Blog: ECO4 Scheme: Everything You Need To Know

If you live in a home with an E, F, or G energy efficiency rating and you’re struggling with high energy bills, the ECO4 scheme could provide you with the solution you need. This government-backed initiative, is designed to help homeowners, tenants, and private landlords improve their homes’ energy efficiency. The ECO4 scheme runs from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2026. Whether you qualify based on benefits, or through Local Authority Flexibility, the ECO4 scheme can make your home warmer, greener, and cheaper to run.

The best part? All work under the ECO4 scheme is fully funded by the energy companies, so there’s no cost to you – homeowners, tenants, or private landlords.

What Is the ECO4 Scheme?

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is the fourth phase of a long-standing government initiative aimed at improving the energy efficiency of homes in the UK. It’s funded by utility companies because they have a legal obligation to help reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. The scheme helps eligible homes in England, Scotland, and Wales make energy-saving improvements. Particularly, in properties with low energy performance (E, F, or G ratings).

Who Is Eligible for the ECO4 Scheme?

To qualify for the ECO4 scheme, your home must meet certain criteria:

• Your property must have an energy efficiency rating of E, F, or G.
• You or the tenants must be receiving certain benefits, or you can qualify through Local Authority Flexibility.

This makes the scheme especially appealing to people on low incomes or those living in older, less energy-efficient homes. Also, private landlords stand to benefit. As they can upgrade their rental properties at no cost, increasing the value and appeal of their portfolio.

For more information on the ECO4 scheme, please see www.ofgem.gov.uk.

What Energy Efficiency Measures Can We Install?

The ECO4 scheme provides a range of energy-saving measures, which could include:

1. Primary Measure: Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are a key part of the ECO4 scheme. These systems extract heat from the outside air to provide heating and hot water inside your home. As a result, they’re highly efficient and environmentally friendly.

There are two main types of ASHP systems under the ECO4 scheme:

• Monoblock System: This system consists of a single unit outside your home (the heat pump) and an internal hot water cylinder. It replaces your traditional boiler and provides both heating and hot water.
• Hybrid System: This combines the ASHP with an additional gas boiler. It uses both electricity from the heat pump and natural gas to provide heating and hot water.

In most cases, radiators and pipework need to be upgraded to ensure the system works efficiently. This is typically done during installation, which takes around 2 to 3 days. We aim to route pipework under floorboards whenever possible, surface mounting some pipework may be necessary between floors. with white capping provided for discreet positioning.

How does a Heat Pump work and how can it save me money?

The Energy Savings Trust has loads of free independent information on how Air Source Heat Pumps offer a clean, renewable way of saving on your fuel bills and your carbon emissions. So, please follow the link to their website.

Additionally, for more information on Air Source Heat Pump’s and their running costs, please see Energy Saving website below : A guide to air source heat pumps – Energy Saving Trust

2. Secondary Measures

In addition to the primary measure of installing an ASHP, the ECO4 scheme may also fund secondary energy-saving measures, including:

• Solar Panels: Generating your own electricity can significantly reduce your energy bills.
• Loft Insulation: Proper insulation helps keep your home warm, reducing the need to heat your home as much in the winter.
• Wall Insulation: Insulating your walls helps keep the heat inside, preventing energy from being wasted.

However, secondary measures like solar panels and insulation are only installed if:

• The ASHP can be installed in your home.
• It’s technically feasible to install these secondary measures.
• There is enough funding available.

We the installer will assess the feasibility of both the ASHP and secondary measures through a survey.

Why Should You Consider the ECO4 Scheme?

There are plenty of reasons to consider taking advantage of the ECO4 scheme:

1. Lower Energy Bills: Air Source Heat Pumps are a more efficient way of heating your home compared to traditional gas boilers. This could lead to significant savings on your heating bills.
2. A Greener Home: ASHPs are powered by renewable energy, which means they help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the UK’s climate goals.
3. Improved Comfort: With better insulation and efficient heating systems, your home will be warmer and more comfortable year-round.
4. Free Installation: Under the ECO4 scheme, all installation costs for qualifying homeowners, tenants, and landlords are fully covered. This means you can enjoy the benefits of energy-saving improvements without spending a penny.
5. Better Property Value for Landlords: Private landlords can use the scheme to upgrade their properties for free, improving the energy efficiency of their rental portfolio, which could attract higher-quality tenants and meet new energy performance standards.

How to Apply for the ECO4 Scheme?

Applying for the ECO4 scheme is easy. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or the best energy-saving options for your home, you can reach out to the team at Warmer Energy Solutions, who are experts in the ECO4 scheme.

Warmer Energy Solutions can help you:

• Check if you qualify for the scheme.
• Conduct a free survey to assess your home and determine which energy-saving measures are suitable.
• Handle the entire installation process with minimal disruption.

Apply through the link here or call us on 0333 014 5890 and one of our team will be more than happy to help you through your application.

Don’t Miss Out on the Opportunity of a FREE Home Improvement!

The ECO4 scheme offers an incredible opportunity for eligible homeowners, tenants, and private landlords to improve their homes’ energy efficiency without any upfront costs. Whether it’s installing a high-efficiency Air Source Heat Pump, adding solar panels, or improving insulation, the scheme can help you reduce your energy bills, lower your carbon footprint, and make your home more comfortable.

If you think you might qualify, now is the time to act. Contact us or check your eligibility here to find out how you can benefit from this government-funded initiative.

For more information, visit the official ECO4 page or the Energy Saving Trust for helpful resources on Air Source Heat Pumps and energy savings.