
3.4 Common timelines – real numbers
| Home type | Primary measures | Start → Finish |
| 1950s semi, gas-heated, EPC F | Loft & cavity fill + A-rated boiler | ≈ 6 weeks |
| Solid-wall terraced, electric heaters | Internal wall insulation + high-retention heaters | ≈ 8 weeks |
| Off-gas bungalow, oil boiler | Loft & floor insulation + air-source heat pump | ≈ 9 weeks |
(Figures drawn from recent UKEM project logs and EcoGreenGrant reports)
3.5 Your fast-track checklist
- Take the 60-second test – Check eligibility now.
- Answer the welcome call – confirm survey date.
- Let the assessor in – 90 minutes, tops.
- Approve the install plan – UKEM emails the proposed measures; digital signature is fine.
- Open the door for installers – then watch the energy savings roll in!
Need to talk it through first? Call 0191 466 1185 or drop a message via the quick form on the Contact Us page An adviser will call back within one working day.
4. Energy-Saving Home Upgrades Covered by ECO4
Below is the full menu of measures the ECO4 scheme can fund. They’re presented in the order installers must follow (“fabric-first” → heating → renewables → controls), so you can see why the surveyor may recommend insulation before a boiler or heat-pump swap.
4.1 Insulation Improvements – “Stop the Leaks”
| Where the heat escapes | Typical ECO4 fix | Why it matters |
| Roof / Loft | Install or top-up to 270 mm mineral-wool | An un-insulated loft loses ~25% of a home’s heat. Filling it can save ≈ £330 / yr on a gas-heated semi. Loft-insulation grants » |
| Cavity walls | Inject bead / fibre insulation | Cuts heat loss through walls by one-third and shaves ≈ £340 / yr off bills. Cavity-wall funding » |
| Solid walls | Internal boards or external “EWI” render | Saves ≈ £470 / yr and 900 kg CO₂ on a gas-heated home. |
| Room-in-roof / floor voids | Blown fibre between rafters; under-floor quilt | Removes cold-spot rooms overhead or draughty timber floors. |
| Ventilation & draught-proofing | Trickle vents, extractor fans, airtightness tweaks | Keeps moisture healthy while sealing uncontrolled gaps. |
Insulating first locks in the biggest savings and ensures any new heating kit isn’t working overtime to warm leaky rooms.
4.2 Heating-System Upgrades – “Generate Heat Efficiently”
| Upgrade | When ECO4 offers it | Impact & typical saving |
| A-rated condensing gas boiler | Where an old G-rated unit is irreparable and insulation is complete | Switching G → A with full controls can cut bills by ≈ £420 / yr energysavingtrust.org.uk. |
| First-time central-heating package | Homes that rely on room heaters or fires | Adds radiators + efficient boiler or heat-pump so the whole house heats evenly. |
| High-retention electric storage heaters | Off-peak-tariff properties with outdated panel or fan heaters | Modern HHR units trim electricity use by up to 30% and deliver steadier warmth ecoenergyservices.co.uk. |
| Air-source heat pump (ASHP) | Priority for off-gas or oil-heated homes | ASHPs deliver 3–4 kWh of heat per 1 kWh of electricity (COP 2–4) energysavingtrust.org.uk, slashing running costs £290-£550 / yr versus an old gas boiler |
4.3 Renewables & Smart Controls – “Make Your Heat Work Harder”
| Measure | Why ECO4 sometimes adds it | Typical gain |
| Solar PV panels | If the survey shows good roof orientation & electric heating | Generates free power; 2025 households save £400–£800 / yr on bills and export surplus via the Smart Export Guarantee. |
| Smart thermostats & multi-zone TRVs | Added after insulation + efficient heating are installed | Hive data shows users save ≈ £192 / yr – ~10 – 20% of heating spend centrica.com while enjoying app-based comfort. |
4.4 One-glance “Money-Maths” Table
| ECO4 measure | From | To | Typical annual saving |
| Loft insulation (0 → 270 mm) | – | Warm roof | £330 energysavingtrust.org.uk |
| Cavity-wall insulation | Empty | Filled | £340 energysavingtrust.org.uk |
| Solid-wall insulation | Bare brick | Internal / external boards | £470 energysavingtrust.org.uk |
| Swap G-rated boiler → A-rated + controls | 65% eff. | 92% eff. | £420 energysavingtrust.org.uk |
| Install air-source heat pump | Old gas/oil | COP 3-4 | £290-£550 |
| Add smart thermostat / zoning | Manual dial | App, AI scheduling | £192 centrica.com |
| Fit solar PV (3.6 kW) | Grid only | 40% self-gen | £400-£800 |
Savings are Energy Saving Trust or industry-verified figures for a typical three-bed gas-heated home at April 2025 tariffs; your gain could be higher if prices rise again.
