ECO4 vs Other Energy Schemes: Complete Comparison Guide
Compare the main UK energy efficiency schemes to find the best funding for your home. Discover which grants offer the most value for heating, insulation, and energy improvements.
UK Energy Grant Schemes Overview
Understanding your options is key to maximizing the support available for your home energy improvements.
Energy Company Obligation 4
Supplier-funded (varies)
July 2022 - December 2026
Focus:
Insulation, heating upgrades, controls (survey-led)
What's Covered:
- Free boiler replacement
- Central heating installation
- Loft and cavity wall insulation
- +3 more...
Best For:
Households on benefits needing comprehensive heating upgrades
WHLG
Council-funded upgrades (no cash)
April 2025 - March 2028
Focus:
Insulation, heat pumps and solar (England only)
What's Covered:
- Loft, cavity and solid wall insulation
- Heat pumps and other low-carbon heating
- Solar panels
- +1 more...
Best For:
Homes in England that need insulation or low-carbon heating, including after ECO4 ends
BUS
BUS grant (check GOV.UK)
May 2022 onwards (check GOV.UK)
Focus:
Low-carbon heating systems
What's Covered:
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- Air-to-air heat pumps
- +1 more...
Best For:
Property owners who want low-carbon heating
WHD
£150 bill discount (not a boiler)
Annual scheme
Focus:
Electricity bill discount
What's Covered:
- Annual electricity bill credit
- One-off payment
Best For:
Pensioners and low-income households needing bill help
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare key features across all major UK energy efficiency schemes.
| Criteria | ECO4 | WHLG | BUS | WHD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Funding | Varies (supplier) | Council-funded upgrades | See GOV.UK BUS | Bill discount |
| Income Requirements | Help to Heat / Flex | £36,000, benefit or postcode | No restrictions | Benefits required |
| Property Requirements | EPC D-G required | EPC D-G, England only | Valid EPC only | None |
| Boiler Replacement | ✓ If the survey supports it | ✗ No gas boilers | ✓ Heat pumps only | ✗ Not available |
| Insulation Coverage | ✓ All types | ✓ Most types | ✗ Limited | ✗ Not available |
| Application Complexity | Medium-High | Medium | Low-Medium | Low |
Which Scheme Is Right for You?
Find the best scheme based on your specific situation.
Choose ECO4 If You:
- Receive income-related benefits
- Need a new boiler or heating system
- Want comprehensive home improvements
- Have an EPC rating of D-G
- Can have the work done before 31 December 2026
Choose the Warm Homes: Local Grant If You:
- Live in England in a privately owned or rented home
- Have a household income of £36,000 or less
- Want insulation, a heat pump or solar panels
- Missed ECO4 or need help after 2026
- Have an EPC rating of D-G
Not sure which scheme you qualify for? Our eligibility checker will assess all available options for your situation.
Check All Scheme EligibilityAlternatives to ECO4, including after 2026
ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026, and DESNZ has said there will be no successor supplier obligation. If you do not qualify for ECO4, or your work cannot be done in time, these are the routes to check.
Warm Homes: Local Grant. Councils in England fund insulation, heat pumps and solar panels until March 2028 where they have funding. It does not pay for a gas boiler. See Warm Homes: Local Grant vs ECO4.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme. A grant towards a heat pump for homeowners in England and Wales, with no income test. It does not pay for a gas boiler. See the Boiler Upgrade Scheme heat pump grant.
Warm Home Discount. A £150 credit on your electricity bill each winter if you qualify. It helps with bills, not with improvements to the home.
Warm Homes Plan. The government's wider programme, which plans to merge its low-income schemes into one area-based scheme from 2027/28. Read our Warm Homes Plan guide for what is known so far.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple schemes at the same time?
Yes, you can often combine different schemes. For example, the Warm Home Discount is a bill credit, so it does not stop you getting ECO4 or Warm Homes: Local Grant work. You cannot receive funding for the same measure from more than one scheme.
Which scheme offers the best value for money?
ECO4 can fund a package of efficiency measures chosen after a survey; Ofgem notes it is not a cash grant paid to households. The best route depends on your eligibility and your property. For insulation or a heat pump in England, the Warm Homes: Local Grant may also apply.
How do I know which scheme I'm eligible for?
Eligibility varies by scheme. ECO4 requires a qualifying benefit or a council Flex referral plus an EPC rating of D-G. The Warm Homes: Local Grant uses income, benefits or postcode in England. BUS has no income test but only pays towards low-carbon heating. Use our eligibility checker to see which schemes you qualify for.
Do these schemes have waiting lists?
ECO4 can have waiting lists in high-demand areas as funding is limited. Warm Homes: Local Grant timing depends on your council. WHD is processed each winter. ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026, so apply early.
What's the difference between ECO4 and the old ECO3 scheme?
ECO4 takes a whole-house approach and targets the least energy-efficient homes. Its end date was extended to 31 December 2026.
What replaces ECO4 after 31 December 2026?
DESNZ has said there will be no successor supplier obligation. The Warm Homes: Local Grant runs in England until March 2028 where your council has funding, and the government intends to merge its low-income schemes into one area-based scheme from 2027/28. The rules for that scheme have not been announced.
Ready to Check Your ECO4 Eligibility?
Don't miss out on free funding for your home energy improvements. Check which schemes you qualify for and start your application today.