Generating your own low-carbon energy or upgrading how your home is heated can cut your bills and your carbon footprint – and there are government-backed schemes designed to help with the cost. The support available changes regularly, and eligibility, grant amounts and the schemes themselves are updated by government and by the regulator, Ofgem. This guide explains the main types of help so you know what to look for, but always confirm what is open, and how much you could get, on GOV.UK or the Ofgem website before you commit.
Grants for heat pumps and low-carbon heating
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers eligible homeowners in England and Wales a grant towards replacing a fossil-fuel heating system with a heat pump or, in some cases, a biomass boiler. It is aimed at people who own their property and are moving away from oil, gas, LPG or electric heating. Scotland and Northern Ireland run their own separate schemes, so check the support offered where you live. Because grant levels and the exact rules are reviewed from time to time, check the current amount and eligibility criteria on GOV.UK before choosing an installer.
Help with insulation and efficiency
Warming your home is only worthwhile if that heat stays in, so insulation support often sits alongside heating grants. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) requires larger energy suppliers to fund energy-efficiency improvements – such as insulation and heating upgrades – for households on certain benefits or low incomes. Schemes in this area have opened, changed and closed over the years, so the names and details shift: rather than rely on a scheme you have heard of, check with Ofgem or your energy supplier for what is currently running. Your local council may also offer efficiency support, and many area-based schemes are delivered through councils.
Getting paid for solar energy you export
If you install solar panels or another small-scale renewable generator, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) lets you be paid for surplus electricity you send back to the grid. Under the SEG, licensed energy suppliers must offer a tariff that pays for each unit you export. Rates and tariff types vary between suppliers, and the supplier paying you does not have to be the one that supplies your electricity, so it is worth comparing offers. You will usually need an export meter (typically a smart meter) so your exported energy can be measured accurately.
Why certified installers and products matter
Most grants and export schemes require your equipment to be fitted by a certified installer using certified products – commonly under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This is not just a formality:
- Eligibility – funding such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and payment schemes such as the SEG, generally require MCS-certified installation to qualify.
- Quality and safety – certification sets standards for how equipment is designed and installed, reducing the risk of poor work.
- Consumer protection – certified installers are expected to belong to a recognised consumer code, giving you a route to redress if something goes wrong.
Always confirm an installer’s certification before agreeing to work, and get a written quote setting out the equipment, the price and the guarantees.
Check before you commit
No scheme guarantees you a grant, a set amount or acceptance – eligibility depends on your property, your circumstances and the funding available at the time. Be cautious of anyone who promises ‘free’ upgrades or guaranteed approval, or who pressures you to sign up on the spot; genuine schemes never work that way. Check the current position directly with GOV.UK and Ofgem, and use a certified installer.
For an overview of the funding available to households, see our grants section. You can find related guidance on bills, suppliers and switching in energy and water, and if you are struggling to afford your energy costs our guide to help for households explains the wider support on offer.