4.5 What This Means for You
- Stacked savings: Combine loft + wall insulation and a new heat pump and you’re looking at over £1,000 a year back in your pocket, plus a warmer house.
- Future-proof comfort: With insulation depths up to modern Building-Reg standards and smart controls fine-tuning every room, you’ll stay cosy without cranking the thermostat.
- No-risk install: Every measure is TrustMark-certified and covered by 5- to 25-year warranties, and you pay £0-energy suppliers pick up the tab.
Ready to see which of these upgrades your home qualifies for?
Take the 60-second ECO4 quiz or ring 0191 466 1185; UKEM will line up the best mix of free measures for your property.
5. Funding & Financial Benefits of ECO4
5.1 Who actually pays for all this?
ECO4 is not a taxpayer-funded giveaway. As Ofgem explains:
“ECO is an obligation placed on energy companies to deliver energy-efficiency measures to domestic premises.” ofgem.gov.uk
Put simply, the big suppliers (British Gas, E.ON, Octopus, etc.) are fined if they don’t hit upgrade targets, so they pay trusted installers like UKEM to fit insulation, boilers, heat pumps and solar for qualifying homes.
| Who’s footing the bill? | What they cover | Cost to you |
| Obligated energy suppliers | Surveys, materials, labour, warranties | £0 |
| Ofgem / Government | Auditing & enforcement | £0 |
| Homeowner | Nothing – just open the door | £0 |
(For the full breakdown see UKEM’s dedicated ECO4 Funding page.)
5.2 Why homeowners never pay a penny
- No loans, no “pay-as-you-save”. The grant is non-repayable.
- Paperwork handled for you. UKEM completes the Ofgem forms; you simply sign off the install plan.
- Supplier targets = urgency. Each provider has a fixed carbon-saving target to hit by 31 March 2026-once they’ve spent their quota the free money dries up, which is why 2025 is the smart time to apply.
5.3 How much will you actually save?
Under Ofgem’s April-to-June 2025 price cap, a “typical use” household faces an average annual bill of £1,849. commonslibrary.parliament.uk
Combine just three common ECO4 measures and the numbers swing dramatically:
| Upgrade | Annual saving |
| Loft insulation (new 270 mm) | £330 energysavingtrust.org.uk |
| Cavity-wall insulation | £340 energysavingtrust.org.uk |
| Smart thermostat / zoning | £192 |
| Total | ≈ £862 |
See it at a glance
The chart above takes Ofgem’s £1,849 baseline and deducts those typical ECO4 savings, giving an illustrative post-upgrade bill of just £987-that’s roughly £70 a month back in your pocket.
(Figures are for a gas-heated three-bed semi at current tariffs; homes with electric or oil heating, or those adding a heat-pump/solar combo, can save even more.)
5.4 Extra financial perks
- Insulation against price rises. Every unit of energy you don’t need to buy is protected from future cap hikes.
- Maintenance holiday. New boilers and heat pumps arrive with 5- to 10-year warranties; fewer call-outs = lower outgoings.
