What is the Warm Homes Plan?
The Warm Homes Plan is the UK government's flagship home energy programme, backed by £15 billion in funding. It aims to upgrade 5 million homes by 2030, improving energy efficiency and reducing heating costs for households across the country.
The plan replaces ECO4 as the primary home energy support scheme and covers a much wider range of households and measures — including insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, batteries, and more.
The Warm Homes Plan operates through several different streams, each targeting a different type of household. Some provide free upgrades, others provide grants or low-interest loans.
What support is available?
The Warm Homes Plan has multiple streams for different types of households. Here is a summary of what is available and when.
Warm Homes Local Grant
Free upgrades for low-income households, delivered via local councils. Covers insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and other measures. Contact your local council to check eligibility.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
A £7,500 grant toward heat pump installation, available to all homeowners regardless of income. Applied through an MCS-certified installer. Runs until 2030.
Check BUS eligibility →Consumer Loan Scheme
Zero-interest loans for solar panels and batteries, available to homeowners who are able to pay but need support with upfront costs. Launching April 2027.
ECO4 (transitional)
ECO4 is still running until 31 December 2026 and is currently the most accessible free scheme for eligible households. Check your ECO4 eligibility now before it ends.
Learn about ECO4 →Who qualifies?
Eligibility varies by scheme stream. Here is a breakdown of the main eligibility routes:
Low income households — Warm Homes Local Grant
If you are on a low income, you may qualify for free upgrades through your local council. Eligibility criteria are set by individual councils but typically include those on means-tested benefits, those in fuel poverty, or those in homes with a poor EPC rating. Contact your local council to find out about local schemes in your area.
Homeowners who can pay — Boiler Upgrade Scheme & Loans
If you are a homeowner who is not on a low income, you can still benefit from the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant toward heat pump installation, available regardless of income. From April 2027, 0% interest loans for solar and batteries will also be available.
Private renters
Private renters in low-income households may qualify through the Warm Homes Local Grant, with the landlord's consent. From 2030, new minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties will require landlords to upgrade homes to at least EPC C.
ECO4 right now (until December 2026)
If you receive qualifying benefits (Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Child Benefit, etc.) or have a poor EPC rating (D, E, F or G), you may qualify for free ECO4 upgrades right now — before the scheme closes.
Important note about the Warm Homes Local Grant
The Warm Homes Local Grant is delivered by local councils — not private installers. If you are on a low income, your council will arrange and fund upgrades directly. Be cautious of any company claiming to deliver the Warm Homes Plan directly, as the main free route for low-income households goes through local authorities.
ECO4 is still running until December 2026
While the Warm Homes Plan is rolling out, ECO4 is the most accessible free scheme available today. If you receive qualifying benefits or have a poor EPC rating, you may be able to get free insulation, a boiler replacement, or even a heat pump installed — at no cost — before December 2026.
Check ECO4 eligibility →Warm Homes Plan questions
Don't wait — check ECO4 eligibility while funding is still available
ECO4 is the most accessible free scheme running right now. Use our free 2-minute checker to see if your household qualifies before December 2026.
Check ECO4 eligibility