With energy bills remaining elevated compared to historical norms, making your home more energy-efficient is one of the most impactful long-term financial decisions you can make. The UK government runs several schemes offering free or heavily subsidised insulation, heating upgrades, and other energy-saving measures. In 2026, these include the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for heat pumps and biomass boilers and the ECO4 scheme targeting low-income and vulnerable households, while the Great British Insulation Scheme closed in March 2026. Understanding what is available and whether you qualify can mean the difference between paying thousands for upgrades yourself and getting them for free. Our energy bills guide has additional tips.
The Great British Insulation Scheme 2026
The Great British Insulation Scheme (formerly ECO+) was available to most UK households in England, Scotland, and Wales, with particular focus on those in lower council tax bands and homes with poor insulation. Eligibility has been significantly expanded compared to earlier ECO schemes. Measures available include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, and in some cases room-in-roof insulation. In many cases, measures are fully funded — meaning no cost to you. To apply, contact a participating energy supplier directly or use the Simple Energy Advice website to find approved installers in your area. The scheme ended on 31 March 2026, so it is no longer open to new applications.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of £7,500 towards air source heat pumps, £7,500 towards ground source heat pumps, and £5,000 towards biomass boilers. To qualify, you must be a homeowner or private tenant with your landlord's permission, have an existing fossil fuel heating system (such as gas or oil), and have your installation carried out by an MCS-certified installer. The grant is applied as a discount on the installation cost, so you only pay the difference. While heat pumps have higher upfront costs than gas boilers, running costs are lower in many cases, and the grant significantly reduces the payback period. The scheme is administered through Ofgem and installers apply on your behalf.
- Air source heat pump grant: £7,500
- Ground source heat pump grant: £7,500
- Biomass boiler grant: £5,000
ECO4 and Local Authority Flexibility Schemes
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) is the energy company obligation scheme targeting the most vulnerable households. It provides free or heavily subsidised insulation and heating upgrades to homeowners and private tenants who receive certain means-tested benefits, have a household income below £31,000, or live in a property with an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. Measures include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, heating controls, and first-time central heating. ECO4 has been extended to 31 December 2026, after which support is due to move to the government's Warm Homes Plan. In addition, local authorities can use Local Authority Flexibility funding to extend ECO support to households slightly outside standard eligibility. Contact your energy supplier or use the Simple Energy Advice service to check your eligibility and get referrals to approved installers.
- energy efficiency
- grants
- insulation
- boiler upgrade
- energy bills