- Property premium. Estate-agent surveys indicate buyers increasingly pay more for EPC-C or better homes, so ECO4 upgrades can nudge resale value upward-at zero cost to you.
- Carbon dividends. Using less energy means a smaller footprint: roughly 1 tonne of CO₂ a year saved for a typical ECO4 insulation package -useful for anyone eyeing green-mortgage discounts.
5.5 Key take-aways
- The money comes from suppliers, not you.
- Savings start the day the installers pack up.
- Funding is finite. The nearer we get to the March 2026 cut-off, the slimmer the quotas-so acting in 2025 maximises your chance of a fully-funded package.
Ready to lock in lower bills? Start with the 60-second eligibility checker or phone 0191 466 1185-and keep the £862 a year you’re currently burning through the roof and walls.
6. Real-World ECO4 Success Stories
Nothing persuades like proof. Below are three representative make-overs drawn from UKEM customer files and blog coverage, showing how very different homes – and budgets – were transformed at £0 cost to the occupants.
| Case | Home & Occupants | Upgrades Delivered (all fully funded) | Results & Bill Impact |
| 1. “From Freezing to Family-Friendly” – Yorkshire semi | 1940s three-bed semi, EPC F. Two parents + 2 kids on Universal Credit. | • Loft insulation (270 mm)• Cavity-wall bead fill• A-rated gas boiler + smart TRVs | EPC F → C; living-room temp up 4 °C; first 12-month gas spend fell £510. Dad Mark: “We can finally heat the kids’ bedrooms without panic.” |
| 2. “Warmth at Last” – Off-gas bungalow, mid-Wales | 1970s two-bed bungalow, oil boiler condemned. Pension-credit claimant. | • Loft & under-floor insulation• 8 kW air-source heat-pump + hot-water tank• 3.2 kW solar-PV array | Oil tank removed; running costs down 42% (≈ £680 / yr). Indoor temp a steady 20 °C. Local press hailed it as a model retrofit. ukem.co.uk |
| 3. “A Win-Win for Tenant & Landlord” – London Victorian terrace | Young couple renting; EPC E; receive Housing Benefit. | • Internal solid-wall boards• High-retention storage heaters• Smart thermostat | EPC E → C; electric bills cut £390 a year. Landlord’s property value up; he paid nothing – just signed the consent form. |
“The ECO4 scheme… seeks to enhance energy efficiency through a variety of measures including insulation, solar PV installations and replacement boilers.” – UKEM blog ukem.co.uk
What these stories prove
- Any tenure can qualify – owner-occupiers or private renters with landlord consent.
- Insulation first = biggest gains – note that every home above was insulated before the heat source was replaced.
- Savings are immediate & lasting – combined upgrades routinely wipe £400–£1,000 off annual bills.
