The latest version of the ECO scheme, ECO4, was first introduced in 2022 and will stay until the year 2026. This means there is still time to ascertain renewable energy methods for your home by applying for the ECO4 scheme.
Through ECO4 renewable energy measures include insulation, heating systems, and solar panels, targeting those who are living in fuel poverty and need help with cutting energy bills and becoming a greener property.
What is ECO4?
The scheme provides the whole home with renewable energy methods and is orchestrated to create significant energy efficiency improvements to the home which will improve the Energy Performance Rating (EPC).
Who Qualifies for ECO4?
ECO4 is means-tested and from the start was only available for homes without mains gas however, the scheme has evolved to include other criteria:
Heating your home
If you heat your home without a mains gas supply, generally this is properties that are situated in a rural location and find themselves off the grid.
Personal Situation
You or somebody living in the property must receive a means-tested benefit and these can be:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income related Employment & Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Child Benefit (depending on household income)
- Child Tax Credits or Working Tax Credit
With receipt of these benefits, you can be eligible to qualify for the ECO4 Scheme. If you do not receive one of these benefits and you earn below £31,000 as a household, you can still qualify.
What is the Process for ECO4?
Applying for ECO4
After confirming your eligibility on the Free Heating Scheme website and qualifying, apply for ECO4. Our helpful call team will contact you and refer you to one of our MSC-credited installers. A surveyor will then assess your home and determine the appropriate course of action.
What is Included?
Each renewable energy measure will differ in installation process:
- Solar: will be installed by MSC credited installers and the number of panels will depend on the size of your property’s roof space.
- Insulation: qualified professionals will supply and install your insulation which can range from loft insulation, internal wall insulation, cavity wall, and underfloor insulation. The amount of insulation you receive will be according to your home’s suitability.
- Air Source Heat Pump: depending on the size of your property and your energy consumption the size of the heat pump you receive will vary. A professional heat pump engineer will install the system.
It is important to remember that these processes can be lengthy and that a lot of work goes into making your property a greener and more sustainable home that will save you the money spent on your energy bills.
Summary
Any home that qualifies within the grounds of the scheme criteria can apply for ECO4. Through the scheme, homes can obtain renewable energy sources to make their properties greener and to help them cut their energy costs.
Homes can receive property insulation, air source heat pumps, and solar panels when they apply for ECO4.
Once qualified, the next step is simple: a referred installer will conduct a home assessment. From here, the installation of the respective renewable method will take place.