The Warm Homes Loan Scheme is intended to support finance for home improvements that reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of homes.
Although consumer loan products are not yet available, the government has indicated that the scheme is expected to support improvements such as heat pumps, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage through participating lenders.
The exact improvements available will depend on the products offered by approved lenders and the final scheme rules.
Low-Carbon Heating Systems
One of the main aims of the scheme is to encourage the installation of low-carbon heating technologies that can replace fossil fuel heating systems.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps use heat from the outside air to provide heating and hot water for your home.
They are one of the most common low-carbon heating systems and are already supported through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps collect heat from underground pipework and can provide efficient heating throughout the year.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight, helping reduce electricity bills and dependence on the National Grid.
Future Warm Homes Loan products may allow homeowners to spread the installation cost over an agreed repayment period.
Battery Storage Systems
Battery storage systems allow households to store electricity generated by solar panels for later use.
This can increase the value of renewable energy systems by reducing the amount of electricity imported from the grid.
Other Energy Efficiency Improvements
As the scheme develops, additional improvements may be supported through participating lenders.
These could include eligible technologies and measures approved under future scheme guidance.
Consumers should always check the lender’s product information before assuming a particular improvement qualifies.
Will Every Improvement Be Covered?
No.
Each participating lender is likely to publish its own loan products, eligibility requirements and the improvements that can be financed.
Not every improvement will necessarily qualify under every loan product.
Warm Homes Loans vs Grants
Warm Homes Loan Scheme
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Finance through participating lenders
Government grant
Repayable loan
Non-repayable grant
May support a range of improvements
Mainly supports eligible low-carbon heating systems
Read our full comparison: Warm Homes Loan Scheme vs Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
When Will Consumers Know What Is Covered?
The full list of eligible improvements will become clearer once participating lenders launch consumer loan products.
Until then, homeowners should rely on official government announcements and lender guidance.
For the latest information, read When Will Warm Homes Loans Be Available?.
People Also Asked
Will insulation be covered?
The government has not yet confirmed the complete list of improvements that individual lenders will finance.
Can I finance solar panels?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are identified as a technology the scheme is intended to support, subject to participating lender products.
Will heat pumps be included?
Heat pumps are expected to form part of the improvements supported by the scheme, although the final products will depend on participating lenders.
Can I combine a Warm Homes Loan with a government grant?
This will depend on the rules of both the lender’s loan product and any grant scheme being used.
ECO4 has now come to an end
If you’re looking for information about grants and funding currently available, please visit our Grant Funding page to explore the latest options.
Additional Reading
- Warm Homes Loan Scheme
- How The Warm Homes Loan Scheme Works
- Warm Homes Loan Scheme Eligibility
- When Will Warm Homes Loans Be Available?
- Warm Homes Loan Scheme vs Boiler Upgrade Scheme
- Warm Homes Loan Scheme vs ECO4
Sources
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