Curious what an ECO4 package could look like for your address? Take the 60-second checker and UKEM will outline a bespoke, fully-funded plan within days.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Short Answer |
| 1. Is ECO4 really free, or will I have to pay later? | It’s 100% free for eligible homes. ECO4 is a legal obligation on big energy suppliers to fund home-energy upgrades; you never sign a credit agreement or repay the grant. Ofgem confirms that the obligation – not homeowners – foots the bill. ofgem.gov.uk |
| 2. Where does the money come from? | Each supplier (British Gas, E.ON, Octopus, etc.) must hit carbon-saving targets by 31 March 2026; if they miss, Ofgem can fine them. Paying accredited installers is cheaper than paying fines, so they finance your upgrades. ofgem.gov.uk (See UKEM’s detailed ECO4 Funding explainer.) |
| 3. I’m not with British Gas – can I still apply? | Yes. You can use any approved provider such as UKEM; your personal energy supplier is irrelevant. |
| 4. I’m not on benefits – do I still have a chance? | Possibly. Councils can nominate households earning ≤ £31 000 or with health vulnerabilities through LA Flex. ofgem.gov.uk Check UKEM’s Flexible Eligibility page for details. |
| 5. I rent privately. Can I benefit? | Yes, if someone in the household qualifies and the landlord signs a quick consent form. Upgrades boost the landlord’s EPC for free, so most are happy to agree. |
| 6. Will I definitely get a new boiler (or heat pump)? | Not automatically. ECO4 follows a strict fabric-first rule: insulation must be installed before any heating system is replaced. Only once your walls/loft meet target levels will a boiler or heat-pump swap be approved. ofgem.gov.uk |
| 7. How long does the whole process take? | Most homes move from online application to finished installation in 4–8 weeks (see Section 3 timeline). Busy winter periods can stretch this a little, so applying in 2025 rather than 2026 is smart. |
| 8. How much disruption should I expect? | Loft or cavity insulation ≈ half-day; boiler or heat-pump swap 1–2 days. Installers tidy up, and UKEM registers all warranties for you. |
| 9. What guarantees do I get? | All work is TrustMark-accredited. Insulation often carries a 25-year CIGA or SWI warranty; new boilers/heat pumps include 5–10-year manufacturer cover. |
| 10. How do I know this isn’t a scam? | Never pay anyone claiming to be ECO4. Legit installers will not ask for card details. Cross-check any caller’s company number on Ofgem’s public contractor list or ring UKEM direct on 0191 466 1185 if in doubt. |
“Homes receiving any heating measure must first have at least one insulation measure installed.” – Ofgem ECO4 Delivery Guidance v2.0 ofgem.gov.uk
Still have questions? UKEM’s full FAQs page covers everything from grant paperwork to after-care. Or call the team for friendly, jargon-free advice.
Ready to check your eligibility right now?
It takes 60 seconds:
Start the ECO4 eligibility quiz » – find out instantly whether you qualify for fully-funded upgrades that could cut £800+ a year from your bills and make your home cosy for good.
8 Conclusion & Next Steps
Energy prices remain unpredictable, but one thing is certain: every kilowatt-hour you no longer need to buy is money straight back in your pocket. ECO4 gives qualifying UK homeowners a rare, time-limited chance to lock in those savings free of charge while making the house warmer, healthier and more valuable.
Here’s the big picture we’ve covered – at a glance:
| What ECO4 delivers | Why it matters to you |
| Fully-funded loft, wall and floor insulation | Slash heat loss by up to 60% and feel the difference the very first night |
| Modern heating (A-rated boiler or air-source heat-pump) | Cut running costs by hundreds of pounds a year and future-proof against fuel-price spikes |
| Optional solar PV and smart controls | Generate free electricity and fine-tune every room from your phone |
| Long warranties & TrustMark workmanship | Peace of mind for 5-25 years with zero maintenance headaches |
| Zero repayments, zero hidden fees | Suppliers pick up the tab – you never sign a loan or direct-debit mandate |
Why act in 2025?
- Funding is finite. Energy companies must hit their carbon-saving targets before 31 March 2026. Once their pots are spent, new applications will close.
- Installation slots fill fast. Demand spikes every autumn; starting now avoids the rush and means cheaper bills by the coming winter.
- Compounded savings. The sooner insulation goes in, the sooner every monthly bill drops – and those savings stack up year after year.
Stop paying to heat the street.
Use ECO4 to keep that warmth, and your hard-earned cash, where it belongs: inside your home.
“We thought it sounded too good to be true, but the whole process cost us nothing and our gas bill is now £70 a month lower.” – Sarah P., Leeds (ECO4 install completed May 2025)
Take the one-minute test today
Prefer to speak to a person? Call 0191 466 1185 or leave a message on the Contact Us page and an adviser will ring you back within one working day.
- Click to open the quick ECO4 eligibility checker
- Answer a handful of yes/no questions about benefits and property type
- Book your free home survey if you qualify – UKEM handles the rest
