With ECO Grants in the UK, you could replace your old non-condensing boiler with newer and more energy-efficient models. You may also qualify for solar panels, air source heat pumps, and loft and cavity wall insulation. ECO4 Scheme, which is the latest sequel of ECO programme is changing people’s lives across the UK. It is a big step taken by the British government to help low-income families to come out of fuel poverty.
While prices of oil and gas have risen sharply, the UK government in response to this inflation is forwarding its support through various green energy grants. And ECO4 is knocking on your doors. Furthermore, the government has included the majority of energy companies in this scheme. Now, all these companies are bound to help households cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel poverty. On top of that, the agenda is to improve the energy efficiency level of households. What’s more, private tenants may also be eligible for home upgrade grants.
The target of ECO4 Scheme
According to the government’s plan, grants, up to £15,000, will complement ECO4. This aligns with the goal to cut down UK energy use by 15% by 2030 and help people bring down their oil and gas bills.
The actual target is to save the environment and energy. Without reservation, the government wants low-income households to come out of fuel poverty.
No doubt, over three years, the target is to help about 70,000 homes across the UK. This estimates potential yearly savings of around £310 through heating upgrades.
How Much Can I Save If I Qualify for ECO4 Funding?
| Insulation Type | Cost (£) | Annual Saving (£) |
| Cavity-wall insulation | £450 to £500 | £140 |
| Solid-wall insulation (internal) | £5,500 to £8,500 | £460 |
| Solid-wall insulation (external) | £9,400 to £13,000 | £490 |
| Loft insulation | £300 | £180 |
| Timber floor insulation | About £530 | About £60 |
The table provides an overview of estimated savings on different insulations for a three-bedroom semi-detached home.
Although opting for any home upgrade is quite expensive, with the help of ECO4 scheme you can save lots of pounds. It is because majority of upgrades are either hundred percent free or discounted. According to the data by Energy Saving Trust, loft insulation, which might cost around £300 for a three-bed semi, could save you approximately £180 a year.
Similarly, the average cost of the cavity-wall insulation is £450, but with ECO4 you can save around £140 every year.
Home Energy Enhancements Under ECO4
First, energy companies, guided by the UK government, implement ECO4-funded upgrades. Next, your energy supplier, adhering to the guidelines, decides what to offer you. Moreover, it also depends on your EPC rating and your location. Also, these companies may propose different measures. For example, loft or cavity wall insulation, boiler replacement, or air source heat pumps. What’s more, they bear all the potential extra costs for your home enhancement.
Eligibility Criteria for ECO4 Grant
So to qualify for a free boiler grant, you or anyone living with you must be recipients of any of the following benefits. On top of that, your ECP rate should be D or below D. Further, the following benefits may qualify you for ECO4 funding:
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Housing Benefit
- Child Benefit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
In the UK, the average cost of a new boiler ranges between £500 to £4,000. Further, installation costs are not included in it. What’s more, boiler type, model, and fuel source are influencing factors for the cost. But remember, these are just estimates. Actual prices may differ based on your location and household needs. So keeping these higher prices in due consideration, it is wise to apply through the ECO4 Scheme.
Why to Upgrade Your Boiler Under the ECO4 Scheme?
In fact, switching to an energy-efficient boiler can yield substantial savings. Next, it cuts your annual costs by an impressive rate of £1,040. So, the ECO4 Grant may assist you with expenses.
First, if you’ve got a non-condensing boiler, you must replace it. Because all non-condensing boilers use old technology. Second, they’re contributing to higher bills and environmental concerns. Third, the government has imposed a ban on all non-condensing models. Finally, when the government is offering free grants, you should apply. On top of that, new boilers are more energy-efficient and will save you lots of money on your fuel prices.
Bottom Line
To sum up, if your boiler predates 2005, it’s time for an upgrade. As a matter of fact, ECO4 offers a budget-friendly heating solution. Moreover, it is vastly improving your quality of life. Next, it can substantially alleviate this burden, positively impacting your life. Moreover, under this scheme, you may also qualify for free solar panels, air source heat pumps loft wall insulation etc.
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