Home Improvement Grants

What Are Home Improvement Grants?

Home Improvement Grants are part of a nationwide effort to improve energy efficiency. These grants are not loans, they’re Government-funded, meaning you never have to pay them back.

They cover a range of measures including:

• Insulation (loft, cavity, internal wall, room-in-roof).
• Heating Upgrades (boilers, heat pumps, high-retention heaters).
• Solar Panels.
• Heating Controls.
• Ventilation & Draught Proofing.

All these improvements are designed to:

• Lower your heating bills.
• Reduce your carbon footprint.
• Increase your property’s EPC rating.
• Make your home more comfortable year-round.

Who Qualifies for Home Improvement Grants?

Eligibility depends on your income, property type, and energy performance.

Qualifying Conditions:

• You own or privately rent your home.
• Your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G.
• Someone in your household receives qualifying benefits.
• Or you qualify through Local Authority Flex (LA Flex).

If your home struggles to stay warm in winter or your heating bills are too high, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify.

Available Home Improvement Grants (2025 Update)

Here are the main Government-backed schemes:

ECO4 Scheme

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme is one of the UK’s largest Government-backed energy efficiency programmes. It’s designed to help low-income households improve their home’s energy performance while cutting energy bills and reducing carbon emissions.

What it covers:

• Insulation (loft, cavity, internal wall, or room-in-roof).
• Air source heat pumps and high-efficiency boilers.
• Solar panel installation (where suitable).
• Heating controls and ventilation upgrades.

Eligibility: Available to homeowners or private tenants with a low EPC rating (D–G), especially those receiving qualifying benefits or approved under Local Authority Flex (LA Flex).

Why it matters: ECO4 can cover 100% of improvement costs, helping households save up to £1,000+ annually on energy bills while future-proofing their homes for net-zero targets.

GBIS (Great British Insulation Scheme)

The Great British Insulation Scheme focused purely on improving insulation standards across UK homes. It was part of the Government’s mission to make 19 million properties more energy efficient by 2030.

What it covers:

• Loft insulation.
• Cavity wall insulation.
• Solid or internal wall insulation.
• Room-in-roof and underfloor insulation.

Eligibility: It was open to both low-income and general households with an EPC rating of D or below until it closed on 31 March 2026.

Why it matters: Upgrading insulation can prevent up to 25% heat loss and cut heating bills significantly — improving comfort and energy efficiency for the long term.

Air Source Heat Pump Grant

The Air Source Heat Pump Grant forms part of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). It provides substantial funding to replace traditional gas or oil boilers with modern, renewable heat pumps.

What it covers:

• Air source heat pumps.
• Ground source heat pumps (in some cases).
• Professional installation and setup.
• Heating system adjustments or replacements.

Eligibility: Open to homeowners in England and Wales with a valid EPC and no outstanding insulation recommendations. Suitable for off-gas and rural properties as well.

Why it matters: Heat pumps can lower carbon emissions by up to 70% and reduce heating costs by as much as £500 per year, offering a cleaner, more sustainable heating solution.

Solar Panel Grants

The Solar Panel Grants initiative helps households generate renewable electricity through fully or partially funded solar PV systems. These systems reduce grid dependency and provide long-term savings.

What it covers:

• Solar PV panel installation.
• Inverter and battery storage (where applicable).
• Electrical setup and connection to the grid.

Eligibility: Available under ECO4 and various local council schemes for properties with poor energy ratings (D–G). Homeowners and private tenants can both apply.

Why it matters: Solar panels can save households up to 70% on electricity costs while increasing property value and contributing to a lower carbon footprint.

Heating Controls & Storage Heaters

The Heating Controls and Storage Heaters Grant supports the installation of smart thermostats, timers, and modern electric storage heaters that improve energy management and comfort.

What it covers:

• Smart thermostats (e.g., Hive, Nest).
• Programmable heating timers and zoning systems.
• High-retention or dynamic storage heaters.
• Installation and calibration by approved engineers.

Eligibility: Typically included within the ECO4 framework and available for homes using electric heating or outdated control systems.

Why it matters: Smart heating controls optimise energy usage, keeping your home comfortable while reducing unnecessary heating costs, often saving £150–£300 per year.

How to Apply for Home Improvement Grants

1. Find a Scheme: See current home-energy grants.
2. Property Survey: Installer reviews your home and EPC rating.
3. Funding Approval: Your application is submitted to the scheme.
4. Installation: Fully funded improvements begin (often within 3–6 weeks).
5. Enjoy Lower Bills: Watch your costs and energy use drop.

Average savings per household: £300–£1,000+ per year.

Examples of Funded Upgrades

Through the Home Improvement Grant schemes, homeowners can receive full or partial funding for a range of energy-saving upgrades. These improvements are designed to enhance comfort, reduce energy bills, and increase overall property efficiency.

• Loft Insulation: Fully funded (100%) and prevents up to 25% of heat loss through the roof.
• Cavity Wall Insulation: Fully funded (100%) to keep your walls warm, dry, and energy efficient.
• Internal Wall Insulation: Fully funded (100%) — ideal for solid-wall homes where external insulation isn’t possible.
• Solar Panels: Partially or fully funded (60–100%) to generate your own renewable electricity and lower bills long-term.
• Heating Controls: Fully funded (100%) smart thermostats and systems that improve comfort and energy efficiency.

Most households save between £300 and £1,000 per year after installing these upgrades. Beyond lowering energy bills, these improvements also boost your property’s EPC rating, make your home more comfortable year-round, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Why Use Consumer Rights?

Consumer Rights can no longer help with ECO4 applications, but our guides explain your options. You can apply for a free home battery or see other funding options.

We’ve helped thousands of homeowners access over £10 million in home improvement funding across the UK.

Cost of Living Support Available:

• Household Support Fund (England)
• Cost of Living Payments
• Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
• Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
• Council Tax Reduction

Other Support Available:

• Household Support Fund
• Cold Weather Payment
• Cost of Living
• Fuel Vouchers