So far, nearly 189,000 households in the UK have benefited from the ECO4 Scheme, with around 590,000 energy-saving improvements being installed. The ECO4 scheme may provide funding for a number of possible types of energy-efficient home improvements. It makes low-income homes more comfortable as it draws to the start of its fourth phase.
Understand various improvements under the ECO4 scheme to make better choices. This blog will explain what energy-saving improvements come under the scheme and how they can benefit your home.
What is the ECO4 Scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation scheme is currently in its fourth phase, popularly known as the ECO4 Scheme. It is a grant scheme by the UK government intended for homes in the UK to achieve energy efficiency and ensure carbon emissions reduction. It will reduce their energy bills, mainly in the low-income earners. Since the grant scheme started in 2013, over 4 million energy-saving measures were funded within 2.5 million homes.
The types of ECO4 grants that come under this scheme include free boiler grants, boiler replacement grants, first-time central heating grants, air source heat pump grants, and insulation grants.
Who Qualifies for ECO4 Improvements?
The ECO4 scheme targets properties that have low EPC ratings, meaning E, F, and G grades. In other words, It targets those homes that have the worst problems with energy cost and efficiency. You usually must be in receipt of certain government benefits to be eligible, such as Universal Credit or Income Support.
For those who are a homeowner or a private tenant with a combined income of less than £31,000 you can qualify for a free home upgrade.
Types of Improvements Covered Under ECO4 Scheme
This government scheme is designed to upgrade every part of a home for energy efficiency. Instead of covering just one issue, in most cases, they take a whole-house approach. It ensures that each and every part of your house can equally benefit from it. Following are some of the top improvements you could get:
Boiler Replacement and Upgrades
The biggest single benefit of the ECO4 scheme is that it gives a free boiler replacement grant to eligible households. It helps them upgrade those old inefficient boilers with new ones. Boilers that are older and installed before 2005 are mostly non-condensing. They function with an approximate 78% efficiency. It really leads to a big energy waste, which makes energy bills higher.
Through ECO4, you can get a new A-rated boiler from top brands such as Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, or Ideal. These boilers are designed to be at least 92% efficient. This means that more fuel converts to usable heat – a fact that saves money every month. The best part? ECO4 covers not just the boiler itself but also its installation.
Insulation Improvements
Upgrading insulation is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency. Indeed, 55% of ECO4 installations are insulation measures because they make so much difference. Here, we look at the types of insulation upgrades that are covered.
Loft Insulation
It prevents heat from leaking out through the roof. It typically accounts for up to 25% of the heat loss in an uninsulated house. ECO4 can help you insulate your loft so that your home stays much warmer for longer.
Cavity Wall Insulation
In the UK, many houses lose a lot of heat through their walls simply due to poor insulation. Cavity wall insulation is a process where the gap between your outer and inner wall is filled with an insulator material. So, it reduces heat loss by a huge amount. This can make your home much more energy-efficient.
Solid Wall Insulation
If you live in a solid-wall house, they can be responsible for up to 45% of your heat loss. In either case, internal or external, solid wall insulation applies a protective layer to your walls. It reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
Floor Insulation
You can get cold air seeping through your floors, especially in some of the older homes with suspended floors. Insulating underfloor areas will put an end to drafts and make you much warmer.
Upgrading Heating Systems
The ECO4 scheme also includes several heating system improvements that make a home warm without energy wastage. Heating measures comprise approximately 45% of total ECO4 installations. Here are some of the options:
First-time Central Heating System Installation
The ECO4 scheme provides for an entirely new system in homes without central heating. This also includes the installation of radiators, pipework, thermostats, and all other components to ensure even and efficient heat distribution within the house.
Upgrading Radiators
Older radiators or inefficient ones do not distribute heat all around your home. This is where an upgrade under the ECO4 scheme could provide you with more efficient radiators.
Smart Heating Controls
Many ECO4 installations include smart thermostats and TRVs – or thermostatic radiator valves. Smart heating controls, meanwhile, have become amazingly popular. In fact, 47% of ECO4 installations included them. Such controls allow you to adjust the temperature room by room and manage your heating remotely.
Renewable Energy Systems
This gov scheme funds the transition to renewable energy by supporting certain types of green technologies. Besides saving carbon emissions, it will future-proof your home against energy costs. Ideal candidates may qualify for:
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air and turning it into warmth for your heating system. These heat pumps are 400% more efficient compared to traditional gas boilers. They can power homes with renewable energy if installed with solar panels. You can save up to £7,500 on your heat pump with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Hybrid Heat Pumps
These pumps combine a heat pump with a gas boiler. For the most part, during operation, it relies on the heat pump. It switches to gas only in cases when supplementary heating may be required.
Solar Panels
These convert energy from the sun into electrical energy using photovoltaic devices. Solar panel installation enhances the ability to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and also cuts energy bills.
How Much Does the ECO4 Grants Pay For?
ECO4 grant schemes cover 100% of the cost in most eligible households. This includes everything that may range from boiler replacements and insulation installations to central heating installations and smart controls.
Benefits of Energy Efficiency Improvements through ECO4 Grants
Improvements in energy efficiency under the ECO4 scheme have a host of long-term benefits for households from all corners of the UK. Here's what you can get:
- Lower Energy Bills: With a new modern boiler, better insulation, and smart heating controls, households could save hundreds of pounds annually in energy bills.
- Improved EPC Rating: You can get a better EPC rating for your boiler or insulation, making your home energy-efficient. This will help please most future buyers or tenants.
- Warmer and More Comfortable Homes: No more chilly rooms or uneven heating. Upgrades help your home maintain a consistent temperature throughout.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: ECO4 contributes to increasing living sustainability by reducing energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. It just started as a small change, but it created a big difference in the change it made to the climate.
- Future-Proofing Your Home: Installing modern technologies – like heat pumps or smart controls – makes your home ready for the future of low-carbon living.
- Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers, adding value if you ever decide to sell.
Where Are ECO4 Improvements Available in the UK?
Improvements under the ECO4 scheme are available throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. It is supposed to help homes in areas that usually have fuel poverty with low energy efficiency. All you need to do to find out if improvements are available in your area is check with your energy provider or ECO company.
Ready for a Warmer, More Efficient Home? Apply for Your Free Upgrade Today!
The ECO4 Scheme offers a wide range of home improvements that are targeted to make your house more energy-efficient and friendly to the environment. An upgrade that can make your home highly comfortable, greatly reduce energy bills, and cut your carbon footprint could start with boiler replacements and insulation right up to renewable systems.
If you're eligible for ECO4, this is a great opportunity to explore these government-backed improvements and invest in making your home greener for the longer term.
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