Home Energy Grants
A quick look at Government backed home energy grants, options available and the key differences
Dave Cawood
8/16/20262 min read
Unlocking Government Energy Grants in 2026: How to Boost Your EPC Rating and Slash Your Bills
Rising energy costs and stricter energy efficiency expectations mean homeowners are looking closely at how to make their properties cheaper to heat. Fortunately, a wave of government-backed funding is available in England to help cover the cost of insulation, solar panels, and low-carbon heating systems.
Navigating the landscape of energy grants can feel overwhelming. Whether you are an owner-occupier looking to lower your bills or a landlord preparing for tighter regulations, understanding the primary schemes available can help you secure thousands of pounds in fully funded or subsidized upgrades.
1. The Warm Homes: Local Grant (Up to £30,000)
Launched as a cornerstone of the government's Warm Homes Plan, the Warm Homes: Local Grant is delivered directly through local authorities across England. It is designed to provide comprehensive, "whole-house" retrofits for low-income households living in energy-inefficient properties.
What it covers: Up to £15,000 for energy performance measures (such as solid wall, cavity, or loft insulation, double glazing, and solar PV) and up to £15,000 for low-carbon heating (like air-source heat pumps), totalling up to £30,000 per property.
Who qualifies: Households in England with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G, combined with a gross annual household income of £36,000 or less (or qualification via means-tested benefits or targeted postcode areas).
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Cost: Completely free for qualifying owner-occupiers and eligible private tenants (with landlord consent).
2. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
If you want to replace an old fossil-fuel boiler with a clean, renewable heating system, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers non-means-tested capital grants. Available to all homeowners and small business owners in England and Wales, the scheme removes the high upfront barrier of switching to a heat pump.
What it covers:
£7,500 toward an air-source or ground-source heat pump.
£9,000 for off-gas-grid homes replacing heating oil or LPG systems.
£5,000 for biomass boilers in rural, off-grid locations.
£2,500 for air-to-air heat pump systems.
Who qualifies: Any homeowner or private landlord with a valid EPC. There are no income restrictions or benefit checks required.
How it works: The grant is applied directly as an upfront discount by your MCS-certified installer, meaning you never have to pay the full price and wait for a rebate.
3. ECO4 and ECO4 Flex (Running Through December 2026)
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) places a legal requirement on major energy suppliers to fund energy efficiency improvements for vulnerable and low-income households. With ECO4 scheduled to wind down by 31 December 2026, eligible homeowners still have a window to claim comprehensive support.
What it covers: Whole-house fabric upgrades, insulation, first-time central heating, and efficient heating controls.
Who qualifies: Households receiving qualifying means-tested benefits (such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit), or those approved via ECO4 Flex through local council referrals (targeting low incomes under £31,000 or health vulnerabilities).
Why Your EPC Rating is Your Key to Funding
Almost every major government grant scheme requires a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as the baseline qualification. An EPC doesn't just grade your home from A to G—it acts as a blueprint that tells retrofit assessors exactly which measures will yield the highest energy savings.
Before applying for any grant, checking your property's current EPC rating and reviewing its recommendations is the smartest first step. Upgrading your rating not only unlocks eligibility for public funding but permanently reduces your monthly energy overheads and increases your property's market value.
Ready to find out what your home qualifies for? Check your property's EPC status today or speak with an accredited installer to explore your grant options.
