If you’ve heard about the ECO4 scheme but aren’t sure exactly what you could get for free, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of confusion about what’s included, what isn’t, and whether it’s really as good as it sounds. The short answer is yes—the upgrades are genuinely free for eligible households, funded by the UK Government and energy suppliers to help tackle fuel poverty and meet net zero commitments .
But let’s get specific. Here’s exactly what’s ECO4 covers, broken down in plain English.
1. Insulation: The Foundation of Any Upgrade
Insulation is the most widely funded improvement under ECO4, and it’s often the starting point for any other upgrades . If your home is leaking heat, putting in a new heating system is like pouring water into a bucket with holes in it. Insulation fixes the bucket.
What’s covered:
- Solid Wall Insulation – Internal or external insulation for homes with solid walls. This is a major upgrade that can transform how your property retains heat. Under the scheme, suppliers have a target equivalent to 90,000 solid wall insulation measures .
- Cavity Wall Insulation – Filling the gap between your inner and outer walls to stop heat escaping .
- Loft Insulation – Topping up or installing insulation in your roof space .
- Room-in-Roof Insulation – Specifically for properties with converted loft spaces, this measure was brought back under recent mid-scheme changes .
- Floor Insulation – Preventing heat loss through ground floors .
Important: Solid wall insulation is a minimum requirement for many properties under ECO4. To qualify for this measure, at least 50% of the exterior wall area must be solid wall construction, and at least 50% of that solid wall area must currently be uninsulated .
2. Heating Systems: Getting Warm for Less
This is where ECO4 really delivers life-changing upgrades. If your heating system is old, inefficient, or simply doesn’t work properly, you could be eligible for a replacement.
What’s covered:
First Time Central Heating – If your property has never had a central heating system, you may qualify for a full installation, including radiators and a boiler or heat pump . This is particularly relevant for homes that currently rely on electric storage heaters or solid fuel.
Air Source Heat Pumps – These renewable heating systems extract heat from the outside air and are becoming increasingly common under the scheme . Under GBIS (the Great British Insulation Scheme), “deemed scoring” for ASHPs has been introduced to encourage uptake .
High Heat Retention Storage Heaters – Modern, efficient electric storage heaters that retain heat better than older models .
Broken Boiler Replacements (with limits) – A mid-scheme update in April 2025 brought back the option to replace broken boilers in certain circumstances, allowing for faster upgrades in vulnerable homes .
Connection to District Heating – Where available, connecting to a communal heating network.
3. Solar Panels: Generating Your Own Power
Solar PV (photovoltaic) systems are also covered under ECO4, though the rules can be more specific depending on your property type and heating system . If your home is all-electric with no gas supply, you stand a much better chance of getting solar panels funded .
Solar panels can help reduce electricity bills significantly, and the energy generated can be used to power heat pumps or storage heaters installed under the same scheme .
4. Smart Heating Controls
Modern heating systems work best when you can control them properly. ECO4 often includes smart thermostats and heating controls as part of the upgrade package . These help you manage your heating more efficiently, reducing wasted energy and keeping your bills lower.
What’s NOT Typically Covered?
It’s also helpful to know what you probably won’t get:
- Standard boiler replacements are not a core ECO4 measure (except for broken boiler replacements under the new rules).
- Cosmetic upgrades – the scheme focuses on energy efficiency, not decoration.
- General repairs that aren’t directly related to installing energy measures.
Who Can Get These Upgrades?
The full list of measures is impressive, but only certain households qualify. You generally need to meet two conditions :
- Property – You own your home or rent privately, and the property has a low EPC rating (typically D, E, F, or G).
- Household – Someone in the home receives an income-related benefit (like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit) or qualifies under ECO4 Flex (low income, health vulnerability, etc.).
How Much Is Each Upgrade Worth?
There’s no set price list per measure because it depends on your property’s size, current energy performance, and what’s needed. However, you can expect:
- Up to £20,000 per household for eligible products and installations .
- Some homes with complex needs have received over £60,000 worth of work .
The important thing is that for eligible households, these upgrades are free—the funding comes directly from energy suppliers, not from your pocket .
One Important Caution
With funding this generous, the scheme has unfortunately attracted some bad actors. There have been reports of lead generators pressuring vulnerable households and contractors cutting corners . Always work with a trusted, accredited installer who can explain the process clearly and won’t pressure you into anything.
At LA Energy Solutions, we believe in transparency and quality work that genuinely improves your home.
This article was updated in July 2026 to reflect the latest ECO4 guidance.